Shadows of Change (Arcanum Academy #1)

36. Finn

"All right, people," I announce, dramatically flicking open a scroll Bob insists is the latest tactical plan. "The shadows have their orders. Every exit covered, patrols rotating on the half-hour. If Darian so much as breathes wrong, we’ll know."

Bob flickers proudly at the center of the room, while Patricia demonstrates what looks like a salute. Malrik watches with an expression I can only describe as begrudging respect.

"This is absurd," Torric mutters, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "They're shadows, not soldiers."

"Bob disagrees," I say, pointing to where Bob appears to be drafting a new set of patrol routes. "And personally, I think we should be a little worried about how good they’re getting at this."

Malrik sighs, running a hand through his hair. "They’re better organized than half the academy’s guards."

"Thank you!" I exclaim. "Finally, some appreciation for Bob’s hard work. Next, we’re moving on to shadow merit badges—"

Torric growls. "We don’t have time for this, Finn."

I snap the scroll shut with mock gravity. "Fine, fine. Let’s get serious."

"About time," Aspen says, glancing up from where he’s adjusting his cuffs. "What’s the plan?"

"Step one," I begin, holding up a small pouch of enchanted marbles, "ensure the dance is suitably chaotic. Just in case we need to slip through unnoticed."

Torric glares. "Your big plan is ‘chaos?’"

"Not just chaos," I correct. "Controlled chaos. The kind that distracts everyone from, oh, I don’t know, Darian pulling some villainy in a dark corner."

Malrik pinches the bridge of his nose. "You’re impossible."

"And yet," I say, grinning, "here you are, still listening."

Before Malrik can retort, footsteps echo in the hallway. Bob freezes mid-gesture, signaling the other shadows to hide. Malrik steps closer, his shoulder brushing mine as we all instinctively brace for something unexpected.

The door creaks open, and Seren steps in, her lavender hair escaping its updo in loose curls. She pauses, taking in the scene: four tuxedoed guys in a storage room, a scroll of patrol plans, and a suspiciously proud-looking shadow that she can’t see, but that’s besides the point.

"What are you all up to?" she asks, her tone a mix of curiosity and amusement.

"Us?" I say, feigning innocence. "Nothing suspicious at all. Just four totally normal dudes hanging out. In tuxedos. In a shadowed closet. Nothing weird about that."

"Right," she says, arching an eyebrow. "And I’m the Queen of Omnia."

Malrik shifts uncomfortably, muttering, "Not another one." But Seren doesn’t miss a beat.

"Kaia told me what was going on," she says, stepping further into the room. "I didn’t think it was this bad."

Aspen clears his throat. "We’re not acting strange."

Her gaze sharpens, flicking to the patrol plans still clutched in my hand. "She said you were overbearing, overprotective and trying to pull her away from Darian.” She looks around the room, her eyes softening. “You’re worried about her."

It’s not a question, but none of us answer right away. The silence speaks for itself.

Finally, Malrik says, "You wouldn’t understand."

"Try me," Seren replies, her voice softening. "I’m her friend too, you know. And I’m not blind."

The room falls quiet again, the weight of her words settling over us. Seren crosses her arms, looking directly at Malrik. "I know you all care about her more than she realizes. And honestly? I’m glad."

"You are?" Torric asks, skepticism thick in his tone.

"Of course," she says. "Kaia’s strong, but she doesn’t see how much she matters to people. She used to doing everything on her own and being alone. She isn’t used to needing anyone else. And if you’re doing all of this to keep her safe..." She gestures vaguely to Bob and the patrol routes. "Well, it’s kind of sweet. In a weird but adorable kind of way."

“She doesn’t like to admit it, but she’s scared of getting hurt. I’ve seen it since the first day we met. She pretends she’s fine on her own, but deep down, she doesn’t believe anyone will stay.” Seren breathes deep like she knows she shouldn’t be saying this but needs to anyway.

Malrik exhales slowly, his tension easing just a fraction and I don’t miss the pink tinge to his cheeks. "She’s walking into danger tonight, Seren. We can’t stand by and let her get hurt."

"Then don’t," Seren says simply. "But you might want to make sure she knows you’re there for her when it counts. Not just in the shadows."

Her words hit harder than I expect, and I glance at the others. Aspen’s jaw tightens, Torric looks away, and even Malrik seems to be considering what she said.

Before anyone can respond, I catch movement outside the window. Darian, his stride as calculated as always, heads toward the Shadow Faction wing. My stomach twists.

"Showtime," I mutter, nodding toward the courtyard.

Malrik straightens, his expression hardening. "Let’s go."

Seren steps aside, but as we pass, she puts a hand on my arm. "Finn," she says quietly. "Be careful. And take care of her."

"Always," I promise, and for once, there’s no joke in my voice.

The moment we step outside, the shadows fall into formation. Bob straightens, his earlier playfulness gone as the shadows snap into formation. Their fluid edges sharpen, radiating purpose. The change is so sudden it sends a shiver down my spine. Whatever Darian’s planning, we won’t let him win. Not tonight.

As we move toward the dance, I glance at Malrik, Aspen, and Torric. Seren’s words echo in my mind: Make sure she knows you’re there when it counts.

Now is when it counts.