Page 126 of Alchemy of Souls

“My mother doesn’t work for you anymore,” I say. “I’m the Key Bearer now, and if there’s one thing in this world I’ll make sure of, it’s that. And let me be clear. What you did to my sister in that coffee shop willneverhappen again.”

I can feel Grayson grinning beside me. “Eloise outranks you, Naomi,” he says with too much joy. “Bya lot.”

“Preach,” Bas chimes in, and Naomi gives him a death glare. But for the first time she looks unsure, and I have to say that it’s satisfying when she glances away, not wanting to face me.

Instead, Naomi gives Grayson a withering look. “Unbelievable,” she breathes.

“No, what’s unbelievable is you knowing the truth and not caring,” Grayson says easily. “Because let’s be honest, I doubt seeing that video was the first time you learned about the Lawless.”

Naomi’s cheeks go red and her hands clench. People around us start whispering.

“Naomi—” Ivy starts.

“Shut up and stay out of it, Ivy,” Naomi snaps.

Grayson shakes his head. “It’s done, Naomi. You’re no longer top dog. And it’s not just Eloise. All those Lawless you’re so loath to accept? They have more magic than you. So, you better start rehearsing your apologies and hopetheyacceptyou.”

Naomi’s eyes widen and dart to all the people staring at us.

Then Grayson turns to me and says, “I thought I might join you for breakfast? If that’s okay?” There’s a sort of peaceful calm in his eyes, like he’s been waiting for this moment for a long time.

“Same,” Bas says, and I nod, for the first time walking away from Naomi and not worrying about what she might do.

We turn toward my table, leaving a red-faced Naomi and a stunned Ivy behind.

Maggie grins as we join her. “Well, if it isn’t the prince and princess of Keys causing scenes per usual.”

“Don’t you dare start calling me that,” I say, which only makes her smile grow.

“I think I like this table already,” Bas says, reaching for a scone.

“Count yourself lucky,” Grayson says, pouring me a cup of coffee. “At least Maggie hasn’t branded your clothes.”

“Yet,” Maggie says, raising a finger. “Speaking of, it’s breaking regulation to wear yer uniform inside out.”

I turn to Grayson, noticing that his shirt seams are indeed showing.

“See for yourself,” he says, pulling back his collar and leaning forward.

I peer inside his shirt, and sure enough, printed on the back is the illusioned wordPRINCEin sparkly gold letters. I laugh.

Bas laughs harder. “Classic.”

“Laugh it up. Don’t worry about me or the fact that all my uniform shirts have iron-clad sparkle illusions on them,” he says.

“Allof them?” I ask.

“In return for my good deed, she pranked me,” Grayson says.

“You let me into yer room of yer own free will,” Maggie replies with a shrug. “What did ye expect?”

“Fair point,” Grayson says, but I can’t stop smiling.

“If your door spell admits Maggie—” Bas starts.

Gray sighs in resignation. “The spell admits you, too.”

“You’ve gone soft, mate, and I’m here for it,” Bas says, and turns to Maggie. “If you ever need a sidekick for one of your pranks, I’m your guy.”