I skidded to a stop, not believing what I was seeing. Female Wardens didn’t travel anywhere alone, especially hours away from their community. I hadn’t even seen Danika out by herself. But it had to be her. No one pulled off bright orange like she did. “Jada?” I whispered.

Giving me a half wave, she glanced at where Zayne stood behind me. “Hi.”

“What are you...?” I stepped forward into the room, realizing she wasn’t alone. Her boyfriend, Ty, stood in the corner. He gave me a wave, too. I scanned the rest of the room, expecting to find Thierry or Matthew stowed away in another corner, but no one else was in the room. Even though Ty was with her, it still didn’t make sense that either of them were here alone, but at that moment, I didn’t care. Jada was here.

I sprang forward, throwing my arms around her. Warden strong, she still stumbled back a good foot.

Jada laughed as she hugged me back, and the sound of bangles jangling was one I hadn’t even realized I missed.

“I can’t believe you’re here.”

“We can’t, either,” Jada said. “But when I heard that Zayne had...well, that he wasn’t with us any longer, there was no way I was letting you go through that by yourself.” She paused. “But I see he’s superalive.”

“He is. It’s a long story.”

“Dez filled us in,” Ty chimed in. “We’re still a little confused but I think that’s just gonna stay that way.”

“Why didn’t you text and tell me you were coming?”

“I was afraid you wouldn’t answer or tell me not to.”

I pulled back, stomach churning with guilt. “I’m sorry. I’ve been a shitty friend and—”

“Girl, it sucked. I wanted to be there for you when everything happened with Misha. I wanted you to be there for me, but you were closer to him than I was. I don’t know how I would’ve reacted.” She clasped my cheeks. “Also, I know how your brain works. You internalize everything and basically shut down. I just wasn’t going to let you do that this time.”

“You’re the best.” I hugged her again. “But I am sorry. It wasn’t just me who was grieving.”

“I accept your apology.” Jada’s voice was thick and muffled. “I already accepted your apology. That’s what friends do.”

Jada was right. As always. I still felt terrible, but that was the thing about real friends. You could misstep. You could go MIA, but you’d still be there. Both of you would be.

Pulling myself together, I leaned back. “Is Thierry or Matthew here? With Nicolai or something?”

“They’re not here.”

My mouth dropped open. “Your father let you guys come here?”