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We still hadn’t had our one-on-one conversation. I should probably arrange something once I moved back into my dorm room.

My French lecture dragged as slowly as biology.

However, there was an unsettled note that had little to do with the classic, old architecture. It felt like something was studying me, taking note of my poor phonics. I suspected Kasai was nearby, but I wasn’t certain enough of my skills to be sure.

Finally, after a grueling period of paranoia, the classroom began to empty and I quickly packed my items, rushing to leave. As I zipped my bag, I glanced up, noticing only me and one other left in the room.

A male classmate was standing near his desk, which happened to be directly next to the only exit. He’d already finished packing to leave. His lean fingers moved over the strap of his bag as he stared directly at me.

I wasn’t in the mood for this.

Trying to pretend I hadn’t noticed him, I hurried for the door. But before I’d moved past, his hand shot out and grasped my own, pulling me to a stop.

“Excuse me.” His voice was smooth as silk, and I shivered. “Do you have a moment?” His touch was like ice, and the beginnings of panic rippled through me.

He was as tall as Damen and lither than Julian. A long, black uniform mostly covered his pale complexion. His hair was so blond that it seemed almost white and long enough that I couldn’t see its length because the ends of his low ponytail were tucked under his shirt.

I couldn’t think of a word to say in response.

“I thought so,” he continued, disregarding my non-reply. His pale blue eyes drifted from where we touched and locked on to my eyes. “I wonder why no one reached out to me.”

My skin was clammy, and I felt sick. Yet, I didn’t dare look away.

He felt familiar and dangerous, almost like Bryce or Brayden. But unlike those two, there was something tainted hiding in this man. It was not stronger than them, but definitely darker.

He didn’t seem to notice my scrutiny. Instead, he grinned. Again, ignoring the fact that I hadn’t said a word.

“Hello, mistress.” He bowed. The danger melted from his expression into something more elegant and welcoming.

Suddenly, his voice and mannerisms became reminiscent of a time long past. Before I could object, he raised my hand and brushed his lips over my knuckles.

“While this is unexpected, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I look forward to working together in the future.”

“Working t-together?” I asked.

“My name is Xavier Renouf.” He released my hand and straightened. “And from this moment on, my services are under your command. I look forward to the many changes that your presence will bring.”

Xavier…

“You know who I am?” I asked.

“Of course.” Xavier raised an eyebrow. “I am your Tongjun. I wasn’t certain, at first, but the feeling has only grown stronger this last week. It’s undeniable.”

“Undeniable?” I didn’t see how. I still had so much to learn.

“You’re my mistress.” His eyes flickered over my form once again, almost appraising. “Your appearance might be unconventional, but I have no objections to this turn of events. Even though I don’t know your name, I’m certain of my role.”

My face flooded with heat—I’d been so flabbergasted that I’d never introduced myself. “My name is Bianca Brosnan.”

“Bianca,” he said, rolling my name off his tongue. Then he grinned. “How very fitting. You and I’ll be a good team. Where are you off to next?”

“I have chemistry.” I hoped he didn’t plan to follow me there. I would surely be noticed if he also started hanging around me, and Damen’s plan would be in shambles.

Of course, Xavier offered the very thing I hoped to avoid. “Excellent, I shall escort you.”

“It’s okay.” I pulled my hand from his and waved. “You do not need to walk across campus with me. ”

Xavier frowned. “But, mistress, even with that annoying parrot hovering about, I—”

“Parrot?” He couldn’t possibly mean—

“The demon creature, of course.” Xavier’s other eyebrow had risen to join the first. “Surely, you feel its presence. The leech has been perched outside the window for the entire class. Its hell-laden eyes observe your every movement. While it is true that it is a formidable warrior who has slain millions, it is young. It also isn’t us.

Besides, you have no chaperone. I insist on accompanying you—”

I knew it.

“Come with me,” I told Xavier, walking past him. “I want you to tell me everything you know about shikigami.”

Kasai’s presence receded as we left the room. Knowing him, he was probably tattling, but I didn’t care. Xavier stepped behind me as we headed up the mountain toward the Science Hall.

“What is a shikigami?” I asked.

“Most are demons,” Xavier replied instantly but added, “for lack of a better term.”

My heart pounded as I shot him a curious look, and he moved beside me. I’d been right all along.

Xavier glanced up at the cloudless sky. “They are, on the most basic level, energy that have become guardian spirits known as kami,” he said.

“They reside in the Underworld, where they are strongest, and maintain a humanoid appearance there. They do not feel human emotions, but they do have unique personalities. They only come to this realm when engaged in a contract.”

I bit my lip—the Underworld.

“What exactly is a contract?” I squeezed my purse against my chest and turned toward Xavier.

A loose hair had fallen over his face, and he tilted his head at my question.

“You don’t know?” After I didn’t respond, he continued, “When entering a contract, the onmyoji agrees to share their life force with the shikigami. In return, the onmyoji borrows the shikigami’s strength.

They can resume their battle-ready forms. Kasai, for example, has chosen to be a phoenix, and it is its first time in a contract. ”

“What about the Xing?” I pursed my lips. “Why doesn’t Damen always keep the same shikigami?”

“A contract becomes void once a soul passes through the veil,” Xavier responded.

“Huo must renew his contract every time he is reborn. It’s probably a good thing.

Sometimes, a shikigami and their onmyoji don’t get along.

This has happened before as Huo, historically, is not the most agreeable.

However, Huo has chosen to contract with certain shikigami more than once.

It’s been a long time since Huo has chosen a new shikigami, so Kasai has surprised many people. ”

“Is Kasai evil?” I wondered, glancing at the science hall.

“I don’t like it.” Xavier didn’t miss a beat. “Kasai is rash and inexperienced. However, it is a strong weapon.”

My gaze returned to Xavier. “What about his shikigami that hadn’t been chosen in this lifetime? Do they enter new contracts?”

Xavier’s mouth thinned. “Not normally,” he admitted, pushing his loose hair back from his eyes.

“The shikigami historically partnered with Huo are extraordinarily strong and would overwhelm most onmyoji. However, the one currently in a contract, though rarely seen in battle, is Kiania—Finn Abernathy’s familiar. ”

My newest knowledge regarding my ex-best friend made it difficult to focus during my afternoon classes. Had he been using his shikigami to stalk me at any point, and I hadn’t noticed? How was he strong enough to contract with such a dastardly beast anyway?

While Finn had slightly begun to mend the chasm of betrayal between us, I couldn’t deny that I was still worried. If only there were someone I could trust to keep an eye on him—to support him so that he might not perish—so that I could return to loathing him from a safe distance and without guilt.

“Hello,” Bryce greeted me as I exited the lecture hall.

I froze, causing the person behind me to run into my back, curse, and edge around me. They gave me a harsh glare, too, and usually, I would have been upset. But it didn’t matter.

Why was he here? He’d ignored me all morning, and now—after I’d spoken to Xavier—he was ready to talk.

I should tell him to go away.

Maybe he wasn’t even talking to me anyway. I stepped aside, keeping my wary gaze on him, watching him as he remained leaning against the wall on the other side of the hall. His arms were crossed, and disapproval and concern were etched into his expression.

“Yes, Miss Brosnan, I am speaking to you,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “We need to talk. I want to take you out to dinner.”

Bryce was offering me food.

My heart raced as I clenched my fists. This could be an essential moment in our relationship. There was no need for me to rush off yet.

Besides, I was supposed to let someone watch me. Plus, I would eventually need to have him teach me everything that he knew so that I would one day surpass him.

Only then would he learn to call me master—or mistress—like my second favorite Officer seemed to prefer.

“All right,” I agreed, pulling out my phone. “Just give me a moment. ”

It was probably okay to leave with Bryce, but considering how the boys could get, it was best to alert them. There was no need to cause undue panic.

Me

Bryce wants me to meet with him in a neutral location to discuss how he might serve me. We’re going to out to eat.

Miles

Does it have to be now?

Julian

Why now?

Damen

Don’t go off with him alone.

None of this was confirmation, and now I wasn’t sure what to do. I was frowning at my phone as it vibrated again a minute later.

Julian

Didn’t you say you were okay with him now?

Damen

No. I did not say that. We have an understanding.

My disapproval grew as the three boys continued to bicker. I wasn’t sure what the consensus was about my original statement, and they were getting off-topic.

Me

Should I go with him or not ?

It was Titus who responded this time.

Titus

What does he actually want?

Didn’t anyone pay attention to a word I said? I’d already told them Bryce’s intentions. My eyes flickered to the man.

Bryce was watching me with barely contained amusement. “Do you need their permission to do everything?” he asked. It almost felt as though he was making fun of me.

I narrowed my eyes. He was utterly incorrect. In fact, this was the first time I’d let anyone know my intentions, and this was only because I was trying to be thoughtful.

Why was Bryce encouraging rebellion? He was going to be a handful.

“No,” I responded. “I don’t want them to be worried.”

“Why would they be worried if you’re with me?” Bryce asked, his tone somewhat offended. “I’m one of the strongest, safest people in the world for you to be around.”

Did he truly call himself the strongest? How vain.

My hand lowered as I watched him. And it was hard not to feel reassured.

“What do you want to talk about?” I asked him.

“Our relationship.” Bryce pointed between the two of us. “Plus, you and I should review what happened last night. You need help, and we need to define our roles. However, we can’t discuss this here. On campus, I’m in a position of authority over you.”

I nodded, following along with his logic. It was true that he held power over me as a fake professor—hence our need for impartial territory. We could never speak as our true selves here.

“Besides,” Bryce added. “I don’t like that you’re afraid of me.”

“I’m not afraid of you,” I protested as I returned to my phone.

Me

He says he wants to talk.

Messages returned almost immediately.

Julian

Are you comfortable with that?

Miles

Is it safe?

Damen

It depends. Where is Alexander?

Titus

I’m on a call with him for the rest of the afternoon, but I’ll send Matheus. Bryce can give him the location.

Damen

Miles and I are in a meeting with Garrett. The only one left is his son.

Miles

Daniel should be out of town, but I’m not positive.

Damen

It’s up to you, Bianca.

I paused for a blink, considering, before peeking at Bryce once again. I wasn’t sure who this Matheus person was, but for Titus to send him, he must be formidable.

My pulse quickened, although there were no reasons to be nervous. I believed in Damen, and I shouldn’t pass up this opportunity. Witnessing Bryce’s pouty face would be unbearable.

Me

Then I’m doing it. We can talk after.

The four responded with varying degrees of acceptance, and I returned my phone to my bag.

“I’ll go with you,” I told Bryce, swinging my backpack over my shoulder. “But I want pasta.”

“Not a problem.” A genuine smile touched his lips. “I know just the place.”