𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬

20 | Lawbreaker

          Riley ran up to her mother, a sweet looking lady who shared the same petite stature. They hugged with such desperation that I had to look away from the personal scene.

I turned to Ender and Lyric, the latter looking absolutely exhausted.

We waited by the castle's side entrance, where carriages once stood in NIFEEN's early years. The space converted itself ages ago, now big enough for vehicles and other modern replacements. Even with that update, horses still neighed inside, the equestrian club taking care of its occupants.

Missus Cross excused herself from Professor Delarosa, turning towards my silent figure. "You're Nova?"

I stiffened. "Yes, ma'am."

"Thank you for taking care of her."

I froze as the stranger embraced me, a motherly touch that felt foreign. She then exchanged a few more words with the professor, only to somberly sit with her daughter and drive away moments after.

"I must thank you three for the collaborative effort." The spider spirit's remark was pinched.

"Of course," Ender responded.

Lyric nodded, attempting and failing to stifle a yawn. "It's no problem."

The older woman gave the Light Representative a grateful nod. "You may be excused from your classes today, Mister Mayfair."

"You're too kind, professor." The nightingale gave a serene smile. "I'll be in the aviary if anyone needs me."

He walked off, almost bumping into the doorframe entrance.

"Miss Bishop, you've contacted the headmaster... personally." Delarosa turned with heavy suspicion. "I must commend you for convincing him, the man hardly responds to my own letters."

"Ah," I intelligently responded.

Her rouge lips pursed. "Speaking of which, he gave me a corresponding message to hand over."

I accepted the envelope with confusion.

"The two of you should head off to breakfast," Delarosa said shortly. "I'll be in my office if there are any further inquires or concerns."

I watched her signature sangria robes stream behind an hourglass frame as she reentered the castle, obsidian hair also flowing in a graceful manner. There was still strong dislike for that professor, but I silently thanked her for having a balanced sense of justice.

I once again stared off to where Riley's car exited, the crisp morning air piercing through my lungs as an empty feeling entered.

"You contacted the headmaster."

"Not me." I faced Ender. "I talked to Connie, well, more like begged."

A deep frown marred his handsome face. "Solis has access to Headmaster Nifeen?"

"Apparently, I honestly didn't even believe he existed until recently."

The phoenix's head was somewhere far, a calculating expression forming because of my shared words. It was almost instinctual, the way he trailed beside me as we moved indoors. There wasn't any bickering for once, a silent connection that didn't need vocalization or sound to be understood.

I didn't bother to tighten my tie or adjust wrinkles, the previous night destroying any good appearance.

An amused smirk appeared as I observed Ender's own state of dress, which was bordering perfect. Even the small singe from my accidental burn was gone, a newly pressed blazer draped over assured shoulders.