Page 13 of Shadows of Change

"Don't worry about him," Finn says cheerfully, as if Malrik's ominous exit is perfectly normal. "He's always that dramatic. You'll get used to it."

I glance at Aspen, who nods. "Malrik has his reasons, but he's not as unapproachable as he seems. Give it time."

"Time," I repeat, exhaling slowly. “Right.”Seems to be a theme around here.Time to process the fact that I've apparently entered the realm of gorgeous-but-confusing men who all seem to know more about me than I do."

Finn grins, unfazed. "Welcome to the Shadow Wing, Trouble. You'll fit right in."

Aspen rises gracefully, gesturing toward the grand staircase at the far end of the room. "Come on, Kaia. I'll show you to your room before Finn decides to make you his official audience or claim you as his roommate."

"Hey! Maybe she wants a roommate." Finn protests, but stays sprawled in his chair, giving me an exaggerated salute. "Later, Trouble. Try not to miss me too much."

As I follow Aspen up the staircase, my shadows flit around us, eagerly exploring every shadowed corner and alcove. The energy here feels different—darker, yes, but also warmer, like the shadows themselves are alive and watching with careful interest.

"Why does this place feel so strange?" I ask, glancing down as one of my shadows stretches curiously toward a particularly ornate banister carving.

Aspen looks back at me, his expression thoughtful. "The Shadow Wing responds differently to everyone. Maybe it just... recognizes something in you."

"Different," I echo, testing the word. "Is that what we're calling it?"

He pauses on the landing, turning to face me fully. "Sometimes being different is exactly what's needed. I’m sure you'll understand soon enough."

Before I can press him further, we stop before another door. This one is smaller than the entrance but just as intricately carved, its runes pulsing faintly in the dim light.

"This is you," Aspen says, stepping aside.

I hesitate, my hand hovering over the doorknob. Part of me wonders if it might explode when touched—given everything else today, it wouldn't be the strangest thing. But when I finally gather my courage, the knob turns easily, revealing a cozy space that makes my breath catch.

The walls are painted a deep gray that feels more like an embrace than an absence of light. A plush bed draped in silvery blanketssits against one wall, while a sturdy desk occupies the opposite corner, already stacked with leather-bound books I definitely didn't bring. The shadows in the room react immediately to my presence, swirling around my wrists like affectionate cats welcoming me home.

Mouse leaps from my shoulder to investigate the bed, sniffing the pillows before settling in with an approving chirp. "Well," I murmur, stepping inside. "It's not terrible."

Aspen's soft chuckle follows me. "High praise indeed. Get some rest, Kaia. Tomorrow will be... eventful."

I don't bother asking what he means by that. Somehow, I already know I'm not ready.

Aspen’s lips quirk in a faint smile, but his gaze lingers on me for a moment longer than feels casual.

Once he's gone, I shut the door quietly look around the room trying to take it all in. This is nothing like my apartment. A humorless laugh escapes me. Nothing is quite like that shithole, but this? this is too much. I’m kind of afraid to touch anything because I definitely can’t afford to replace it.

The shadows in the room seem to welcome me, swirling around like they already know I belong here. But do I? The cozy space feels like a stranger’s home, too perfect, too much. Nothing like the life I left behind.

I don’t belong here.

I sigh, and curl up on the extremely comfortable bed, finally letting exhaustion wash over me. My shadows drape around me like a protective cocoon while Mouse purrs steadily by my feet. The events of the last twenty-four hours swirl through my mind—not just the parade of impossibly attractive men, buteverything else too. The lingering question of why I'm really here. The overwhelming sense that I'm completely out of my depth. The growing certainty that I'm not going to survive whatever comes next.

But between my shadows' gentle presence and Mouse's soothing purr, sleep claims me before I can spiral too far into doubt. My last coherent thought is a half-formed prayer that tomorrow might make more sense than today.

I really should have known better.

8. Kaia

The morning chimes echoing through Arcanum's halls feel more like a death knell than a wake-up call. I groan, pulling my pillow over my head as my shadows flicker restlessly around the edges of my bed. Mouse, sprawled across my feet, lets out a small chirp that somehow manages to sound judgmental.

"I know, I know. First day. Have to get up." I sit up, watching my shadows twist anxiously around my ankles. "Any chance you guys could behave today?"

A tendril of shadow flicks a textbook off the desk in response.

"Right. Stupid question."

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