Page 24 of Radiant Shadows

I shook my head, wiping the tears from my cheeks. I just wanted to disappear. “No. Not that I can think of.”

He looked to Ms. Heather, who shook her head as well.

“Then I suppose I’d better grab some grub before break’s over.”

Just like that, the guilt was back. He’d used his lunch break to try to ease my mind about my new shifter form, and I was too miserable to be grateful.

“I’m sorry I—” I began, but the door clicked.

I looked up, a true smile tugging at my lips as I recognized the familiar red hair.

“Arya! You’re up!” Ashlyn bounded over to the bed and gave me a big hug.

Mr. Sharp gave me an encouraging nod as he slipped out of the room.

“Are you all better?” Ashlyn asked. “I was so worried. I mean, it’s so weird you getting sick, being a harpy and all.”

I laughed. “I’m doing a little better, but I guess it’s not over yet.”

“It’s not contagious, is it? Because you looked like crap, and I don’t think I want whatever you got.”

I gave her a half-hearted smile. “I don’t think you have to worry about that.”

“Why?”

I glanced at Ms. Heather, who was studiously focused on her paperwork, though I had a feeling the nurse was still listening.

I wasn’t ready to share my news yet. I hated the thought of lying to my friends, but they’d all find out soon enough. And I had a feeling I should tell Tobias first, anyway. It was hard to sort out the details when my mind and emotions were spinning so furiously.

“It’s kind of a chimera thing. You wouldn’t be able to get sick from it.” Not exactly a lie.

“Oh, cool. I mean, not for you, obviously, but I’m glad I can’t catch it.”

I snickered. “Me too.”

Ms. Heather’s lips were pressed in a tight line, but she didn’t comment.

“Was that Mr. Sharp?” Ashlyn asked, glancing at the open door.

“Yeah,” I said, my cheeks heating.

“What was he doing here?”

“Um—” I began.

“I asked him to help me with something,” Ms. Heather filled in, and I shot her a grateful look.

Ashlyn hopped up as her tablet chimed. “Oh, dang it. I need to go back to class. I ate before I came over here. I hope you don’t mind. Are you going to still be here after classes are over?”

I looked to Ms. Heather for the answer I didn’t know.

“If she’s feeling okay, she’s welcome to rest in her room,” Ms. Heather told Ashlyn with a smile.

Ashlyn looked to me for my verdict.

“Yeah. That would be nice. I think I will go back to my room.” Maybe I could sort through this mess of thoughts before school let out for the day.

Ms. Heather nodded, and Ashlyn clapped her hands. “Okay, I’ll be in to check on you as soon as I’m off. Ping me if you want me to bring you anything. Even if school isn’t out yet.”

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