“Sure, take it all. Hey! It’s my phone.” I grabbed the shiny smartphone out of the cup holder and immediately texted Simon to let him know we were on the way. Since I hadn’t talked to any of my friends from primary school all semester, I spent the next half an hour catching up with them on social media.
When we arrived at Simon’s school, I hopped out to greet him. I tapped my foot as Arnold and I waited outside The School of Prophecy and Revelation. Simon and I wrote weekly letters to each other, but that was different from getting to see and talk to your twin.
Simon stepped out of the doorway and my jaw dropped.
“Simon! You’ve grown.” When I’d gone to the Academy, we were the same height. Now my twin was at least two inches taller than me. He grinned and ran a hand through his hair.
“Yeah, I shot up a couple of inches.” As soon as he was close enough, I threw myself into his arms for a hug. I breathed him in. Now I was whole again.
“I can’t believe Dad didn’t tell me!”
“Oh, you know Dad. He probably didn’t even notice.”
We got back into the limo and introduced Simon to my friends. He shook hands with everyone.
“Are we waiting on any of your friends?” I asked. Simon shook his head.
“Nah. We get a whole week off, so most of them went home to their families. So Hudson, Sophie tells me you’re from the Dwayyo pack? Your territory includes part of the Appalachian Trail, right? Have you ever hiked it? Hiking the whole thing is on my bucket list. What’s the part that runs through your territory like?”
I studied my brother as he and Hudson traded stories about hiking and strange things they’d encountered in the woods. He was acting casual. Almost too casual. I pushed the thought aside. If something was wrong, he would tell me when he was ready.
We had lunch at the fancy restaurant my dad had organized for us and spent the day in one of the supernatural neighborhoods of New York. Supernaturals had always lived alongside humans with little pockets of their own. Gracie and other supernaturals who couldn’t hide their natures were able to walk freely in these places. We shopped and talked and found an ice cream parlor for dessert.
I didn’t realize how much I needed a day to relax. We were sitting in the ice cream parlor and I was watching Simon demonstrate the tarot card skills he’d been learning at school. He was telling Gracie her fortune.
“Okay. This is a new one I’m still learning. It’s called a Celtic cross. This card right here is—uh—about recent events. Let’s see it looks like it’s the Ace of Pentacles. Have you been especially happy or content lately?”
“Yeah, I have!”
“Well there you go. This card right here is what should happen should you stay on your current path. It’s strength! That’s a good sign. I think it means things will work out in your favor.”
“Hey! I like that.”
“Good. Keep in mind, though, I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing.” We all laughed. This was the perfect day. My friends and my brother had finally met and loved each other. It was nice hanging out with the immortals, but this was what mattered to me. These people right here. My dragon surged protectively within me.
“I know, girl,” I whispered. “We’ll keep them all safe.”
Too soon it was seven, and time to head back to school. Arnold dropped Hudson, Gracie, Willa, and I off at Animage Academy first since we had an earlier curfew. As we got out of the limo, I was tempted to stick my phone in my pocket and sneak it inside with me. Who would know, anyway?
“Arnold, would you take a picture of us?”
“Of course, Miss Sophie.” We all lined up in front of the derelict building and smiled.
“Will you ask Mom to print that photo and mail it to me, please?”
“As soon as she and your father return from their trip.”
“Thank you!” My friends said their goodbyes and left me alone with Simon. I hugged him again as fiercely as I could.
“Ouch! You’re stronger than you used to be.”
“Oh, sorry. Yeah, I am.” Up close Simon looked tired and sad.
“You sure everything is okay?” He nodded.
“It is.”
“Okay. I’ll see you soon for break.” He smiled and pulled me in for one more hug.
“Love you, Soph. Stay out of trouble.”
“Never.”
Once we made it back to the room, I sank into bed with a thankful sigh. The cover and pillows welcomed me with open arms and wrapped me up into heaven. My dragon shifted inside me. She hadn’t been let out today, but even she didn’t protest much as I closed my eyes and gave into sleep. As I drifted off, I was comforted by the fact that there was no class the next day so I could sleep as late as I wanted.
I woke without warning. My eyes flew open. A sense of humming filled my body. My dragon uncurled. She sensed danger. No, not danger. Distress. The feeling was new, but I recognized it immediately. It was like black spots on the edge of my consciousness. As tired as I was, it was like an electric buzz saw to my brain. In the darkness my eyes adjusted quickly. There was a figure at the foot of my bed. I jumped but my dragon was unconcerned. The next second I realized why. It was Willa.
“Oh, Willa, you just about gave me a heart attack.” I blew fire on the candle next to my bed to light it.
“Sorry,” she whispered. If it wasn’t for my range of sound, I wouldn’t have been able to hear her. “I wasn’t sure if I should wake you.” The tickle of distress was still there.
“Willa, what’s wrong?”
“I think I need help, but I’m not sure.”
“Willa,
