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“I guess you didn’t have as much to change as I did.”
I furrowed my brow. “What do you mean?”
Chloe grabbed another crystal and spun it around in her hands. “I didn’t change because we broke the curse. I mean, I guess that was part of it. I don’t feel so angry anymore. My emotions aren’t as intense, you know? But…”
She sighed. “I’m changing because of you, Nadine.”
“Me?” She couldn’t be serious.
Chloe shrugged. “You showed me that things could be different, that you and I could work together, even if we were enemies. I realized I’d gotten so wrapped up in my pride that I forgot what was important. I’ve had to shift an entire identity. I’m still working on it. Sometimes I don’t know who I am anymore.”
This seemed really hard for her to admit, and I actually felt for her.
“I believe people can change, and you’re proof of that,” I told her.
She offered a kind smile. “Thanks. I’m really trying. All I ever wanted was to protect the coven, but I saw what I’d become if I kept going down the path I was headed.”
“You’d become your grandmother?” I joked.
Chloe laughed. “Yes, and that’s the last thing I ever want to do. It’s hard figuring out who I really am, but I think it’ll be worth it in the end.”
“You should be proud of yourself. You’ve come a long way.”
She drew a deep breath. “And I have a long way to go. But thank you.”
“I think it gets easier with time,” I added.
Chloe nodded. “In some ways.”
“I’m glad we’re figuring things out,” I told her honestly. “It gives me hope for the rest of the coven.”
Chloe nudged me playfully. “Look at us, agreeing on shit.”
I laughed. “Strange, isn’t it?”
“Ah, but we’re witches,” Chloe said. “Strange is kind of our thing.”
I held up another crystal. “Want to try some more strange shit?”
She beamed. “Absolutely.”
We continued charging up crystals, until Chloe felt her magic draining. I didn’t want to siphon everything at once, so I suggested we stop for the day and continue once her magic had recharged.
By the time we left the Gravestone, I felt really relaxed around Chloe. Hell, maybe we were becoming friends.
I went to the Lounge, where Lucas and I had planned to meet for dinner. He took my hand, and my gaze traveled down to his enchanted bracelet. Each student had one, as they were keys to our dorms.
We had retrieved Professor Ward’s bracelet like she instructed. We’d shared the beads amongst our friends and added them to our school bracelets. I couldn’t even tell which one was the protection bead, which would protect The Coven’s Shield from ethereal spies. No one would ever guess we had them.
“I need a Calming Cappuccino,” Lucas said, gesturing toward the Lounge’s restaurant. “It’s been a busy week. I didn’t realize how much time Professor Warren’s internship would take up. Do you want anything?”
“Absolutely. I’ve been craving Barry’s Enchanted Muffins,” I said.
We headed to the counter. Isa and Oliver both meowed loudly, until we ordered them treats. When we turned to find a table, we spotted Grant and Talia near the doors, waving us over. They shared a worried look, and my guts twisted. I instantly knew something was wrong. I subconjured my box of muffins, and we slipped out into the hall to follow them.
“Are you guys all right?” I asked.
Grant glanced around, but no one was close enough to hear. “I assume you haven’t read the paper today?”
