We cram into my locker, just as we did a few months back when we were trying to fix Ashley’s spaniel baku Jupiter. River jumps up to perch on my desk, sitting cross-legged.

“Hey, Lacey!” Zora appears a split second after them and hesitates for a second as she takes everyone in.

“Hey!” I leap to my feet. “These are my teammates from Profectus—River and his baku Lizard, Kai and Oka, and Ashley and Jupiter. Everyone, this is my best friend, Zora, and Linus.”

She lifts her hand in a small wave. Linus wiggles forward, and there’s a flurry of activity from the bakus as they share information with each other.

“Zora! I’ve heard so much about you,” says Ashley, who swoops over to give her a hug and bring her in. Ashley’s warmth helps offset Zora’s initial shyness, and it’s not long before the two of them are chatting away.

Once Zora sits down at my desk in front of the old computer, she casts a glance my way. She tucks one of her long braids into the corner of her mouth, where she sucks at it anxiously. She knows what I’m about to tell them. I have to wait for Tobias to arrive, though.

“Up to anything over the Christmas vacation, Lacey?” asks Ashley with a smile. A bow decorated with holly and ivy is wrapped around Jupiter’s neck.

I shrug, unsure how to answer her question. Since Mom has been updated, I know Christmas is not going to be the same.

“Want to come shopping with me tonight?” she asks. “The mall is going to be open late.”

“I just can’t wait for it to be vacation,” says River. “Feels like we’ve been at school for years. The month after baku battles has gone sooo slowly.” Then he shrugs with a wry smile. “I guess, except for you, Lacey. You’ve been in a coma for most of it.”

“River!” says Ashley as I wince.

“Thanks for the invite, Ashley but I don’t think I can come to the mall,” I say. “Once Toby is here, I’ll explain everything.”

We chat for a few more minutes, before my ears pick up the sound of the elevator door ping. Tobias is finally here. He drags his beanie off his head, shaking the snow off his woolen hat. Little snowflakes stick to his dark skin, melting into tiny drips of water. He wipes his hand across his brow and grins at me.

Is it possible for someone to be any cuter?

“Sorry I’m late.” He steps into the locker and closes it behind him. As he turns, he spots Zora. “Oh, hey. I’m Tobias,” he says.

“I know who you are,” Zora says while wiggling her eyebrows.

The burst of laughter that follows breaks the tension, and my heart warms to have all my friends in the same room.