Page 42 of Monster's Melody

Headmistress Blackthorn sighed.“You would think so.All right, I think we’ve done all we can here tonight and I’m sure Ms.O’Donnell would like some rest.I expect to be kept informed of any developments.Understood?”

We all nodded and escaped as quickly as we could.

By silent agreement, the six of us climbed the five flights of stairs to our fourth floor suite.

I didn’t protest when Vorzak settled crosswise onto my bed and pulled me onto his lap.

His snakes immediately slithered around me, pinning my back to Vorzak’s front, and began petting me again.

“I don’t like this,” Kasi said as she perched on the edge of her bed across from us.“He’s continually targeting my friends and I just don’t see him letting up.”

Shadow leapt up into her lap while Jahrdran settled at her side, pulling her close.

“The problem’s going to be stopping him,” Jahrdran said.

“How were the Varulvka planning to stop him?”I asked.

“That’s the thing,” Jahrdran said.“I don’t think they had a plan.I think they just assumed if they could identify him, they’d be able to catch him, and when that failed, when they never succeeded in identifying him—well, we all know the decision the Council made.”

I shuddered and saw on everyone else’s faces the same revulsion I felt at the Council’s decision.

“Genocide shouldneverhave been their solution,” Mikaela spat, saying exactly what I was thinking.

“Agreed,” Jahrdran said quietly.

We all fell silent because really what was there to say after that?

“Will you be okay tonight, Jasmine?”Kasi asked suddenly.

“What?Of course, I will.”

“Because Jahrdran and I can sleep here tonight, if you need us to.”

“Wait, what?”Vorzak demanded.“Where are you sleeping if not in your room?”

“I’ll be fine,” I said emphatically, ignoring Vorzak.

“You’re sure?”she asked.

“Yes.Now go.”I glanced to where Mikaela and Elliot were sitting at my desk, Mikaela looking thoroughly content as she snuggled in Elliot’s lap.“You too.Go enjoy the night together.I’ll be fine.”

Mikaela looked concerned.“Are you sure?You were just dragged into the Shadow Realm by a killer, Jasmine.I don’t want to leave you alone.”

“I don’t either,” Kasi said.

“She won’t be alone,” Vorzak said.“I’m staying.”

I should have been annoyed at that arrogant statement, but all I felt was a profound sense of relief, not to mention anticipation.

“Jasmine?”Mikaela raised her eyebrows at me, clearly wanting to know if I was okay with this new development.

I smiled at her.“I’ll be fine, Mikaela.I promise.Now go.All of you.”

There was a long moment of hesitation, then we all stood at the same time.

“Okay,” Mikaela said, then eyeing the snakes still wrapped around me, leaned forward to give me a very careful, tentative hug.“I’m so glad you’re okay.”She took a giant step back, caught Elliot’s hand in hers and led him through our shared bathroom to her room on the other side.

“Just bang on the bed if you need us,” Kasi said.