Page 86 of Shadows of Change

"Both of you," I add quickly. "I just... I don't want to be alone."

Torric shifts uncomfortably, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "You sure? We could get Seren, or—"

"Please?"

Something in my voice must convince them. Aspen squeezes my shoulder once before moving to grab the chair from my desk. His movements are deliberately calm, like someone approaching a spooked animal. Torric, after a moment's hesitation, sits at the foot of my bed, his back against the wall. The mattress dips under his weight, and I notice his hands are clenched into fists, like he's fighting the urge to punch something.

"The mighty shadow girl, afraid of bad dreams?" he teases, but his voice is gentle, and his hands slowly unclench.

"Shut up," I mutter, pulling my knees up. Mouse settles in my lap, purring so loudly it vibrates through my bones. Bob positions himself by the door while Patricia creates a gossamer-thin curtain of shadows across the window.

"I think it’s time for one of Torric’s legendary jokes," Aspen says, his tone all mock-seriousness.

Torric groans. "Legendary for what? Being terrible?"

"Exactly," Aspen deadpans. "But they always work."

"Fine," Torric mutters, throwing me a mock-glare. "But I’m charging you for emotional damages after this."

"Tell me," I say, feeling my lips twitch despite everything. My shadows seem to perk up too, especially Finnick, who drifts closer in anticipation. Even Bob turns slightly from his guard position, trying to pretend he's not interested.

"Why did the mage try to charm a water bucket?" Torric begins, his tone mock-serious.

Finnick is already miming a bucket spilling over dramatically.

"No," I gasp through a half-laugh, "please tell me he didn’t—"

"Oh, he did," Torric says with a grin, the punchline drowned out by Finnick’s exaggerated reaction.

I don't remember falling asleep again, but I wake briefly to find Aspen still in the chair, reading by magelight, while Torric snores softly from his spot against the wall. My shadows stretch upward, weaving together into a shimmering canopy that filters the room's dim light into soft, shifting patterns. It feels like being cocooned in safety, their presence wrapping around us like a silent promise. Patricia has woven a delicate shadow-blanket around Torric, its patterns matching his steady breathing. Finnick, for once peaceful, curls near Aspen's feet like a contented cat.

"Sleep," Aspen murmurs, not looking up from his book. "We're not going anywhere."

As I drift back into sleep, I’m struck by how much they’ve given me without asking for anything in return.

58. Kaia

The dining hall is oddly quiet when we arrive for breakfast, probably because it's far earlier than most students typically emerge. The twins flank me automatically—a gesture I'm trying not to read too much into—as we make our way to our usual table.

Finn's already there, sprawled dramatically across two chairs while gesturing with a half-eaten muffin. His eyes widen comically when he spots us, and he sits up so fast he nearly falls.

"Well, well, well," he drawls, waggling his eyebrows. "What do we have here? A walk of shame from the mighty Agere twins?"

Torric chokes on air while Aspen suddenly becomes very interested in the ceiling.

"It's not—" I start, but Finn holds up a hand.

"Don't try to explain. Bob told me everything." A wave of betrayal washes over me as I glance at my shadow.

Really, Bob? I thought we were on the same side.

My traitorous shadow nods solemnly from his post near my shoulder. Patricia, meanwhile, is pretending to take detailed notes.

"Bob," Malrik's dry voice cuts in as he approaches our table, "is a terrible gossip."

Bob straightens indignantly, puffing up as if to sayHow dare you?!while Finnick dissolves into silent shadow-giggles.

"You weren't there," Finn says, pointing his muffin at Malrik accusingly. "Our sweet, innocent Kaia, corrupting not one but TWO noble warriors—"

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