Page 24 of House of Demons and Bones

I leapt from my bed, zoomed toward her before she could blink, and hugged her. She squeezed back, and we clung to each other.

Sy joined our virtual embrace.Love group hugs, so warm,she said.

House magic hummed around us.

When we broke apart and I turned to squint at the window, the curtain parted automatically, letting in generous beams of golden light. Cade had let me skip morning class. He wasn’t as cold as I’d complained earlier.

“I missed you, Barbie,” Bea said.

“Still want to be my friend?” I asked.

She blinked. “Why wouldn’t I? Why doubt our friendship? What happened?”

I spread my arms. “My reputation is worse now.”

She shrugged. “You’ve had a bad rep since day one. Never stopped me before.”

I bit my lip. “I got tossed in the dungeons twice—once for murder. I wasn’t convicted, though, thanks to the heirs defending me.”

“And Prince Killian protected you,” she said. My heart jumped at his name. Only Rowan knew he was my true mate.

I knew too,Sy piped up.

Guilt churned in my gut. I kept so many secrets from Bea, my most loyal friend.

“I just got back this morning.” Bea swallowed. “Heard about your trial. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.” Shame and tears filled her eyes.

“Stop that,” I said. “I didn’t want you in that court. Think Medea’s snake hair was creepy? Her mom’s worse. They’d have tried to hurt you to get to me. I’m glad you missed that shit.”

“I heard about Wyatt,” she growled, trying to mimic the shifter prince but sounding more like a spitting-mad bunny. “That ungrateful rat. If he were still here, I’d kick his disloyal butt.”

I blinked. “They kicked him out?”

“He left after Prince Killian banished him. No house would take him after that,” Bea said. “Don’t pity him. You got him into a house, defended him, and he betrayed you.” She rested her hand on my arm. “Not everyone deserves saving. Bad people don’t deserve kindness.”

“Wyatt isn’t a bad person. Just weak,” I said.

“The weak can do more harm.”

“Let’s not waste time discussing weaklings,” I said, smiling at her. “I’m so glad you’re back. A lone wolf needs her pack.”

“We’re mages, and we can take on anything and anyone.” She smiled back. “Hey, I heard your second imprisonment happened in a five-star cell with steamy tea, mountains of cake, and a magical fire. Duke Jeffrey, Cade’s cousin and new security chief, had to boost measures after your prison vacation video went viral. He’s worried every lowlife will commit crimes just to score the same cell.”

“Shit, are you serious? I started a supernatural prison trend?” I said, running a hand through my curls. “Cade said he was afraid that might happen.”

“Can’t blame him,” Bea said. “You hungry?”

“Always.”

“Let’s grab lunch before class, then,” she decided. “Our enemies are saying you’re still locked up. Let them see how amazing you look.”

“I’m not looking that great,” I said.

“Doesn’t matter,” she said. “Just show up.”

With tits up,Sy added.

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