Page 43 of Shadows of Change

"It means," Malrik says, voice calm but dangerous, "our new transfer has an agenda. One that involves Kaia."

Finn sits up straight, all playfulness gone. "Okay, cryptic shadow man, maybe try being clear for once?"

"I am being clear," Malrik replies, finally stepping fully into the room. Each deliberate step makes my shadows shiver. "Darian is working with someone who wants to use Kaia’s power."

My shadows twist uneasily at his words. Bob stretches toward Malrik, seeking confirmation, while Mouse flattens his ears.

"That’s ridiculous," I say, but my voice wavers. "He’s helping me train. Professor Thorne assigned—"

"Thorne?" Aspen interrupts, his usual calm cracking. "The same professor who’s been pushing you harder than anyone? The one who specifically requested Darian as your training partner?"

"You’re all paranoid," I snap, throwing off my blanket and standing. "I can take care of myself."

"Can you?" Malrik asks quietly, his gaze shifting but unreadable. "We’re just worried about you."

I glance down. My shadows coil tightly around my legs, their patterns jagged and unfamiliar. Even Bob looks agitated.

"This is insane," I mutter, running a hand through my hair. "Since when does what I do concern you?"

"It matters.” He states, ignoring my objections. “Some of us pay attention," Malrik says, his gaze flicking briefly to Finn, who straightens defensively.

Torric grunts, "If Darian’s a threat—"

"We don’t know that," I cut in.

"If he’s a threat," Torric continues, ignoring me too, "we need to do something."

"Like what?" Finn asks, standing. "Challenge him to a duel? That went great last time."

"Last time?" I look between them. "What last time?"

The silence thickens. Finn and Malrik exchange a look, and dread twists in my gut.

"What aren’t you telling me?" I demand.

Before anyone can answer, the bell for first period tolls, its low chime breaking the tension.

"We’ll be late," Aspen says, though he doesn’t move.

"Then we’ll be late," Malrik replies, his eyes still on me. "This is more important."

"More important than what?"

A new voice answers. "Training, of course."

I whirl to find Darian standing in the doorway, as polished and unreadable as ever. His pleasant smile feels more like a mask,and my shadows recoil beneath the bed. The guys tense around me, how he managed to sneak up on them is beyond me.

Darian’s gaze sweeps the room before settling on me, heat growing in them as he takes me in, still in my pajamas. "Professor Thorne is waiting for us."

"She’s not going," Malrik says.

"I wasn’t aware you made her decisions," Darian replies smoothly.

"He doesn’t," I say sharply, grabbing my bag. "And I don’t need anyone to."

"Kaia—" Aspen starts, but I cut him off. "No. Next time you want a group meeting about me, try inviting me first." I glare at them. “Now, get out!”

I’m probably acting like a toddler not getting their way but I need them out and I need to get moving if we’re going to make it to training anytime soon.

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