Page 86 of Foresyth Conservatory

The realization settled over me like a second skin, both thrilling and suffocating. I had told myself I was better than this—stronger than my impulses, smarter than my desires. I had spent years pretending I was untouchable, that no one could reach inside me and unearth something real.

But I had let them, willingly.

My eyes shot toward my desk, where the Skorn deck lay in a scattered, chaotic spread. Twenty-five cards pulled and left askew, separated from the rest.Imbued.My pulse ticked up.

I sat up, the room spinning slightly as I pressed my palms into the mattress. The moment my fingers reached for the Skorn deck, a sharp pulse of static snapped at my skin. I flinched, exhaling sharply.

The magick was there.

I clenched my jaw, swallowing against the rising tide in my chest. My gaze snagged on Julian’s journal, discarded among the wreckage of my choices. The sight of it tethered me back to orbit.

I had a purpose here. I had a mission.

I exhaled, dragging a hand through my tangled hair.

No. Nothing has changed.

I swung my legs over the side of the bed, the cold floor biting at my bare feet.

I was simply using them. Sequoia and Aspen. That was all.

What had happened—what I had done—was just another step toward the truth. Another move in a game where I could not afford to lose.

And if they got caught in the crossfire? A sharp pang twisted in my chest. My fingers curled against my palms.

So be it.

I grabbed the nearest sweater, tugging it over my head with more force than necessary. My trousers followed, my movements brisk, efficient, mechanical.

This was nothing.

This was a distraction.

I stepped into the hall before I could think twice, before I could look back and see the truth staring at me from the mess of cards and tangled sheets.

Before I could admit that I was already too far gone.

*

Breakfast was awkward. Everyone was already seated at the table when I walked in, plates in front of them. My heartbeat skidded at the sight of the Trees, shame stinging my face and neck.No way but through,I reminded myself.

I took my seat next to Nina and forced a smile.

“You sure look well-rested,” she said, and a blush crept up my cheeks. Across the table, silence stretched too thin.

“I guess I am,” I said, focusing my attention on my plate.

A few moments passed before Nina stood, stretching her arms. “You all are a lively bunch,” she muttered, though her eyes lingered on me a second too long. I rolled my eyes at her, hoping the act mimicked normalcy enough to prevent further suspicion.

“Hmpf,” she huffed before striding away from the table.

I finally broke my willpower and let my gaze drift up to the Trees. They were both staring at me, their expressions soft but steady.

“How are you feeling, Dahlia?” Sequoia asked, her voice light.

“Fine. Good, actually. Thanks for the help last night,” I said, figuring it would be more awkwardnotto address it.

“Of course,” Sequoia replied, her cheeks tinged pink.