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“I’d watch my back if I were you,” he said, before returning to his desk.
I knew it was my cue to leave, and I backed out of the room slowly. Oliver followed, never taking his eyes off Professor Leto. It wasn’t until I was out of the room that I finally turned and bolted down the hall. I glanced behind myself when I turned the corner, but the hall was empty. I relaxed and slowed my step.
I found Nadine waiting for me in the Main Foyer. Her eyes lit up when she saw me.
“Ready for lunch?” I asked as I took her hand. Her touch helped me forget about Leto. Goddess knew I didn’t need to be worrying about him, not unless there was something I could do about it.
Nadine glanced toward the cafeteria. “Actually, I had a better idea. Want to go to the Cat-fé?”
“Always,” I told her.
Nadine kept her voice low as we headed across campus. When we arrived at the Cat-fé, it was almost empty, which was odd for this time of day. Darcy and Onyx sat at a table near the window. It sounded like they were discussing their Alchemy classes, but they were the only people here.
Even the cats seemed to notice the tense atmosphere. Most of the cats lounged, rather than playing with the toys in the corner. Isa and Oliver kept close to our side.
Nadine and I approached the counter. Kenna Farlane—a Seer from my Intercast Magic class—stood behind the counter, arranging fresh cupcakes in one of the displays. She stopped when we approached, and she wiped her hands on her apron.
“Lucas, Nadine,” she greeted kindly. “How can I help you?”
Nadine looked around the café. “Is everything… all right here?”
Kenna dropped her gaze. “People hardly come in anymore. It’s too small and gets easily crowded. They don’t want to be by the other Casts.”
Nadine’s jaw dropped. “That’s ridiculous! I’d face the other Casts any day for your famous cupcakes.”
Kenna giggled. “In that case, have one on the house.”
She pulled two cupcakes from the display and slid them across the counter. One had multi-colored frosting with star sprinkles, and the other was made to look like a cat. They looked too beautiful to eat.
“Thanks, Kenna,” I said. “But at least let us tip you.”
“It’s fine, really,” she insisted. “I just want to know what you think.”
Nadine picked up the one with the stars. She took a bite, and her shoulders sagged in delight. “Oh, my goddess! They’re amazing.”
“You think?” Kenna sounded excited. “I’m trying to get better by April.”
“That’s right! You have that baking competition in Paris coming up.” I remembered she’d mentioned it in my Intercast Magic class last semester.
She nodded. “I know it’s months away, but I’m really excited.”
Nadine swallowed another bite of cupcake. “You’ll win for sure.”
Kenna pushed her hair behind her ear. “Thanks. Is there anything else I can get you?”
“Actually, we’re looking for Hector,” Nadine said.
“He’s in the middle of a batch of croissants, but you can go to the kitchen. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind,” Kenna offered.
I finished off my cupcake, then headed to the kitchen with Nadine. Hector looked up from his dough when we entered, and he instantly stiffened.
“Priestess,” he said, his hands trembling.
“It’s okay,” Nadine assured him kindly. “I’m not here for the Imperium Council. I’m here to help you.”
Hector’s bottom lip quivered, and he broke down into sobs. “I don’t know what to do anymore, Priestess.”
I hurried to his side and placed a comforting hand on his back. “We’re going to get you the help you need. Why don’t you tell us what’s going on?”
