Page 54 of Bizarre Bonds
As we reach the door, our sorcerer catches my gaze. “You shouldn’t have to worry about your safety, Peri. You won’t be attending classes, and Rollick arranged for you to stay in one of the outbuildings rather than the dorms for the one night we’re here, if you want to rest. You need a break after everything you’ve been through. Try to enjoy that and the promotion—that’s why he arranged for us to come.”
Another decision that confused me, not that I’d tell the demon that to his face. Once Rollick heard all our reports, heshipped us back to the academy for the day even though Viscera is still on the loose.
Then again, I’ve already shown I couldn’t rein her in when it mattered. How much good was I doing in the city? Rollick has the shadowbloods to pitch in, and Sorsha and her crew are on their way.
The demon seems to appreciate the little bits I have contributed, though. He’s sent word ahead, even faster than his jet.
When we step into the air-conditioned chill of the school hallway, Shanty is waiting for us. Well, mostly for me. She offers a warmer smile than I’m used to and motions for me to follow her.
The men trail behind me into the administration meeting room. The other shadowkind who run the school—other than Rollick—stand behind the curved table.
Jonah starts to step toward the curving desk and catches himself with a hitch of his stride. A sharper jab of bitterness careens from him into me.
He doesn’t belong beside the others now. Will Rollick take him back as part of the administrative staff when this mess is over?
I guess that’s hard to say when we don’t even know if the messwillbe over… ever.
The unnerving thought knots my stomach, but the figures behind the table all look pleased—or at least only mildly disinterested. They stand up to greet us with nods of their heads, Pearl bobbing eagerly on her feet. Albumin’s expression is bored, but Gnash’s typically fierce expression has softened. Toni is smiling.
Shanty pulls a container the size and shape of a ring box from her pocket.
This had better not be a surprise marriage proposal. I’m already bonded enough for four lifetimes.
“We’re not going to get into a lot of fanfare about this, but we hope you’ll still consider it an honor,” she says. “Periwinkle, you’re the first student to receive a promotion to the next level of the academy whilenotattending classes. We judge that your control of your powers and determination to help in the field make you worthy of graduating to level 2. Keep it up, and you’ll ascend to the upper levels in no time.”
She opens the box to reveal a new badge, marked with a two.
I expected that. I wasn’t prepared to see that the circle indicating I’m a danger to my fellow students is gone.
My heart skips a beat. All at once, I feel like crying and also laughing, which would probably result in a lot of sprayed snot, so I contain both impulses.
“Thank you.” My voice comes out too quiet. I look around at the other administrators and pitch it louder in the most grateful tone I can summon. “Thank you! I’ll keep trying my best.”
They offer a round of applause—polite from some, wildly enthusiastic with a couple of whoops thrown in from Pearl—while Shanty pins the badge just below the neckline of my dress. I look down at it, still caught in the same contradictory whirl of emotions.
“What about the rest of the team?” I have to ask. “They’ve all been working hard too.”
Shanty sets her hand on my shoulder. “They have, but Rollick feels you’ve gone above and beyond what anyone would have expected. I’m sure the others will be receiving new badges before much longer. For now, celebrate the progress you’ve made!”
It is hard to believe that just a couple of months ago, I was on the verge of being banished. A smile touches my lips as the full realization hits me.
I’m moving up in the school. I’m proving that I can fit in with regular society, that I won’t hurt people anymore.
I’m even helping stop the beings thatarestill hurting people, however little I’m accomplishing there. Every tiny sprinkle makes a cake more delicious.
Raze grabs me in an emphatic embrace, but to my surprise, it’s Hail who speaks up first. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t deserve it, Cream Puff. I knowIdon’t.”
Mirage jumps in as if to join the hug but instead only coils a strand of my hair around his finger with a teasing tug. “Our Rainbow lights up every place she goes.”
“All right,” Al says in a bland tone, sinking back in his chair. “We have other work to take care of. You can go off to enjoy… whatever pastimes you’re inclined to indulge in.”
Jonah tilts his head toward the door. “Come on, team.”
For just that moment, his voice sounds more spirited. But when we’re in the hall, his expression has darkened again.
“You have the rest of the day and night as free time. We’ll head back to the city in the morning. You’re welcome to grab some food in the cafeteria—although Peri, I think you should let someone else bring you a meal, just to be safe.”
Raze draws himself up to an even more imposing height. “I can do that. I’ll get you everything that looks good and come right back to wherever you are.”
