Page 15 of Rebellious Royals

"Because you're special," I offered.

Which allowed the guy to relax a bit. "Yeah. We can call it that, but now I have visions of short buses."

"No buses intended," I assured him.

Which made him relax a little more. This time, a smile appeared. "This is me worrying about you, ok? You're headed to the one place on campus we can't go, and something's brewing. I know Tag will help if someone tries to jump you, but she's just human, and the kids in that class can handle iron."

"And I still have wild magic," I reminded him.

"But will you use it?"

On the ground beside us, something moved. Before me, Hawke staggered to the side. Both of us looked down in time to see my shadow yanking hard at his. The moment we were watching, it waved.

"Asshole," Hawke grumbled at it.

Shadow just pointed to itself. First at chest level, then over its head.

"I think it's trying to remind you that I also have it," I pointed out.

Shadow nodded and gestured at me, confirming my suspicion.

"But what can you do if someone fucks with her?" Hawke asked.

In response, a smile began to appear on its face. Two pinpricks of shadowless arcs formed the eyes, growing larger as I watched, and a thin seam spread out, quickly turning into some kind of emoji looking smiley face.

"That is creepy as fuck, Shadow," Hawke told it.

Shadow simply gave him a thumbs up.

"Ok, but I think it has a point," I said. "Plus, I have Jack. If things go sideways, I'll tell him to go get you, how's that?"

"Still can't help," Hawke said. "I mean, I can make it to the door, but that's a warehouse of iron, Rain. If someone wants to cause problems, locking you in there is a good way to do it."

"I'll talk to Tag about it," I conceded.

He nodded. "I think that's all I can ask. Look, I'm just worried. I have a bad feeling."

"Yeah," I agreed. "I think we're all feeling like something's off. But what?"

"Usually, we find out when we least expect it." Then he stepped in to cup my face. "Just be careful, ok? We're stronger when we're all together."

I shifted a half step closer to him and lifted my chin. "I've got Jack and Shadow. I'll be ok. You and Keir watch each other's backs. Wilder, Aspen, and Torian share classes in the afternoon. We got this."

Then his thumb swept across my cheek. "Ok." He paused for a little too long before pulling his hand away with a sigh. "Go play with iron, Rain."

I found my cheeks warming up as I turned away. On my shoulder, Jack ruffled his feathers, but he didn't say anything. At least not until we were out of sight.

Then, softly, he cawed, "Court."

"I like him," I admitted. "I also don't know if I like him because Icanlike him, or if I like him because he's kinda badass, or if I like him because he's a nice guy who I just like."

Jack nodded. "Rain."

"And that doesn't help at all," I said as I stepped into the Forge.

Fluorescent lights made the interior of this place bright, showing off the racks of power and hand tools. Rows of tables were set up like work benches, and all of them showed marks of use. Dents, scorch marks, and plenty of scuffs proved we actually did things in here.

I didn't even make it to my usual spot before Jack took off, aiming for a quiet spot in the corner. The sound of his wings made the instructor, Tag, look up. She saw it was Jack, then glanced over at me, jerking her chin in greeting.