Shadows of Change (Arcanum Academy #1)

13. Kaia

As I step into the hallway, my mind still reeling from Lira's revelations, I nearly collide with a wall of muscle. A wall of muscle that smells like an ocean breeze and sunlight, if that makes any sense. My shadows flutter in surprise, curling briefly around strong legs before I can pull them back. Hands brace my shoulders with a gentleness I don’t think I’ve ever felt before.

I look up (and up) to find Aspen's ice-blue eyes twinkling down at me. His presence is like a cool balm after the intensity of my conversation with Lira, and I feel some of the tension leave my shoulders.

"I really need to stop doing that." The exasperation in my voice has no bite. Aspen's brows furrow, and before I can stop myself, I add, "Literally running into hot guys."

Seriously, Kaia? That's what you're going with?

He chuckles, the sound warming something in my chest. "Lost in thought?"

"You could say that," I manage, trying to ignore the way my heart does a little flip when he smiles, and the loss as he pulls his hands from my shoulders. My shadows jump, almost as if they're laughing at me. "Just had an... interesting chat with Professor Lira."

Aspen's eyebrow quirks. "Interesting, huh? That's Lira-speak for 'mind-blowing and probably terrifying,' isn't it?"

I can't help but laugh. "Got it in one. How'd you know?"

He grins, falling into step beside me as we start walking. "Let's just say I've had my fair share of 'interesting' chats with her. So, where are you headed next?"

"Thorne's class," I say, then groan. "Please tell me it's not another three-hour endurance test."

Aspen's laugh is rich and warm. "Nah, today's all theory, probably. Though with Thorne, that might be even more painful." He pauses, then adds casually, "I've got him next too. Mind if I walk with you?"

"Oh, um, sure," I stammer, caught off guard by the offer. Is he just being nice? Or...? No, don't be ridiculous, Kaia.

We walk in companionable silence for a moment, and I can't help but notice how Aspen seems to part the crowd effortlessly. Students move out of his way without him even trying, like he has some kind of invisible forcefield. Must be nice.

"So," Aspen says, breaking the silence. "How are you settling in? Besides the 'interesting' chats and endurance tests, I mean."

I consider the question, absently watching Mouse weave between our legs as we walk. For some reason I feel like I can actually talk to Aspen. I have no idea why, but he makes me want me to pull down the walls I’ve built up so high over the years. My shadows trail behind us like a living cape, occasionally reaching out to brush against passing students who get too close. "It's... a lot," I admit. "Everything here is so different from what I'm used to. The magic, the people, the sheer scale of it all. Sometimes I feel like I'm drowning in possibility."

Aspen nods, his expression softening. "I get that. It can be overwhelming, especially when you're still figuring out your place in it all."

"Exactly!" I exclaim, relieved that someone understands. "And don't even get me started on the whole faction rivalry thing. I swear, if one more person from Light gives me the stink-eye..."

Aspen winces sympathetically. "Ah, you've met Alenya, haven't you?"

I'm about to answer as we enter the underground training area, and my jaw drops to the floor. The space is vast, cathedral-like, with black marble pillars rising into shadows above us. Glowing runes run along the walls in mesmerizing patterns, and the air thrums with contained power.

Aspen smirks beside me. "It's something, isn't it?"

"You're not kidding." His chuckle calms me as we move deeper into the vast space.

Mouse tries to follow me in, but Thorne appears in front of us, his presence filling the space like a physical force. "No familiars in the combat arena." His tone brooks no argument. "Safety protocols."

I glance at Mouse, remembering Lira's words about ancient magic and guardians. But before I can explain, Thorne adds, "Even exceptional ones, Ms. Draven."

Mouse's violet eyes narrow, but he retreats, his form melting into the shadows near the doorway. I swear I catch Thorne watching with unusual interest, his dark eyes gleaming with something that makes my shadows curl defensively.

Asshole.