Page 41 of Mantle

He and Vorzyr high-fived excitedly and I giggled. I caught Kai’s eye and he started chuckling, liking the revelry, actually sinking into it more than he normally would.

“What about you, Kai?” Mom asked.

“Me?” Kai responded.

“It’s your last year at Maven Academy, too. What are your plans? Your reaction to the Coven seems like you’re not happy about what’s been laid out for you.”

All eyes were on him in a second.

I grimaced.Shit.

At Kai’s hesitation, Mom told him, “I know what it’s like to be forced onto a path you didn’t choose for yourself, to be told you must be something that doesn’t mesh at all with who you really are. So, rest assured, despite my close relationship with the covens and your parents, it’s not my intention to reprimand you, nor report your disillusionment with the path laid out for you.”

“I appreciate that.”

“She can help you,” Pops told him.

“I can’t ask that of you,” Kai told Mom. “Given your role, it would put you in an awkward position and possibly even compromise diplomatic relations between the Guardian Movement and the covens.”

“I wouldn’t be bringing this up if I didn’t believe the fallout could be dealt with,” Mom assured him.

“Thank you. I do appreciate it. But I’m seeing to it. There’s nothing to worry about.”

Therewas.

There was a lot to worry about.

But none of them knew the truth there.

“He’ll be fine,” I told Mom, needing to take the heat off Kai, because he didn’t do well with this subject matter. I was actually surprised he’d kept it together this long.

“Yeah,” Nyx spoke up. “Kai Hunter can talk his way out of anything.”

It wasn’t true in this case, but Nyx sold it.

“I’mgoing to stay in this realm,” Vorzyr spoke up, intentionally diverting attention to him and off Kai.

Everyone frowned, looking surprised.

Especially Dad. “You’re heir to House Titanus.”

“I need some time to figure out my greater power and how it meshes with the beast. Just like we talked about outside.”

“I think that’s admirable. Work on your stability before even considering returning as heir. It’s a responsible move for you and your kingdom.”

“I thought so, yeah.”

“You’re going to help him?” I asked Dad.Thatwas why they’d been thick as thieves walking in here?

“I am,” he confirmed.

Amazing. “Good,” I said, smiling at him. “He deserves it,” I told him pointedly.

“Yeah, I’m getting that, baby girl. And I should have gotten it sooner.”

Yes, he should have. “The important thing is that you’re there now.”

Papa sat forward and eyed me. “You were considering your own future role after your tour of the Guardian Movement. Is that still the case?”

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