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“What?” I fight to breathe.

“Is something wrong?”

I struggle to think clearly. “I’m afraid so.”

Bahari pulls me to the side. “What happened?”

“Bash was supposed to go to your guys’ dorm room last night after we got back. Halen’s also missing.”

He twists his ring. “Do you think something happened to them? Or that they’re off somewhere together? Because Bash is head over tail for you. He’d never do that.”

“I know. Halen would never do that to me either. I’m worried that since people can’t do anything to me now, they’ve done something to the people I care about most.”

Bahari swears. “I’ll bet you’re right. Who do you think did it?”

Earwyn and her dogfish enter, whispering to each other.

I glance her way. “Speak of the devil.”

Bahari arches a brow. “Her? You think she could overpower Bash?”

“She’s one of the top sparrers and is participating in the competition.”

He bursts out laughing. “Her parents pay extra to get her into everything. The girl barely does a thing based on her own merit or talent.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. She’s always gotten everything handed to her. All she has to do is whine to daddy, and it’s hers. Why do you think she was so furious about the suite?”

“But I thought she earned it.”

“I grew up next door to that family. Trust me, she may know how to play the part but she’s nothing more than an entitled brat.”

“Interesting. That’s good to know.”

Bahari leans closer. “They’re serving the food now. Sit with your friends and find out if they know anything about Halen. I’ll see if the band members have heard from Bash. This could be just a bad coincidence.”

I ball my fists. “I don’t believe in coincidences.”

“Let’s wait and see.” He makes his way over to the table.

My hands start to glow green, so I relax them. I’m furious about Bash and Halen, but I can’t let my anger overtake me. I have to plaster on a happy face and find out what’s going on. Once I’m somewhat calm, I sit with my friends.

Idira turns to me. “Where’s Halen?”

I force a smile and do my best to keep my tone light. “Haven’t seen her this morning. She must’ve gotten up early to study or something. None of you have seen her?”

They all shake their heads. Lumen looks around. “It’s not like her to miss breakfast.”

I can’t deny that. “Maybe she’s just late.”

The others don’t look like they believe it any more than I do.

I glance over at Bahari with a questioning look. He shakes his head.

Neither Bash nor Halen are at breakfast, and nobody knows why.

This is definitely bad.