the puzzle. I had to get to the bottom of why I glowed, and I couldn’t do it on my own.
It was time to reach out to some of the people who claimed to be able to glow as I did. It was time to put my mind to figuring this shit out.
“We need to go to Japan,” I announced.
Tyler stopped midsentence to turn to me. His cheeks were a little rosy; the wine was probably getting to him. “Sorry?”
I cleared my throat and raised my voice. “We need to go to Japan. I need to speak to Mr. Takata’s grandmother myself. And, Charlie, I need help determining which of those messages I’ve been receiving are legit and safe to reply to.”
“Done.” Charlie nodded, not hesitating or questioning me at all. Most likely he’d secretly already started looking into it.
When I looked across the table, Josh had a little smirk pulling at the corner of his lips, his knowing eyes full of pride.
Twenty-One
As usual I lost track of time at the library. It was nearly dusk when I emerged, but when I checked my phone, I was relieved to see I hadn’t missed any calls—Tyler must still be in his office working late.
My security detail for the day was a young guy with brown hair and a baby face. He’d reluctantly told me his name early in the day and then resisted any further attempts at conversation, insisting on remaining one step behind me wherever I went. That’s exactly what he continued to do as I turned my steps toward the admin building.
I hefted my heavy bag higher on my shoulder. The agent didn’t offer to help carry anything, and checking out that last book had probably been a mistake. With a statistics assignment due just before we took off for Japan next week, I wouldn’t have time to read about the emergence of technology-related Variant abilities anyway. My yawn turned into a groan and my steps slowed. Despite the sun setting, the temperature remained high and sticky. At least with summer in full swing, there weren’t as many people on campus. I’d almost had the library to myself.
The lights lining the leafy walking path came on. Dusk was beginning to cast a quiet gray light over everything, throwing twisted shadows from the tall trees.
As I made my way past the cafeteria—which was lit up brightly, bustling with students having their dinner—a couple came out, swinging their own bags over their shoulders. I flashed them a polite smile, but they were caught up in their conversation and didn’t see me.
The most direct way to the admin building was down another tree-lined path that cut through the grounds and weaved behind some of the residence halls. Readjusting my bag yet again, I threw the agent a withering look. He just stared at me, his face completely blank.
A few feet along the path, I noticed the couple from the cafeteria heading in the same direction. I could hear their chatter, the occasional light laugh. I looked over my shoulder, making sure they had enough room to pass us if they wanted to.
I made eye contact with the girl and gave her another smile. She was wearing a cute scarf with French Bulldogs all over it and a flowy dress. This time, there was no question she saw my smile, but she still didn’t return it. She just watched me with a slight frown as the guy continued to speak to her, his voice low. I faced forward and wrapped both hands around the strap of my bag.
What’s her problem? She was probably one of Ethan’s exes. They’d significantly backed off when it became known I was his Vital, but some of them were still salty.
I tried to put it out of my mind and think about the pasta waiting for me at home, but when their chatter turned to whispers and then complete silence, a cold chill shot down my spine. I attributed it to the sudden gust of wind, which made the branches above dance grotesquely, but still found my steps speeding up. My emotionless shadow matched my pace.
Any fatigue I’d been feeling was chased away by adrenaline. I looked at my agent again, letting my worry and uncertainty show. He kept his stern gaze fixed ahead and didn’t even meet my eye. I eyed his gun and told myself this was why he was here—to protect me if anyone tried anything—but the unsettling feeling wouldn’t go away.
All my senses were