Thornhill Academy (By Sheridan Hartin) novel Chapter 216

09:37 Thu, Jan 8 G

Thornhill Academy.

Before the Trap Was Sprung

Allison

Evander’s mother reaches Kael’s before anyone else can speak.

“Well,” Kael’s mum says, her face breaking into a wide grin, “if it isn’t Lysara Drayke.”

Lysara laughs and grips Marrow’s forearms instead of hugging her, their hands firm, familiar. “Still standing, Marrow Pierce. I was hoping you would be.”

“Someone has to keep the world from falling apart,” Marrow replies. “You’re late.”

“You’re early,” Lysara shoots back.

Evander’s father steps in next, nodding respectfully. “Marrow.”

“Tharos,” she answers, clasping his arm. “Good to see you breathing.”

He smiles faintly. “I make a habit of it.”

I watch the exchange closely. There’s no tension here, no careful politicking. Just ease and familiarity. Their friendship looks just as strong as Kael and

Evander’s. It’s a beautiful thing. I can picture them raising their boys together and having playdates with two fiery little boys. That thought alone does

strange things to my ovaries that I’ll never admit. Marrow turns then, eyes landing on Evander. She studies him for a moment, head tilting slightly.

“You’ve gotten bigger,” she says.

Evander huffs. “I grew up.”

“About time,” she replies, clapping his shoulder.

100

Vale steps closer, slate tucked under her arm, already reading the room. The rest of the Council Faction follows her lead, drifting in until the circle tightens. Cassian comes to stand beside me, close enough that our shoulders brush. I feel the quiet steadiness of him through the bond, the familiar alignment we’ve

practised settling into place without effort. Lysara’s gaze sweeps the group once, sharp and assessing.

“We need to adjust our strategies,” she says plainly. “And bring the hounds up to speed.”

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