Page 3 of Beastkin

I glanced between them, these two people who looked exactly the same as when I’d last seen them but were somehow completely different. Harder around the edges. More assured.

“And what about me?” I finally asked, voicing the question that had been building since they started their story. “Where do I fit in all this? Should I even be back here if there’s still danger?”

Atlas leaned forward, his golden eyes intense. “Yes,” he said softly. “You should be here at the school. We’re fighting so the students here can live without fear, so that you can enjoy your lives without having to worry about what some asshole might try to do. We’re fighting so there isneveranother Damien Cromwell to hurt you.”

I swallowed hard, the intensity in Atlas’s eyes making something in my chest tighten. There was a conviction in his voice I’d never heard before, not even when he used to talk about protecting his pack.

“That’s... a lot to process,” I said, picking at the label on my beer bottle. “A few days ago, my biggest concern was whether I could handle being back in the same place where I was attacked. Now you’re telling me there’s a whole magical war going on that’s been kept quiet?”

“Not exactly a war,” Caden corrected gently. His fingers were intertwined with Atlas’s on the table between us. “More like... strategic resistance. The Purity Front is weakened but not gone. Their ideology has spread too far for that.”

“And you think I’m safe here?” I couldn’t keep the skepticism out of my voice.

Atlas nodded firmly. “Safer than most places. After what happened to you, security at Widdershins was completely overhauled. New wards, new protective spells, and more monster representation on campus security. Plus,” he added with a slight grin that reminded me of the old Atlas, “anyone who tries anything has to deal with us.”

“Even though you’re not students anymore?”

“Especially because we’re not students,” Caden said. There was something in his voice, a quiet confidence that hadn’t been there before. The shy witch I remembered had changed as much as Atlas had. “We have resources now. Connections. And we’re watching.”

I took another swig of beer, trying to settle the unease crawling up my spine. “Is that why you’re really here? To watch over me?”

Atlas and Caden exchanged another look, and I felt a flare of irritation.

“Stop doing that,” I snapped. “The whole silent communication thing. If there’s something I need to know, just tell me.”

Atlas sighed. “We’re not just here for you, though making sure you were okay was definitely part of it. We’ve been tracking... something. Activity that suggests the remnants of the Purity Front might be regrouping around here.”

“Here? At Widdershins?” My voice sounded high and thin to my own ears.

“Not necessarily,” Caden said quickly. “But in the region. The mountains have always been a stronghold for old witch families, and some of them still believe in blood purity above all else.”

I thought of the figure I’d seen outside my window earlier and felt a chill that had nothing to do with the temperature in the room. “I saw someone today,” I said quietly. “Outside my window. Just for a second, and then they were gone.”

The change in the atmosphere was immediate. Atlas straightened,his eyes flashing with a hint of wolf gold. “What did they look like?”

“I couldn’t see clearly. It was just... a feeling.” I ran a hand through my hair, suddenly feeling foolish. “It’s probably nothing. Just my nerves after everything that’s happened. But something about them was… I don’t know…familiar.” I looked up at them, shaking my head. “Sorry. I don’t know what I’m talking about.”

“Well, if anything seems off, anything at all,” Atlas said, pulling a simple gold ring out of his pocket. “Then twist this three times counterclockwise around your finger and speak your message. We’ll get it instantly.”

I took the ring, turning it over in my hand. There was nothing special about it, but I could feel magic humming inside the metal. It was most certainly enchanted. Trusting my friend, I slipped it on my middle finger. It fit like it was made for me.

“Thanks, Atlas,” I nodded. “And you too, Caden. I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome.” Atlas slapped his knees, the universal sign for the end of a conversation. “Well, we need to get back. And you need to get ready for classes.”

We all stood up, and Atlas walked me to the door, his hand still on my shoulder.

“Remember,” he said, pulling the door open. “Three twists counterclockwise.”

“Right,” I nodded. “I won’t forget.”

“And Karrick?”

“Yeah?” I answered, standing just beyond the door.

“Try to have some fun this year, okay? You deserve it.”

I nodded, gave him a smile, and he shut the door. The moment it shut, the doorframe disappeared, leaving nothing but a blank white wall and me standing in the library basement corridor.