Page 81 of Ghost
“Metal,” I responded. “And people like me are Wood. Which is controlled by Metal. You’ve said that before, but I don’t understand what it means. You never explained it.”
Miles’ finger fell. “That is true.”
“So what does it mean?” I asked.
“In the supporting cycle, Titus gains his strength from me,” Miles explained. “The magic of Earth elementals affect a shifter’s ability to transform. In a controlling cycle, Damen can stop Titus. Shifters are stronger than regular humans. But their animal counterparts make them weak to the control of otherworldly beings.”
I didn’t understand how.
He must have noticed my confusion. “Animals are more sensitive certain types of spirits, and are prone to possession. Shikigami, in particular, terrify animals. And a shikigami survives on human energy. So they are drawn to humans with, as they see it, an animal weakness.”
Miles was still not addressing my biggest concern. “So… what about me being eaten?” Not being eaten was quite high on my list of priorities.
“Shifters will target mediums and those with related abilities,” Miles continued. “It does not matter if the shifter is a predator or prey type, in the circle of life all living things need plants to survive.”
“So… a deer is going to eat me?” This was worse than being eaten by a wolf. At least a wolf had sharp teeth and claws—death would come quickly. A deer would spend forever trying to gnaw through a limb.
“No, of course not.” Miles frowned at my interruption. “A prey shifter won’t eat you—you’re flesh and blood. A shifter retains the habits of their animal counterparts. But there are ways for a Metal type to control a Wood type’s energy that doesn’t involve digestion. But…”
He paused, rubbing the back of his head. “It’s unlikely to happen here on campus, I will admit. I’m sorry for overreacting, I’m only reminding myself of this too. We’re a bit high strung, and still trying to figure out things in regard to you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Montrone, for admitting that I won’t kill her.” Ms. Protean stood in her doorway, hands on her cane as she frowned at Miles. “I’ve gone forty years as a professor without killing a student. I’m not about to break my streak, not even for such a tasty-smelling morsel.”
Miles had frozen when Ms. Protean revealed herself. But relaxed as she spoke.
“I know,” he grinned sheepishly. “I’m sorry.”
“And don’t talk about such things outside my office.” She still frowned at him. “It’s quite rude.”
“Sorry,” Miles apologized again, still looking guilty.
“And I’m adding ten more pages to your assignment,” Ms. Protean finished. “That should suffice as punishment.”
“Aw…” Miles’ arm fell, his face sad. The dejected look on his face twisted at my insides.
“It’s an appropriate punishment for your crime. You should know better than to stalk a woman, Mr. Montrone.” Ms. Protean didn’t sound affected by his puppy dog face. “That is a jailable offense. You’ve gotten off lightly this time.”
I glanced at her in surprise—she was punishing him for following me? I thought it was because he had been gossiping. This was a rather sweet thing of her.
Miles’ face turned red. “I wasn’t stalking her! Jin told me that she was with you!”
“I see,” she mused, tilting her head. “I suppose it’s a coincidence that Mr. Watanabe skipped his three o’clock class to sit at Starbucks. You do know that he is terrible at subterfuge?”
Miles seemed unable to respond.
Meanwhile, I wondered what she was talking about? The man who stared at me? How did I not realize he was reporting my movements, I was normally so observant.
“Now, if you please.” Ms. Protean turned back toward her office. “Run along now. I have papers to grade, and assignments to delegate. Keep her out of trouble, Mr. Montrone. She’s sneaky and too curious for her own good. She’ll end up getting hurt.”
Miles’ expression cleared instantly. “What?”
But it was too late, she had already returned to her office and closed the door behind her.
“What,” Miles repeated, his tone hushed as he led me down the hallway and toward the exit. “What is she talking about, Bianca?”
After I had given Miles a rundown of what Ms. Protean and I had discussed, he insisted on dragging me everywhere with him. At first, he wanted to barricade us inside Damen’s house. But I vetoed that idea.
We had a mystery to solve. And outside of that, dolphins everywhere depended on Miles’ ability to keep his scholarship.
