Page 26 of Harbinger

And, yeah, it was fucking unsettling.

When I didn’t understand something, I didn’t run or hide from it, I investigated and explored until I had it figured out.

That was exactly what I planned to do with her, beyond the experimental aspect of testing out my unique ability with her.

My phone buzzed in the pocket of my hard leather black trench coat, and I pulled it out to find a text from Nyx. Because of the closeness of our friendship, we technically had the ability to mind-link, but he didn’t like doing that too much. He worried that he’d lose control of his Incubus allure while inside somebody else’s mind and accidentally influence them, or even harm them.

Nyx:Where are you? I thought we agreed we’d unpack together before classes start tomorrow?

For the last three years, we’d had separate dorm rooms, but for this last year, I’d agreed to share a double suite with his insistence that it was our last chance forcloseness before everything changed forevermore.Yeah, he could be unduly dramatic. And overly emotional. Fortunately, that slammed up against my stoicism, and struck a good balance between us.

Kai:Be there in thirty. Running an errand.

Nyx:Thirty? So you took the car?

Normally, I’d merely teleport. Hell, I used my abilities at any given opportunity.

But with coming here to my secret lab, I hadn’t wanted to risk any of the authority figures—or nosey students—at Maven Academy tracking my teleportation path. So, I’d brought my car instead. I was thankful for that now, because it meant I’d be able to use the soothing drive back and doing things the rare mundane way, to try to re-center myself through the whole Ariana mind-fuck of it all.

If that failed to work, then I’d have to perform a Ruminat.

It was a special type of meditation that magic-wielders practiced in order to restore clarity of mind and control, especially during times of emotional upheaval or stress.

Kai:I did. See you soon.

Nyx:Fine. They’ve opened up the Cafeteria already, so I’ll hit the Dessert Station and grab you something for when you get back. Sounds like you’re stressed. Desserts always help you. Cool?

Kai:Sounds perfect, sweetheart.

I smiled to myself and pocketed my phone.

I took one look back at my failed experiment, grimaced at the fucking thing, then headed on out of the caves.

The short drivethrough the backroads toward Maven Academy was like a dream in my sleek, matte-black Audi. Every turn was smooth and fucking perfect, my surroundings rushing by in a blur was so soothing it was almost meditative, really.

A heavy mist enveloped the car as I reached the turnoff to the dirt pathway that led all the way to the gates of the Academy. Themistwas a protective magical shield that essentially guarded against humans entering the areaorbeing able to view the mammoth structure itself.

As I made the turn, enchanted lanterns lined the pathway leading toward the wrought iron gates that I could make out in the distance.

The main Academy building towered like a stunning modern masterpiece, its dark, twisting spires stabbing toward the sky. It possessed a sleek, black stone façade that glittered from the magic humming through its walls. The front face was also carved with ancient sigils—a nod to our supernatural heritage.

There was a circular fountain in the center of the courtyard, color-changing water rippling across the surface.

Above it all, loomed a clock tower with skeletal hands constantly ticking. Massive stained glass windows added another distinctive element, depicting old Guardian Movement battles, and revered magical beings.

It was quite the sight to behold.

The gates opened as I approached. They were enchanted and had the ability to register the identity of all students and faculty.

I’d just passed on through when the screeching of tires behind me drew my attention.

In the next second, another vehicle tore right past me, driving like the owner was on a suicide mission, and cutting me off so dangerously, that it almost collided with my Audi.

I smashed my hand into my horn, the sound blaring out through the courtyard, as I glared at the vehicle shooting on by and headed for one of the parking lots.

It was a crimson muscle car with gold flames painted on the hood, a Dodge Challenger.

Well, so much for me calming and centering myself.

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