Page 69 of The Serpent’s Shadow

At the door, another ragged breath passed between us. We looked to each other like lost children, blinking, and finally nodded.

I did the honors of pushing open the door . . .

And was greeted by a couple passing students meandering down the red-carpeted hall.

I froze in place in the doorway.

The students didn’t even glance over. They were busy in conversation. In fact, light conversation filled Mimir Tomes—despite it being the academy library—as initiates and cadets walked up and down the halls, through the nearby rooms, and mostly kept their attention away from us.

I was baffled still. With a slight nudge from Grim, I started walking, my legs feeling boneless and wobbly.

Only two acolytes, in their dark hooded robes, gave us any notice at all. It was nothing more than a quick glance before they shuffled off, curious more than suspicious.

No one recognized me, or at least they didn’t say anything as we strolled down the hall toward the exit.Gods above, we might actually make it!

I could see the wide double-doors ahead, open to let in sunlight and students for midday studying.

Smiling, I reached the doors and the breeze—

And a loud voice cleared behind us, freezing our feet to the floor like kids caught staying up too late.

“Magnus Feldraug, how good of you to make your appearance. I’m glad you’re not avoiding the Tomes.”

The voice was deep and guttural, feminine. We slowly turned to face the round frame of Tomekeeper Dahlia Anfinn, in her black robe and birds-nest hair that looked like it had something living in it.

The Tomekeeper’s chins wobbled as she gave us a sickeningly sweet smile that I trusted about as much as my stepfather.

What was that comment about—avoiding Mimir Tomes? Is she subtly saying she knows what we were doing here weeks ago?

I stiffened when her eyes met mine. Eyes so much like her silvermoor daughter’s, Astrid Dahlmyrr.

I hadn’t thought of Astrid in ages. Now I shuddered while wondering how the girl was going to torment me since I’d returned. At least I’d be able to show her up in Runeshaping Basics, with my magic being alive and all.

I actually relished the thought of putting that bitch in her place and off my back, once and for all.

“Why would I be avoiding the Tomes, ma’am?” Magnus asked flatly.

Her smile only widened. “Oh, I simply thought you might be getting sick of it by now.”

More innuendo? Do these two share something I don’t know about?

Magnus’ body language was guarded and tight. He shook his head firmly. “No, Tomekeeper. I never get sick of knowledge.”

Dahlia’s body jiggled when she barked a laugh, frightening a passing pair of students and causing them to wheel around her in a wide berth.

“Well, that’s good,” the Tomekeeper said. “I won’t ask what you and your friends are doing out of class and field duties.” With a small nod to us, she said, “I’ll be seeing you soon for your next appointment, Feldraug.”

Appointment?I watched Magnus’ inked neck bob. Fear showed itself on his face, only for an instant—I only noticed it because I was staring at him.

Fearwas not an emotion I’d ever associated with Magnus Feldraug the bloodrender.

I was more curious than ever when Tomekeeper Dahlia scooted by us and headed down another hall, going to pester some other ill-fated initiates.

“What was that all about?” I asked Magnus.

He passed me with a grunt. “Later, silvermoon.”

We left Mimir Tomes. I should have felt relieved to be back safely, with the sun and wind on my face, yet that interaction made me feel off.

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