Page 52 of Shattered & Returned

I blinked uncertainly. “I…uh…followed you guys in.”

“Impossible!” Another step closer. “Kingsley wards don’t permit outsiders. Especially not from lesser houses.”

His voice rose higher with each syllable. The semicircle tightened around me, cutting off retreat. My shoulder blades dug into unyielding stone as I raised my hands. Wind gathered at my fingertips. Could I summon enough force to throw them off if they attacked me?

One of Angelina’s wingwomen shoved forward. “She’s the one who fought Angelina!”

A sharp-nosed girl sneered. “Maybe she killed her. Maybe she’s here to pick her next victim.”

The circle closed in on me. Enchanted light glinted off blades. My face paled in fear.

My palms sparked with gathering current. I hoped it would be enough. One reckless choice had led me here. How many more would I make for Ravencrux?

“Did you hear yourself? You sound crazy,” I said over their glares, keeping my voice steady despite my hammering pulse. “I just want to talk to…”

“Ah, Bloom! There you are.”

The voice rolled down from above. The crowd stilled, heads snapping upward as if pulled by strings. Sebastian appeared at the top of the spiraling marble staircase. His blond hair fell in perfect waves around a face that belonged on Renaissance paintings.

He descended with effortless grace, his midnight blue jacket, stitched with gold, hugging his broad shoulders that belonged on a classical statue. The students parted before him.

“I invited her.”

“You brought a Ravencrux rat here? After Angelina?” the wingwoman spat.

Sebastian’s smile turned sharper than a blade. “Since when do I explain myself to you?”

The girl recoiled, shrinking behind Devon like a child hiding from a storm.

Sebastian turned on the crowd, his voice dripping with disdain. “Don’t you have studies to attend to? I’m certain Professor Kingsley would love to hear how his students spend their evenings gossiping like common scullery maids.” He waved a dismissive hand. “Now get the fuck out.”

The group dispersed like startled birds, some muttering curses, others shooting me angry looks over their shoulders as they retreated.

“Territorial idiots,” Sebastian said in annoyance.

I released a breath, the current between my palms vanishing. “Thank you,” I said, keeping my voice low. Relief warred with suspicion—his timing felt too perfect. “How did you know I was here?”

A conspiratorial wink. “Let’s say I have ways of knowing who crosses my threshold.” He offered his arm with theatrical gallantry. “Come, I’ll give you the grand tour. My suite has the best view in the academy and total privacy.”

I took a deliberate step back. “I’d rather stay somewhere public.”

A shadow flickered across his face, too brief to decipher. Disappointment? Calculation? The rumors swirling around me were damaging enough without adding “Sebastian’s latest conquest” to the list if I went to his room.

“I just have a few questions,” I said, nodding toward a window-side booth. “That corner looks perfect.”

The alcove offered semi-privacy—visible to passersby but shielded from eavesdropping.

Sebastian’s golden lashes lowered. “You don’t want somewhere more private?” The enchanted chandeliers above caught his brilliant smile, weaving that dangerous charm that had ensnared so many others. I felt its pull like a physical punch, the magic that made him irresistible.

“You can soundproof the air around us,” I countered.

His head tilted, intrigue flashing in his eyes. My resistance seemed only to fascinate him more. “What will it take to earn your trust, Bloom? I am your friend.”

“Friendship doesn’t happen overnight,” I replied.

Yet Sindy and I had bonded instantly.

Sebastian’s answering smile could have powered the tower’s lights. No wonder legions followed him. “Then I’ll just have to prove myself.”

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