Page 131 of Class Studies

Everyone cheered as she called out names. One by one, students rose from the third section and walked across the stage in the cheapest caps and gowns money could buy. Tanwyn walked by first. Halfway through his walk, he summoned a little sprite that flew up into the air, exploding itself in a parody of fireworks.

I oohed and awed along with everyone else. Saffron came next, and the students broke out into cheers. A video of his golem sucking the magic out of Tederwinkle, thereby saving all our lives, probably had a lot to do with the change in attitude.

Last, Beryl walked across, and I cheered harder than anyone. He waved shyly, not used to being the center of attention.

When it was over, the room erupted into cheers a final time before the Director dispersed us.

My stomach sank, watching the graduates mingle together far away from me.

“Aphrodite, we’ve reserved a room for you and your friends,” Saffron’s mom called.

Roisin gave me a wave goodbye as we parted ways so she could celebrate with her Coterie.

With Vac at my heels, I trailed after Saffron’s parents. My mood blackened with every step. We went up the stairs, past the coded door, arriving in a private dining room with a table set for six.

My heart fell. Six. That meant two of my guys wouldn’t be eating with us. Vac whined, and I patted his head, trying not to cry. Today was goodbye. The terrifying bear-dog who I’d come to consider mine wasn’t.

Saffron’s mom gave me a side hug. “We’ll leave you here.”

I blinked at her.

“Saff says he wanted one meal with you alone before I butted into his personal life.” She laughed and hugged me again. “We’ll see you later, though.”

I hugged her fiercely back, praying she understood how much this meant to me.

Saffron’s dad scowled at us before prodding his wife out the door. Almost at the same time, Officer Keres arrived with Ashe.

My heart fluttered.

Ashe took two steps into the room before picking me up and kissing me hard. I wrapped my legs around his waist, never wanting this to end.

Officer Keres cleared his throat. “I’ll leave before this gets graphic.”

Ashe set me down, but I stayed molded to his side.

I caught Officer Keres’ gaze. “Probably a good idea.” With a thought, I reached out and made the Officer itch his eyebrow, the one above his white eye.

Officer Keres scowled at me. “Make sure you congratulate Marcus on his new position as head of Security at Charbon Academy for the Gifted.”

My interest in Officer Keres and the degree of control I maintained over him vanished.

Before I could say anything to Ashe, Saffron, Professor Garnet, Tanwyn, and Beryl walked in. I unwrapped myself from Ashe and hugged each of them. By the time I got to Beryl, I’d started crying.

“I love you,” I said. “I love all of you so much.”

“Glad to hear it, Dot.” Beryl winked. “Though, I think we’re aware.”

I rubbed my tears off my cheeks. “How can you be so happy?”

Beryl cupped my butt and kissed me again. “Because I’m the Charbon Academy for the Gifted’s new Technology manager.”

I blinked up at him, and he patted my butt before pushing me toward Tanwyn.

“I’ve accepted a teaching position.” He grinned and wrapped me in his arms. “They lost six teachers in the purge. God only knows what I’ll be teaching. though I’m hoping to be working with Magnus Terra and Doctor Roy.”

I spun to Saffron, hope curling in my chest.

He shrugged like it was no big deal. “My parents sponsored a new wing, and I’m building a lab to continue my energy research.” He scowled around the room. “I still believe everyone deserves a choice.”

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