Page 23 of Shadows of Change

Aspen catches my eye, his expression concerned. "You don't have to accept, you know."

"What?"

"The private lessons. Thorne offers them sometimes, not always for the reasons he says. Just... be sure it’s what you want."

Before I can ask what he means, Thorne's voice rings out again. "Next, we'll practice offensive applications. Everyone find a new partner."

My shadows curl uneasily as I watch Aspen move away. Why do I get the feeling this is going to be a very long class?

I'm still trying to process Aspen's warning when a familiar drawling voice cuts through my thoughts.

"Partner up with me, shadow girl?" Finn materializes beside me, grinning like this is all terribly amusing. "Promise I'll go easy on you."

My shadows perk up at his presence, and I swear one of them actually waves.

Traitors.

"Remind me again why I'd want you to go easy on me?" I ask, but I'm already moving into position across from him. My shadows trail after me like eager puppies.

Finn's grin widens. "Because otherwise I might have to actually try, and then where would we be?"

Before I can retort, Thorne's voice cuts through the chatter. "Begin. Remember - precision. Control. No... improvisations."

That last word is definitely aimed at Finn, who responds with an impossibly innocent expression that wouldn't fool a blind troll. My shadows quiver with what feels suspiciously like suppressed laughter.

We square off. Finn's shadow construct forms with surprising grace - all flowing lines and deadly edges.

Show-off.

"Come on, Trouble," he taunts playfully. "Show me what you've got."

I reach for the shadow magic again, trying to remember how it felt with Aspen. My personal shadows are practically bouncingwith excitement, making it hard to concentrate on forming a proper construct.

"Focus, Ms. Draven," Thorne calls out. He's watching us intently, his dark eyes narrowed. "Control those... distractions."

Something in his tone makes my shadows bristle again. The construct I'm trying to form wavers, then suddenly snaps into perfect clarity - a wickedly sharp blade that would make Thorne proud.

Except...

"Um, Kaia?" Finn's voice is filled with barely suppressed laughter. "Your shadows are giving you a standing ovation."

I glance down to see my personal shadows doing exactly that - complete with tiny clapping motions and what appears to be an enthusiastic wave. Mortified, I try to rein them in, but they seem determined to express their appreciation for my success.

Thorne's expression could curdle milk. "Ms. Draven. A word after class."

Finn winces sympathetically. "Sorry about that. Though you have to admit, they've got great comedic timing."

I'm about to respond when Mouse appears at one of the high windows, his violet eyes fixed on something - or someone - behind me. I turn to find Malrik watching our practice session, his expression unreadable. His silver eyes seem to track the movement of my shadows, but that's impossible. Right?

Great. Just great. Because this day needed more complications.

"Again," Thorne commands, and I force myself to focus on the shadow magic, trying to ignore my personal shadows' continuing performance art.

As the other students file out after class, I stay behind, my heart hammering against my ribs. Finn squeezes my shoulder as he passes. "Want me to wait?"

I shake my head, though I appreciate the offer. "I'll be fine."

"If you're sure..." He hesitates, then adds quietly, "Find me after?"

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