Page 23 of Change

Even though her grilling had been a bit annoying, I felt sympathy for the woman. She’d been so pleasant only moments ago; whatever she’d heard on that call must have been really bad.

“Yes?” I had no connection to her, but for some reason, I wanted to help.

The librarian swallowed, lowering her eyes from mine. “That was Professor Protean. She’s been looking for you and asks that you meet her in her office.”

I sucked in a breath, and even though she wouldn’t know, I asked, “Why?”

And more importantly,howdid Ms. Protean know where I was?

Why did it feel like I was being sent to the principal’s office again? Which wasn’t fair—thatincident had been Finn’s fault.

“I’m not sure,” the librarian answered anyway, her voice lowering as she cupped the side of her mouth. “But I heard that she takes on murder cases as a consultant.”

“Hmm…” That was interesting, but completely irrelevant. I hadn’t killed anyone, at least not lately. “Maybe I should go see,” I muttered, biting my lip. I wassupposedto go to Damen, and his feelings might get hurt if I ditched him, but this might be exciting.

“You should.” She was whispering for some reason, although I couldn’t fathom why. “It’s in your best interest to cooperate.”

Yeah, probably. Even though the fabric of my world was collapsing and I had no idea what life had in store for me next, obeyingsomeelders was still an important lesson to be followed.

I shouldn’t ignore her.

“Maybe she can even help you,” Ms. McKinnen was still whispering. “She’s usually cold-hearted and keeps her students at a distance, but she has a soft spot for the fae.”

I pulled my attention from the door, glancing at the woman once more. The conversation, which had been making clear sense to me, suddenly turned odd. What in the world was she talking about?

“You can trust her.” Her eyes held mine, as if relaying a secret message. “She’ll work with you and keep you safe. Justice will be served.”

I had no idea what Ms. McKinnen was trying to tell me. Had something somehow gotten lost in translation?

Unless… Perhaps word had gotten around that Ms. Protean had asked me to be her protégé?

“O-okay,” I stammered, suddenly shy. Did this mean that others thought I was up to the job too? I had no idea that others thought I might be competent. Sure, I’d considered it, but Dr.— Uncle Gregory had wanted…

No.

I wouldnotlisten to him. Besides, I’d already made my decision to work with Ms. Protean, and this just solidified it. I would do it. In fact, I would go to Ms. Proteanright nowand tell her so.

Uncle Gregory could eat a bag of rocks. I’d just had to be brave enough to tell him so to his face.

“I’ll go.” I touched my lips as I mostly spoke to myself and moved to leave. “Thanks.”

“You can do it!” Ms. McKinnen called after me in a low-voiced shout. “Don’t be afraid.”

“Thanks,” I said, glancing back. “I’ll do my best.”

Breaking my engagement with Damen was harder than I thought it’d be. It’d been such a good morning—outside of Brayden getting upset by our presumed flirting—and I’d been looking forward to seeing him again.

Apparently, he felt the same.

Damen: Why can’t you meet with me?

Me:I told you, I have to talk to Ms. Protean about something. Just go ahead.

Damen:T_T

I paused outside the Criminal Justice building, my breath catching despite the nonsensical nature of this discussion. Because, really, was he crying? Forsomereason I'd thought he’d be more mature than that.

Although, I had to admit, I could even visualize that exact expression on Damen’s face. He’d been so sensitive lately, and I hated the idea of hurting his feelings.