Page 114 of Magical Moonbeam

Of the truth in Gideon’s eyes.

Of Keegan’s hand, still resting just beside mine.

And I swallowed everything down because I had no choice.

Moonbeam had called.

And ready or not, I was going in.

Moonbeam’s Eve had shifted the world sideways, and nothing felt real anymore—not the sun still shining overhead, not the warmth of Keegan’s hand that lingered too long in memory, not even the shimmer of the Butterfly Ward now rippling with energy so ancient it made my skin prickle.

But it was Lady Limora’s words that circled through me like a bell that wouldn’t stop ringing.

“You’ll need someone of blood to cross with you.”

I hadn’t asked what she meant at the time. I hadn’t wanted to. I’d hoped it was metaphorical, that maybe she meant magical lineage or some symbolic connection. But I knew better now. Magic was many things, wild, chaotic, intuitive, but rarely symbolic when it came to rules this old.

It meant family.

It meant I couldn’t go alone.

I clenched my hands at my sides as I turned toward the Academy. The thought of bringing anyone into Shadowick with me was enough to make my breath turn shallow. But someone of my blood?

There was only one person who fit that description.

Frank.

My dad.

Still cursed. Still stuck in his squat bulldog form, padding around the Academy like the unofficial guardian of the hearth and the stolen socks. Still present. Stillhim.

“There’s something I need to do,” I said softly and turned before anyone had a chance to say anything.

I found him in the sitting room near the hearth, exactly where I’d hoped he’d be. The fire crackled softly, throwing golden light against the floor. My dad lay curled on the thick rug, his chin resting on his paws, one ear twitching slightly as I approached.

He looked up before I said a word, and his eyes, those same familiar brown eyes, met mine like he already knew what I was about to ask.

“Hey, Dad,” I said, crouching down beside him. “We need to talk.”

His ears perked.

I ran a hand along his fur, slow and steady, trying to hide the way mine trembled. “Moonbeam’s Eve came early. I’m going in soon.”

He let out a short huff through his nose, then nudged my hand with his blunt head. I imagined if he could talk, he’d be saying,finally.

“I know you want to help,” I whispered. “And you will. But it’s not safe, and I can’t have you near Gideon.”

A low growl buzzed from his throat at the mention of that name, and I nodded.

“Exactly. Which is why I’m going to keep you hidden. But I need you there.” I swallowed. “You’re my blood, and the Veil might require that. If what Lady Limora said is true, you’re the key that lets me in fully. That anchors me.”

He didn’t bark. Didn’t growl. Didn’t move away.

Instead, he shifted closer, pressing his shoulder to my leg, warm and steady and solid.

My throat tightened.

“I hate this,” I said. “I hate risking you. But I hate not giving us every possible advantage more.”