Chapter 78: Friends, Feasts, and Future Fears

Chapter 78: Friends, Feasts, and Future Fears

Avyanne pov

As I went outside of the castle, the night air felt cool against my skin. Stars sprinkled the sky, little pinpricks of light amid the immense darkness. I took long breaths, allowing the crisp air to fill my lungs. It felt nice. Clean. As if I were washing away the weight of the day. I had hardly gone far when I heard them. Whispers and chuckles were barely hidden by the hedges that flanked the walkway. I stopped and cocked my head to listen. "Shh! "She will hear us!" "Shut up, Brick." "Your whisper is louder than my usual voice." "Both of you, quiet!" I smiled despite myself. My pals. My silly but amazing friends. "You can come out now," I said. "Your stealth skills need work." A minute of quiet occurred.

There was a rustling of leaves. Raven came out first, her dark hair untamed and full of twigs. Zeke followed, feeling sheepish. Brick took up the rear, a big grin on his face. To my amazement, Jade was hiding behind them all,