Page 117 of Magical Mischief

By people, I meant Keegan.

Not to mention, I couldn’t imagine him getting furious at much of anything.

The decision settled in my chest like a final chord on a piano. I turned away from the faint reflection on Nova’s window of my anxious face, ready to set out, and nearly jumped when Twobble came sidling up beside me. He had that perpetual lean in his stance, like he was half-lounging, half-alert, and gave me a look that said he already knew what I was thinking.

“Should we head out now?” he asked, sounding casual.

“Yes,” I said, squaring my shoulders. “I’m going to see Keegan. I…there’s stuff he needs to know.”

Twobble made a low hum that felt suspiciously like a tease. “Stuff, huh? Right. Very important stuff, I’m sure. Couldn’t wait until morning?”

I gave him a crooked smile and shrugged. “Probably not, no. Besides, I’d just lie awake fretting.”

“That’s fair.” He stepped a little closer. “I’ll walk with you. Doesn’t hurt to have a friendly goblin around, in case the shadows start talking, and your dad missed you more than he’ll admit.”

“What about you? Did you miss me?” I teased.

His brows knitted together, and he promptly ignored me.

We started under the soft glow of a few streetlamps, the lanes mostly empty, shutters pulled tight, chimneys exhaling the last of the day’s smoke. Stonewick looked peaceful, as though nothing unusual had happened lately.

But I knew better. So did Twobble.

I glanced around, half-expecting to spot a figure lurking in a corner or stepping out of a half-lit doorway. That paranoid itch came from the news I’d been carrying. A fae’s presence in the Academy, a swirl of ward-magic that might spin the town on its head if folks found out. Or maybe it was just me, waiting for the next shoe to drop.

Twobble didn’t speak much, though he’d occasionally point out a flicker in the distance and mutter something about Stonewick needing better night patrols. Mostly, though, he let me stew in my thoughts.

When we reached Keegan’s small fence, my heart dipped briefly.A single lantern burned on his porch, giving enough light to show me the shape of the walkway. Twobble paused at the gate, folding his arms across his chest.

“Want me to wait here?”

I considered. “Maybe just for a minute, in case he’s already out cold. I don’t want you to get in trouble too.”

“Sure,” Twobble said. “I’ll guard the perimeter or whatever with Frank.”

He was doing his best to sound bored, but I caught the mild grin lurking on his face. He liked to be dramatic, but deep down, he was all heart.

I climbed the steps of Keegan’s beautiful home, gave a light knock, and realized how quiet everything was: no distant voices, no wind in the trees, barely even the chirp of night insects. The door opened faster than I expected, making me suck in a quick breath.

Keegan stood there, hair standing every which way, eyes puffy from sleep, shirt crumpled like he’d just pulled it on. One sock, no sock on the other foot. He blinked at me, confusion turning to recognition.

“Maeve?” he said, voice thick from dozing. “Is everything alright? You’re back from the Academy.”

“I’m so sorry,” I began, even though I was determined to say what needed saying. “It’s late, I know. But… I had to come by. Something happened.”

He squinted a bit, then his gaze sharpened with concern. “No, it’s okay—come in.”

Keegan stepped aside, pulling the door open.

Warm air spilled out, carrying the scent of firewood and something faintly herbal—maybe tea he’d abandoned when he fell asleep. I stepped in, glancing around the dimly lit living area. A stack of books sat on an end table, and a blanket was tossedover one arm of the couch. I guessed he’d dozed off reading, which was typical for him.

Everything about Keegan’s home felt and looked like him. Between the masculine décor and little bits of magic weaponry, I couldn’t have picked a better place for him to live.

He tugged at the hem of his shirt and tried to flatten his wild hair with a few quick hand swipes. It didn’t do much. Honestly, it made him look more endearing. But I shoved that thought away, clearing my throat to keep focus.

“Sit?” he offered, nodding at the couch.

I lowered myself onto the couch’s edge, perched like I might need to leap up at any second. “Sorry again for barging in. It’s about the Academy. And a… visitor.”