Page 20 of Shadows of Change

Finally, as we're practicing a particularly tricky bit of shadow weaving, Alenya comes over to me. "Does your shadow cat actually teleport, or am I hallucinating?"

I'm so shocked by the genuine curiosity in her voice that I almost lose control of the shadow tendril I'm manipulating. "Uh... I'm not entirely sure," I admit, watching as my shadows twist into abstract patterns.

Alenya's brow furrows, and for a moment, I see past her perfect facade to the sharp mind beneath. "Interesting," she murmurs, more to herself than to me.

As class ends, Professor Lira calls me over. "Ms. Draven, a word?"

I approach her desk, anxiety bubbling in my stomach. My shadows twist closer, ready to defend or flee. But Lira's smile is kind as she says, "Your... companion is welcome in my future classes. Some rules exist to be bent, especially when ancient magic is involved."

I blink at Professor Lira, my mind struggling to process her words. "Ancient magic?" I repeat, feeling like I've missed a crucial piece of information.

Lira's silver eyes twinkle with something deeper than mere amusement. "Indeed. Your shadow guardian is... unique, to say the least. I suspect there's more to him than meets the eye."

As if on cue, Mouse slinks over to Lira's desk and, to my utter astonishment, curls up at her feet like he belongs there.The professor doesn't even flinch, just reaches down to scratch behind Mouse's ears. My shadows flutter with confusion.

"I... I don't understand," I stammer, watching Mouse purr contentedly. "He's never done that with anyone but me."

Lira's smile softens. "Mouse recognizes a kindred spirit, I think. Now, I imagine you have questions. This is a safe space to ask them, Kaia."

The weight of everything I don't know suddenly crashes down on me. Where do I even start? I take a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts as my shadows swirl anxiously.

"My shadows," I begin hesitantly, watching as they respond to my voice. "They're not... normal, are they? Even for the Shadow Faction?"

Lira nods, her expression thoughtful. "Your instincts serve you well. Your shadows are indeed unique. They're more... alive, for lack of a better term. Most shadow mages manipulate existing darkness, which you have the ability to do as well. But yours? Yours seem to have a will of their own."

Alive. The word clings to me, heavy and strange. My shadows aren’t just magic—they’re something more, something I clearly don’t understand. And Mouse... a guardian? The implications made my head spin. I shiver, remembering all the times my shadows have acted without my conscious direction. "Is that... dangerous?"

"Power always carries risk," Lira says carefully. "But it's not inherently dangerous. It's a gift, Kaia. One that, with proper training, could make you extraordinarily powerful."

I bite my lip, torn between excitement and fear. "And Mouse? What is he, really?"

Lira's gaze drops to the purring shadow-beast at her feet. "A manifestation of your power, I believe. A guardian born from your shadows, shaped by your subconscious needs and desires." She pauses, then adds softly, "And perhaps... a link to your past."

My mind reels with the implications. My amethyst necklace seems to heat more against my skin, and my shadows writhe with renewed energy.

I nod, not trusting myself to speak.

“We’ll talk again.” Lira says, giving me a reassuring smile as she returns to the book on her desk. As I turn to leave, Mouse materializes at my side, falling into step beside me like a shadow given form.

"Well," I mutter to him as we exit into the hallway, my shadows trailing behind us like a cloak, "that was... unexpected."

Mouse just blinks up at me, his violet eyes swirling with secrets that only deepen the questions already crowding my mind.

13. Kaia

As I step into the hallway, my mind still reeling from Lira's revelations, I nearly collide with a wall of muscle. A wall of muscle that smells like an ocean breeze and sunlight, if that makes any sense. My shadows flutter in surprise, curling briefly around strong legs before I can pull them back. Hands brace my shoulders with a gentleness I don’t think I’ve ever felt before.

I look up (and up) to find Aspen's ice-blue eyes twinkling down at me. His presence is like a cool balm after the intensity of my conversation with Lira, and I feel some of the tension leave my shoulders.

"I really need to stop doing that." The exasperation in my voice has no bite. Aspen's brows furrow, and before I can stop myself, I add, "Literally running into hot guys."

Seriously, Kaia? That's what you're going with?

He chuckles, the sound warming something in my chest. "Lost in thought?"

"You could say that," I manage, trying to ignore the way my heart does a little flip when he smiles, and the loss as he pulls his hands from my shoulders. My shadows jump, almost as if they'relaughing at me. "Just had an... interesting chat with Professor Lira."

Aspen's eyebrow quirks. "Interesting, huh? That's Lira-speak for 'mind-blowing and probably terrifying,' isn't it?"

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