His mouth quirks in a half-smile, but his eyes remain dark, hungry. "I'll walk you to your room." He steps back, putting space between us, but his hand finds mine, fingers lacing together. "And I'll stay outside your door tonight. Make sure no one bothers you."

The simple gesture makes my heart ache more than the kiss. This connection between us, whatever it is, runs deeper than just physical attraction. And I know, no matter what dangers are coming for me, having Raith at my side means I won't face them alone.

"Okay," I say, squeezing his hand.

"I'm not going anywhere," he promises, and for the first time since arriving at Confluence, I almost believe I might survive this.

24

"Good," Rector Voss says. "Very good."

I exhale, the magic hovering above my hands dispersing into the air like morning mist over water.

Every time I channel, I'm reminded of the storm three years ago. The image of my father's hand briefly rising above the churning, black waters—reaching for a life that was already gone.

The guilt comes fresh and hot, burning like acid under my skin.

But this same power that stole everything from me is now my only path to redemption. As the energy flows through me, I feel the chains of fear falling away. For years, I've been terrified of what lurks within me—the destructive force that turned my mother and sister against me. I try to focus on the future instead of the past. A future where I might master this power, make amends, and maybe even protect others instead of destroying them.

The possibilities feel endless.

"Limitless except for keeping your quarters in reasonable order," Typhon grumbles through our bond. "With the meager possessions they allow you students, your ability to create absolute chaos is truly remarkable. Undergarments were hanging from above your window this morning. How does something such as this happen?"

"I don't recall asking for commentary from grumpy dragon grandpa," I shoot back silently.

"There are humans who would prostrate themselves before me. Who would sacrifice limbs for the chance to tether me. And you call me a 'grumpy dragon grandpa?' Insufferable, ungrateful..."

Despite his complaints, a current of warmth flows through our tether. Typhon may grumble, but he can't hide the emotions that pass between the tether. It makes his constant complaints and chiding feel amusing rather than obnoxious.

Thank the gods for that.

"Your control is improving," Typhon concedes. "For a fragile, insignificant human, at least."

Voss scribbles furiously on his parchment, leaving me in one of those painfully long silences that Typhon typically fills with unsolicited wisdom.

"The fact that you're too foolish to solicit my guidance doesn't diminish its value, angry human."

My lips twitch into a smile. I've grown accustomed to having him respond to every stray thought that crosses my mind. "My control may be improving like you say, but I'm still miles behind everyone else at Confluence."