Shaking my head, I pack up my telescope and head back inside, the dogs trotting behind me as if I’m going to invite them in. I can’t decide if I’m pissed off or grateful they interrupted my conversation with Shy. All I know is that Shy showing up here, past curfew, and disappearing just as quickly leaves me with more questions than ever.

Chapter Thirteen

Shy and the Council

Natalie and I spend the next few days searching for Vera and staking out Anora’s house, only to find it more boring than patrolling Nacoma Knight. Natalie was beyond pissed that I risked discovery by changing to my human form while Anora was stargazing. But the strange connection between us compelled me to talk to her in the same way that it draws me to her whenever we’re at school. I should be worried about what it means and be more mistrustful of her, but I’m not. Natalie thinks I’m a fool and Anora is putting on a show.

“She doesn’t want to draw attention to herself,” Natalie argues.

“You’re grasping at straws.”

“I know she’s not who she says she is.”

“You can’t keep saying that without substantial evidence.”

And we have none. The hellhounds have camped outside her house, but they don’t do anything but sleep—something I make sure to include in my reports to Elite Cain at the end of every patrol. Whatever they’re doing with Anora, she doesn’t seem to be actively causing it.

“I have evidence.” Natalie tries to repress a smile, and I hate that she has something to be smug about. “Your girlfriend’s going by her middle name. According to her forwarded mail, her first name is Lyra.”

I should have known Natalie would take the liberty of investigating Anora on her own. She’s hoping to prove me wrong and beat me to uncovering some earth-shattering truth about the new girl.

“First, she’s not my girlfriend. Second, you went through her mail? Isn’t that a federal offense?”

Natalie shrugs. “Only if you open it.”

“A lot of people go by their middle name, Nat. It doesn’t mean anything.” Her eyes narrow. “Besides, you’re supposed to be looking for evidence she’s practicing the occult.”

“It’s not just her name, Shy. The school she claims to come from has no record of her enrollment. You don’t find that strange?”

Sure, I find it strange, and I’m curious as hell about the truth, and while lying about where you’re from is weird, it doesn’t actually break our laws.

“No matter what reason Anora has for being here, it’s not our concern unless she starts practicing the occult.”