Then she was gone too.
Leaving me alone in the gym with a cat-shaped familiar, five soul-bonded women who were probably planning their own interventions, and seventy-two hours to figure out how to survive a duel against one of the most dangerous prospects in the entire Academy.
Maki transformed back into human form.
Still wearing just my hoodie.
"Your friends are worried about you."
"They're not my friends."
"Liar."
"Everyone keeps saying that."
"Because you keep lying." She tilted her head. "But it's okay. I like you anyway."
"Gee. Thanks."
"You're welcome, Master."
She grabbed my hand.
Laced her fingers through mine with zero hesitation.
"Come on. Let's go eat. I'm starving. And you need protein if you're going to fight an S-Rank prodigy in three days."
"She's A-Rank."
"For now."
We headed upstairs together.
Maki still in human form, still wearing nothing but my hoodie, her bare legs drawing immediate attention from everyone in the common room.
