Page 97 of Dark Bonds

Leo’s usual smirk softens into something more genuine, a vulnerability I rarely see in him. “Hey, we’ve already survived Everett’s pop quizzes and shadow boot camp. How much worse could living together be?”

Matteo’s brow furrows in concentration, his analytical mind already racing ahead. “Strategically, it makes sense—pooling our resources and coordinating our efforts—but we’d need to establish clear boundaries and protocols. Perhaps a rotating schedule for?—”

“Matteo,” I cut him off gently, unable to suppress a fond smile, “we’re forming a pack, not a military unit.”

He blinks then nods sheepishly. “Right. Sorry. I just... I want us to be prepared.”

Everett watches us, his gaze knowing and ancient. “It’s more than strategy,” he says softly, his voice carrying the weight of centuries. “It’s about finding your people, your family. Shadow shifters bond quickly, forged in the crucible of shared danger and power.”

“What?” I frown, feeling like I’m missing a crucial piece of the puzzle.

“There is an innate knowing inside you.” Everett taps my chest right over my heart. “One that tells you from the moment of meeting whether or not the person before you is pack.”

Something shifts inside me, a piece clicking into place with an almost audible snap. I look at Leo and Matteo—really look at them. The boy with the ready smile and hidden depths. The brilliant mind always three steps ahead.

My friends.

My pack.

I think back to the first moment we met. I knew they were something to me, I just didn’t understand then because I didn’t have all the information. The realization washes over me like a wave, both terrifying and exhilarating.

Why am I dragging my heels on this?

“Let’s do it,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel. “But guys, are we sure about this? I mean, it’s a big step.”

Leo grins, but I catch a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes. “Hey, we’ve survived worse, right? How hard can living together be?”

Matteo nods, his brows furrowed. “Statistically speaking, cohabitation does increase the chances of interpersonal conflict. However, the benefits of a unified pack far outweigh the potential drawbacks.”

I can’t help but laugh. “Only you could make moving in together sound like a research paper, Matteo.” I take a deep breath. “Okay, let’s do this before I chicken out.”

The grins that break out on their faces are answer enough, a mirror to the wild joy and anticipation building in my chest.

“Well then,” Everett says, straightening up with a gleam in his eye, “let’s get you lot officially registered. Fairwarning—there’s paperwork involved. Even magic can’t escape bureaucracy. Here, I have some maps.”

As the sun slowly sets, we roll out maps of the island with the small dots of pack houses. Even a dorm is getting converted. We pore over potential locations, debating the merits of each with the intensity of generals planning a campaign.

“This one has personality,” Leo argues, pointing to a ramshackle cottage with a mischievous grin. “Plus, easy access for late-night snack runs. You know, for when shadow shifting gives you the munchies.”

Matteo shakes his head, ever the voice of reason. “Too exposed. We need something defensible, with natural barriers we can magically enhance. Perhaps something closer to the old growth forest?”

I’m about to suggest a compromise when Umbraxis, who has been dozing at my feet, suddenly perks up. He trots to the map, sniffing intently before placing a smoky paw on a spot I hadn’t noticed before—one close to my favorite cove.

We lean in, drawn by the beast’s unexpected input. The house Umbraxis chose is tucked away in a secluded corner of campus, run-down but spacious. Something about it calls to me, a whisper of possibility and destiny.

“Well,” Everett says, his eyebrows raised in surprise, “seems your shadow pup has good taste. That location’s more strategic than it looks—seclusion, accessibility, and some old wards already in place. Interesting choice.”

Umbraxis wags his tail, looking entirely too pleased with himself. I scratch behind his ears, wondering not for the first time just how much he understands.

Excitement pulses in me, a living thing trying to claw its way out of my chest. Now that I’ve made the decision, I need to go now, just in case the weight of everything we’re facing becomes too much and I lose my nerve.

“Let’s go right now.” I gather the map and dart out of the lighthouse, shifting out of the shadow realm as I thunder down the steps and out into the cold air. Leo and Matteo follow, while Umbraxis darts ahead, already knowing where to go.

Luckily, it’s a short walk.

As twilight descends, we stand before our new sanctuary, the keys on the doormat letting us know no one claimed this cottage yet. The old cottage is a hulking silhouette against the blood-red sky. Its weathered boards creak and groan, as if the house itself is awakening. Shadows seem to dance in the windows, beckoning us into their embrace. The air is thick with the scents of aged wood, wild roses, and something older, something that whispers of ancient magic and hidden dangers.

Leo slings an arm around my shoulders, and I try to ignore the way my heart skips. His warmth seeps through my clothes, a stark contrast to the cool evening air. “Home sweet haunted house,” he quips, and I catch a hint of nervousness under his usual bravado.

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