Page 9 of Radiant Shadows

I shook my head.

“Poor fool sometimes forgets he’s not a teenager anymore,” Celeste said, startling me.

I hadn’t heard the mermaid approach. She was wearing a form-fitting forest-green dress that matched her jade eyes, accentuating her red hair beautifully.

It was a good thing Kai was too busy showing off his dance moves; otherwise, he’d be ogling Celeste.

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “I don’t think Kai will ever truly grow up.”

Celeste laughed softly, shaking her head as she watched the kitsune dancing away. “Still, the school wouldn’t be where it’s at today without Kai Inari.”

“Very true,” I agreed.

I shifted my eyes from Kai back to Celeste. Her smile slowly faded into a hard expression, and her eyes looked on distantly.

“Celeste, is something the matter?”

She bit her lip before she returned my gaze. In a whisper, she said, “I’ve had another vision.”

My brow raised. “About Arya?”

She shook her head ever so slightly. “It was about—”

“Caesar!”

A firm hand clapped me between my shoulder blades, nearly causing me to lose my balance. I whirled to find Arthur Dracul standing next to me, grinning broadly in his military uniform.Behind the general was his lovely wife, Octavia, who wore a dark purple dress, holding a glass with both of her hands and looking quite out of place.

“Another successful year at the Dome,” Arthur said, reaching a hand out. I took it, feeling the strength of the military leader’s hand. “The school has always thrived under your direction, my friend.”

Seeing the general so jolly was somewhat disconcerting. The way he wore his emotions looked contrived and unnatural.

I forced myself to smile. “Thank you, Arthur. Although we’ve met some difficult moments this year, no doubt the school will continue to thrive as we bring more and more shifters here to guide them in mastering their abilities.” Looking past the general, I said, “It’s good to see you again, Octavia.”

A warm smile formed on her lips, and she nodded. “Thank you, Caesar.” Octavia glanced at the mermaid next to me. “And Celeste, I swear you never age. How are you doing?”

Celeste laughed, swatting the air in front of her. “Oh, Octavia, you’re always so pleasant with your words, even when they’re untrue. I’m doing well. Thanks for asking.”

Arthur cleared his throat loudly, a flash of annoyance flitting across his face. “Octavia, dear, why don’t you locate Tobias. He seems to have slipped away. Perhaps he needs the gentle touch of his mother?”

I looked down at my dark shoes out of pure awkwardness. The belittlement that seemed to come so easily to Arthur mocked the relationship he had with his wife and child. It irked me to witness.

“And Miss Celeste,” Arthur continued, “if you don’t mind, I have a few matters I need to discuss with the director. Alone.”

I didn’t even have to look at Celeste to know how she was feeling.

“Actually,” I said, “why don’t we go for a walk through the greenhouses? It’s a bit loud in here, and I could use the fresh air the plants provide.”

“A wonderful idea,” Arthur replied. “Very well.”

I nodded at both women. “Celeste, Octavia. We’ll return shortly. Shall we, Arthur?”

Side-by-side, we made our way toward the doors that led to the lawn.

“Arthur, this better be important,” I said as we came out onto the grass. “My place is with the students and faculty of the school.”

Lord Dracul waved his hand rapidly in front of himself. “I will be quick and straight to the point, Caesar. After all, I value the importance of time much more than most.”

And there it was. I didn’t even need to hear what Arthur had to say. The general had come to speak with me about Arya.Again.

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