Shadows of Change (Arcanum Academy #1)

30. Kaia

I wake with a start, my head pounding and mouth dry. Sunlight streams through unfamiliar curtains, and for a moment, panic grips me.

Where am I? What happened?

My shadows writhe anxiously around me, reflecting my disorientation.

As my vision clears, I realize I'm in my room at the academy. But something's off. The air feels thick with tension, and there's a lingering scent of lavender and... smoke?

I try to sit up, but a wave of dizziness forces me back down. That's when I notice them—Torric, Aspen, Finn, and Malrik, scattered around my room like sentinels. Torric slumps in a chair by the window, his golden hair mussed. Aspen lies on the floor, fingers twitching as a small puddle shimmers and vanishes beneath him. At the foot of my bed, Finn sprawls, his fingers nearly brushing my restless shadows. And Malrik... Malrik's leaning against the wall, silver eyes already fixed on me, alert despite the exhaustion evident in the set of his shoulders.

"What—" I croak, my voice barely a whisper.

The sound is enough to rouse the others. Torric jerks awake, nearly falling out of his chair. Aspen blinks sleepily, the puddle beneath him evaporating instantly. Finn rolls over with a groan, narrowly avoiding tumbling off the bed.

"Kaia!" Aspen's the first to reach me, cool fingers brushing my forehead. "How are you feeling?"

I open my mouth to answer, but no words come out. How am I feeling? I'm not even sure. Everything's a blur.

"Here," Finn says, pressing a glass of water into my hand. His usual smirk is absent, replaced by a worried frown that makes my stomach churn.

I sip the water gratefully, my shadows curling around the glass as if to help steady my shaking hand. "What happened?" I finally manage.

The four of them exchange glances, a silent conversation passing between them. It's Malrik who finally speaks, his voice low and carefully controlled. "We were hoping you could tell us. You collapsed last night after... training."

The way he says "training" sends a shiver down my spine. My shadows react instantly, lashing out defensively before retreating to coil tightly around my ankles. Patricia’s not even scribbling notes, she looks like she’s reduced herself to finger painting on the floor.

"I... I don't remember," I admit, frustration building. "Just training with Darian, and then..." I trail off, the memories slipping away like smoke.

Torric growls, the air rippling with heat as a nearby potted plant shrivels under the intensity. "That bastard. I'll kill him."

"Get in line," Finn mutters, his usually playful tone edged with steel.

I blink, trying to piece together the fragments of memory floating just out of reach. There's a hazy image of Darian's face, his enigmatic smile, but nothing concrete. No matter how hard I concentrate, the details slip away like water through my fingers.

"I... I really can't remember," I say, frustration coloring my voice. My shadows twist around me, mirroring my inner turmoil. "It's all just... blank."

The others exchange worried glances, but I hurry to reassure them. "I don't feel like anything bad happened, though. Just... tired, I guess?" I'm not entirely sure if I believe my own words, but I need to calm them down. Their concern is palpable, filling the room like a thick fog.

Aspen's cool hand finds mine, squeezing gently. "It's okay, Kaia. We're just glad you're awake and that Lira was able to help."

My brow furrows, “Lira was here?”

“She helped stabilize you, but honestly I don’t think we really understand what she did or what was going on with you. Just that you’re whole body was freaking out.”

A shiver runs through me, but none of that sounds possible. If I was that bad I would have known, I would remember, right?

But I offer them a small smile, grateful for their steady presence. My gaze drifts to each of them in turn - Torric's barely contained fury, Finn's uncharacteristic seriousness, Malrik's calculating stare. A warmth blooms in my chest, touched by their obvious concern. At the same time, a flicker of irritation sparks within me. Do they think I'm so helpless?

I push myself up, ignoring the slight dizziness that accompanies the movement. "I appreciate you all being here, but I'm feeling much better now. We should get ready for class."

"Class?" Torric scoffs, crossing his arms. "You need to rest, Kaia."

I shake my head, my resolve strengthening. "What I need is normalcy. Besides, I've missed enough classes already."

They start to protest, but I hold up a hand, silencing them. "I'm going to class," I say firmly, my shadows rising around me as if to emphasize my point. "End of discussion."

For a moment, tension crackles in the air. Then Finn breaks into a grin, some of his usual mischief returning. "Well, you heard the lady. Looks like our vigil is over, gents."

I roll my eyes, but I can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips. Finnick bounces like his big brother just made his day. "Alright, out. All of you. I need to get ready."

They file out reluctantly, each casting worried glances over their shoulders. As the door closes behind them, I let out a long breath, my shoulders sagging. My shadows curl around me, offering silent comfort.

I move to my wardrobe, fingers trailing over the familiar fabrics. As I dress, I catch sight of my reflection in the mirror. My skin is paler than usual, dark circles shadowing my eyes. The amethyst necklace gleams against my collarbone, pulsing gently. I touch it absently, a frown creasing my brow. Something about it feels... different, but I can’t put my finger on what it is.

◆◆◆

The group of us trudge across Arcanum’s sprawling grounds, my boots sinking into dewy grass. The air crackles with anticipation—or maybe that’s just my frayed nerves. My shadows are unusually subdued, clustering close to my feet instead of their usual playful swirling.

As we approach the outdoor training area, my breath catches. The field has become a labyrinth of writhing shadows, its inky tendrils forming impossible, gravity-defying structures. My shadows ripple with renewed excitement, clearly shaking off any remnants of the last twelve hours. It’s as if recognizing a kindred spirit in this ethereal maze, though Bob remains conspicuously close to me.

"Ah, Miss Draven." Professor Thorne’s silky voice snaps me from my awe. Mouse’s hackles rise at the sound. "Welcome to your Shadow Maze."

I quirk an eyebrow, trying to ignore how my necklace seems to grow colder at his proximity. "Mine? Let me guess—another fun way to potentially get myself killed?"

Thorne’s lips twitch, his eyes lingering on my shadows’ defensive positioning. "Consider it a test of your instincts, your ability to harness your shadows under pressure."

I turn to the guys, my heart racing despite my attempts to appear calm. They gather around me, forming a protective circle that both comforts and irritates me.

Torric's golden eyes blaze with concern, his hand resting on my shoulder. The warmth of his touch seeps through my clothes, a stark contrast to the chill emanating from my necklace. "This is ridiculous," he growls, glaring at Thorne. "You can't expect her to do this so soon after... after whatever happened last night."

I feel a flicker of gratitude, but also a surge of defiance. "I can handle it, Torric," I insist, though my shadows betray my uncertainty, curling tighter around my ankles.

Finn steps forward, “You’ve got this, Kaia," he says, flashing a grin. "Show that maze who’s boss—and break a record while you’re at it."

His enthusiasm is infectious, and I find myself smiling despite my nerves. My shadows perk up, swirling with energy.

Aspen's cool presence is a balm to my frayed nerves. He doesn't say much, but his steady gaze speaks volumes. "We believe in you, Kaia," he says softly, "Trust your instincts."

I nod, grateful for his quiet support. My shadows reach out, brushing against Aspen in a silent thank you.

Then Malrik steps forward, his silver eyes intense. "Remember, Kaia," he begins, his voice low and serious, "the key to navigating shadow magic is to—"

"To what, Malrik?" I snap, irritation flaring. "To stay calm? To trust my instincts? To not get myself killed?" My shadows lash out, reflecting my sudden anger. "I think I've figured that out by now."

Malrik's eyes widen slightly, taken aback by my outburst. The others shift uncomfortably, and I immediately regret my harsh words. But before I can apologize, Thorne clears his throat.

"If you're quite finished with your pep talk," he drawls, "it's time to begin, Miss Draven."

I take a deep breath, squaring my shoulders. The maze looms before me, a writhing mass of darkness that seems to pulse with its own life. My shadows quiver with anticipation, eager to merge with this new, vast expanse of their kin.

"Good luck," Aspen murmurs.

"Kick some shadow ass!" Finn cheers.

Torric just nods, his jaw clenched tight.

Malrik says nothing, but I feel his eyes on me as I step forward.

With one last glance at my guys, not my guys, I go to step into the maze.

"Good luck, Kaia." Darian’s voice, smooth as silk, drifts from behind me. Before I can react, his lips brush my cheek—too light to fight, too heavy to ignore. 'Show them what you’re made of,' he murmurs.

The temperature spikes as Torric growls. Aspen’s face hardens, and even Malrik’s glare turns deadly.

I square my shoulders, pushing down the complicated tangle of emotions. "Right. Let’s do this."