Raven is still pale when the room finally settles. Emily has shifted back. Noah hasn’t let go of her hand. Grace is watching her like she’s afraid she’ll shatter. And I know what comes next. Training. Truth. Responsibility. The things I failed to give Delaney in time.
I clear my throat. “Raven… we’ll start your training in the morning.”
Her eyes snap to mine. “Tomorrow? Why not now?”
Because she’s exhausted. Because she’s overwhelmed. Because she’s one breath away from another magical surge. But I keep my voice calm. “Because you need rest. And because we need to keep up appearances. You still have school. You still have a life outside of this.”
She frowns. “So… what? I’m supposed to pretend everything is normal?”
“Yes,” I say gently. “For now. You’ll train before and after school. Ev
