Shadows of Change (Arcanum Academy #1)

72. Kaia

"Not to ruin the whole goddess glow thing," Finn says, his grin as bright as ever, "but does anyone else think Bob's about to start demanding a promotion?"

The laugh that escapes me is shaky but real, grounding me in the moment. He steps closer, and my wings flutter in response, casting fractured patterns of light and shadow across the stone floor.

A memory flashes through me—my mother's wings, golden and brilliant, sheltering me as she whispered ancient words. My own wings draw close instinctively, mirroring that long-ago protection. The force of the memory makes me stumble, the bittersweet ache in my chest almost too much to bear.

Finn's strong arms catch me before I can fall. The warmth of his touch anchors me to the present, reminding me that I'm not lost in memories of what was. I'm here, with them.

"Kaia?" Multiple voices call out in concern, but it's Aspen steady presence that calms me, his hand still anchoring mine. My shadows curl around both of them, as if trying to hold onto this moment.

"I remember," I whisper, my wings trembling with the weight of memory. "Not everything, but... pieces. My mother—she had wings like mine, but golden. She used to shield me with them when I was scared."

The Heart of Eternity radiates warmth against my chest, as if encouraging the memory. Mouse presses against my leg, and I feel his silent support. Bob attempts to comfort me by patting my head while Patricia records every detail of the memory in her shadow notes.

"The memories will come," Malrik says, stepping closer. "The Heart protected them, just like it protected you."

"Yeah, well, next time maybe a warning before the whole divine revelation thing?" Finn suggests, but his hand finds mine, completing a circuit between me, him, and Aspen that sends warmth flowing through my wings. "Some of us have weak hearts," Finn says, his grin returning as if to prove otherwise. "And by 'some,' I mean me—just in case you were wondering.”

"Speak for yourself," Torric growls, but he hasn't moved from his protective stance near us. His energy hums in sync with my new power, like complementary notes in a song.

My wings stretch slightly, unconsciously trying to encompass all of them. The gesture feels instinctive, like my body remembers what my mind doesn't—that Valkyries were protectors, guardians. My shadows respond in kind, creating a loose circle around our group, with Bob taking point like a tiny commander.

"So," I say, aiming for casual despite the power thrumming through my veins and my shadows' obvious pride, "anyone want to help me figure out how to get through doorways with these things? Because I have a feeling the academy's architect didn't plan for wingspan."

A sharp knock at the entry makes us all turn. Professor Lira stands in the doorway, her usual calm demeanor tight with urgency.

"The board has convened an emergency session," Lira says, stepping inside. Her silver eyes take in my wings with a mix of awe and concern, her fingers gripping the edge of the doorway tightly, as if bracing herself. The tension in her posture matches the urgency in her voice, a rare crack in her usual calm demeanor. "They're demanding answers."

"Now?" My wings twitch nervously, and I feel my shadows coil closer. "Do they have any idea what just happened?"

Her eyes flick to the shadows swirling at my feet before meeting mine, her tone softening slightly. "They want answers, Kaia. And they won't wait. The magical backlash from your transformation triggered every ward in the academy," Lira explains. "The board is... unsettled."

"Unsettled?" Finn snorts. "Our friend here sprouts divine wings, kicks some serious wraith behind, and they're 'unsettled'?"

"Lady Virath is leading the session," Lira says grimly. "She's already calling for immediate action."

Alenya's mother. Of course. My shadows ripple with unease, and Mouse's tail puffs up. Even Bob seems to bristle.

"What kind of action?" Aspen asks quietly, moving closer to me.

"They're talking about binding your power," Lira says directly to me. "Possibly expulsion. They're afraid, and fear makes people dangerous."

Torric growls low in his throat. "Let them try."

"No," I say, surprising myself with how steady my voice sounds. "If they want answers, we'll give them answers. All of us."

"The board won't like that," Lira warns. "They prefer to interview subjects alone."

"Too bad," Torric says, moving to stand beside me. His berserker energy hums in sync with my new power. "We go together."

"Together." Aspen adds, quiet but firm.

Malrik's silver eyes narrow thoughtfully, but he says nothing. I catch something calculating in his expression - he's seeing pieces of a game I don't fully understand yet.

The walk to the Celestial Chamber feels like walking to judgment. Students press against the walls, their wide eyes filled with fear and curiosity. Whispers flow through the crowd, sharp and hurried, like leaves rustling in a storm. Some glance at my wings with awe; others avert their gaze entirely, as if afraid to meet my eyes. My wings cast shifting patterns of light and shadow across the stone floors.

The chamber lives up to its name. The circular room beneath the academy gleams with enchanted constellations that spiral across the domed ceiling, their luminous trails shifting in fluid, mesmerizing patterns. The acoustics amplify even the faintest sound, making each breath and footstep echo softly. The light from the constellations dances across the polished stone floor, casting ethereal reflections that seem to shift and shimmer as though alive. The stars twinkle faintly, casting a soft, ethereal glow that seems to change as if the constellations themselves were alive, watching. Seven ornate chairs face a single stone platform in the center. Six are occupied - the Shadow Faction's seat stands conspicuously empty.

Lady Virath rises first, her white robes pristine, her golden hair—so like Alenya's—pulled back severely. Her posture is rigid, shoulders squared as though bracing against a storm, and her sharp gaze sweeps the room, landing on my wings with barely concealed horror.

"This is highly irregular," she says, her voice sharp. "The accused should come alone."

I feel my wings spread slightly, responding to the tension in the room. My shadows stay close, protective but not threatening. When I step onto the platform, I make sure to meet each board member's eyes.

"You want to know what happened in the arena," I say clearly. "You want to know what I am. I'll tell you. But first, you need to understand what Thorne was really doing here. What he was preparing for."

Looks of disbelief and anger are shared among the council. An older man in blue robes speaks “Professor Thorne has been an outstanding member of faculty for many years. We do not appreciate accusations against him without proof.”

The recording crystals floating around the chamber pulse with light, capturing everything. I take a deep breath and feel my friends' presence behind me, solid and unwavering.

“That is the proof.” I state, pointing at one of the crystals. My voice carries with a power that surprises even me. I hear a scoff from the council but can’t place who it came from.

Before I can get another word out, Lady Virath interrupts. "Enough. We will review the crystals and reconvene in three days time." Her tone brooking no argument.

Frustration bubbles up, and my shadows react instantly - Bob actually looks offended while Patricia's note-taking becomes distinctly aggressive. But when Aspen puts a calming hand on my shoulder, I keep my mouth shut. Mouse presses against my leg, a low growl building in his throat.

Lady Virath's dismissal is clear, but as we turn to leave, I catch Malrik’s gaze lingers on the empty chair, a flicker of something sharp—calculation, or maybe recognition—crossing his silver eyes.