I covered my face with my hands, squeezing my eyes shut, wishing I could block out everything.
Werewolves, part-time jobs, that nightmare called Vivienne-God, I’d give anything for them to just vanish from my life.
Before God could grant my wishes, though, Evelyn was back, bursting through the door.
“Seraph!” She rushed to my side, eyes wide. “Are you okay? I saw your post in the Facebook group. Holy crap, that was badass!”
“I’ve never seen anyone call that witch out like that before!”
I managed a weak smile. “Don’t get too excited. It’s over. They shut the whole group down.”
“Seriously? She could do that?” Evelyn’s jaw dropped.
She placed a package in front of me, the concern evident in her eyes. “I figured you might be feeling down, so I brought you some cake.”
True to Evelyn’s environmental principles, she’d packed it in a biodegradable box instead of plastic. The cake had partially melted, soaking through the paper container.
I couldn’t have cared less.
Inside was a durian mille crepe. I carefully transferred it to a plate and pushed half toward Evelyn.
Between bites, she asked, “So after today’s showdown, Vivienne won’t be sending her little spies to take photos of you anymore, right?”
“God, I hope not,” I nodded. “I think she’s too scared now.”
If Vivienne still tried anything after this, I’d have to give her credit for her audacity.
The whole thing felt surreal-strangers turning out to be paparazzi, lurking in corners to snap photos without my knowledge. Like I was some D-list celebrity being stalked.
But maybe now it was over.
Maybe I could finally breathe.
Evelyn and I drank and talked late into the night, and for the first time in forever, the knot in my chest loosened. One battle won. I didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but I knew I wouldn’t go down without a fight.
That night, I slept for ten blissful, uninterrupted hours, not stirring until ten the next morning.
When I checked my phone, I saw a text from Briar:
“Seraphina, you’re coming in for the part-time job interview today, right?”
I needed the money, but getting involved with him? Hard pass.
Then I noticed Magnus had also messaged me:
“Seraphina, I found a part-time job that’s perfect for you. Can you come over? I’d like to talk to you about it.”
Magnus had found something already? That was fast.
Unlike Kael, Magnus felt… reliable. Trustworthy.
“Sure, Magnus. How about we have lunch and discuss it in detail?”
” Of course. Can you come to my apartment? I’d like to cook for you.”
“Okay.”
With that settled, I texted Briar back:
“Sorry, I’ve thought it over and don’t think the position is right for me.”
Once that was done, I started getting ready.
I pulled a light pink dress from my closet-an unusual choice for me. My wardrobe was mostly black, white, and gray, with occasional blues or greens. But today, pink felt right.
I let my hair flow freely down my back and went for subtle makeup-the kind that looks like you’re wearing none at all while somehow making everything better.
Honestly, I liked what I saw in the mirror. Gentle. Mature. Elegant.
Why was I dressing up? The memory of our day at the library flashed through my mind-studying together, eating together, running through the rain. In his car, when we nearly…
My heartbeat quickened, cheeks warming. Was this attraction? Something else?
I grabbed some desserts from a bakery on my way over. Magnus answered the door immediately.
His eyes widened, warmth flooding his expression. “Oh, Seraphina, you look beautiful today.”
The admiration in his gaze made my pulse jump. My ears burned, and I couldn’t quite meet his eyes.
“I brought macarons and cupcakes on the way,” I mumbled. “For dessert.”
“Thank you,” he said warmly. “That’s thoughtful of you. Come in-food’s ready.”
When I saw the spread on the dining table, I couldn’t hide my surprise. “This looks amazing!”
He’d even made mac and cheese-my favorite.
It struck me how he always prepared things I loved, making me feel seen and valued.
I also noticed everything was properly cooked, unlike before when his food had been practically raw.
“Not into raw food anymore?” I asked curiously.
Magnus shrugged. “Yeah, I’ve been getting used to cooked meals. They’re actually pretty good.”
His answer surprised me. Can an adult’s preferences really change that quickly?
“It’s definitely delicious,” he added.
My steak was cooked exactly how I liked it. Magnus’s was rarer, but not bloody like before.
When he caught me looking, he smiled. “Surprised by my changing taste?”
I nodded.
“After trying it a few times, I realized it’s not bad.”
It made sense, but still felt odd. And why did he feel the need to explain?
As we ate, Magnus brought up the job. “About that part-time work-would you be interested in something right in this university?”
“In this university? That’d be perfect. No commute.”
“Our medical lab needs cleaning, but not from regular staff. I need someone more specialized.” He met my eyes. “I thought of you immediately.”
“The medical lab?”
“Yes. Since you’re in animal science, you’re used to lab environments. You’re not squeamish about specimens, are you?”
I knew the medical lab would have human specimens-people who’d donated their bodies to science. I respected that deeply.
I wasn’t scared, exactly, but could I really do this?