the whole taking tests and writing papers thing had basically started to feel like ancient history—something I was unlikely to ever revisit again. Adding magic into the mix only made things harder.
The guys cram intensely during the entire week before exams and then sleep for pretty much two days straight once their finals are finished. I video chat with Maddy about her finals and tell her about the bird—I don’t want to, because I don’t want to worry her, but she has a right to know. I want to be honest with her and not keep her in the dark, although I downplay some of the more terrifying details.
It’s decided that Mads and I will go back to Roman’s massive family home for winter break. Last winter, I went and stayed with her in her dorm at Neptune Academy, but this is way better. It’s an actual home.
Asher can’t stay the whole time with us—his family is close, and they’ll all be gathering together for the holiday—but he wants to be there for at least part of it. Cam and Dmitri immediately declare that they’re coming too.
“Is that okay?” I ask Roman on the last day of finals, a little worried I might’ve extended an invitation that wasn’t mine to give.
“A few more people to do the dishes?” He glances toward the closed door of his classroom before tugging me into his arms and pressing a kiss to my lips. “And you in my home? I can’t think of a single thing wrong with that.”
Going back to Roman’s house proves to be relaxing in a way I didn’t expect. I get to lounge around and goof off like I haven’t done in years. I had to become the adult after Mom died; and even before she passed away, I stepped up to take care of things as she got sicker and sicker.
But here—I’m not the only grownup. Roman’s in charge of the house, but the other guys help out too. It’s not all on my shoulders, and it’s such a relief.
Maddy seems to really like it here too, which makes me glad. She gets along well with the guys. Asher makes jokes about how he’s always wanted to be the older sibling for once, and Cam makes Maddy laugh so hard milk comes out her nose. Dmitri teaches her how to fight and talks very seriously with her about her school’s social politics, and Roman talks to her about her plans post-academy and recommends jobs.
I know I’m probably going to be fine, but if something were to happen to me… I’ve always worried, you know? What if I got jumped on the way home from the bar or got hit by a bus or something, and Maddy was left alone? And these days, my life only seems to be getting more and more dangerous.
But I’m starting to feel like Mads wouldn’t be truly alone—like there are others who care about her and would take care of her if I was gone.
After about a week in the house, I decide it’s probably time to cut the crap and have an official talk with the guys about what we all are together, to each other. Asher will be heading to San Francisco to see his family soon, and I want to do this while they’re all here.
Maddy’s upstairs on the phone with some friends, gossiping about which couples broke up over break and the latest TV shows and stuff, so it’s the perfect opportunity. The guys are all in the kitchen, and I pass through the living room… and pause.
I haven’t really spent a lot of time exploring the house. We were all too busy getting settled in the first week, and besides, I don’t like to pry. But on the mantelpiece sits a small photo in a frame, and my gaze catches on it.
I pick it up. It’s of a young Roman, I think. It must be. He’s a small kid though, about five years old, and he’s standing with an older girl who has dark hair and blue eyes, a brighter blue than Roman’s. The girl looks like she might be ten or so. Standing behind them are two adults, also with dark hair, one with brown eyes and one with blue. The woman has Roman’s face shape, but neither of them have his nose—which makes sense, seeing as I’m ninety percent sure his nose was broken at some point.