It isn''t that I''m avoiding her because of my feelings. I''m avoiding all the eyes that will be glued to us during our entire interaction. These stupid co-Luna rumors have gotten popular.

"Please. I''d avoid her too." Lisa watches Tommy demonstrate his perfect snowball technique to an attentive audience. "Actually, I am avoiding her. Hence why I''m out here with two thermoses of hot chocolate and way more cups than necessary."@@@@

"At least you have an excuse. You''re human."

"And you''re Luna. You can do whatever you want." She grins. "But there''s nothing wrong with strategic avoidance. It''s better than snapping and setting her on fire."

I snort. "I wouldn''t set her on fire."

"No?" She arches an eyebrow, studying me. "Because your magic is kind of making you sparkly. Thought it might be because you''re angry."

I glance down at my hands, noticing the faint shimmer beneath my skin. "That''s different. That''s just... excess magic."

Strange. I shouldn''t have much.

That is strange, Grimoire agrees, sounding confused.

"Right. Excess magic that showed up when someone mentioned her name."

"You''re exaggerating."

"Am I?" Lisa''s voice drops to a whisper. "Ivy."

The shimmer intensifies. I can see it.

I can, too.

"Stop that, Lise."

"See? I rest my case." Lisa looks far too pleased with herself. "Though I have to admit, the whole glowing thing is pretty cool. Like a built-in mood ring. When did that start?"

She''s taking it in stride more than I am. I''m freaking out a little and trying to pretend it isn''t happening. "It''s not cool when I''m trying to maintain my composure as a dignified Luna."

"Who says Lunas can''t glow? Maybe it''s a feature, not a bug."

Despite myself, a laugh bubbles up. Trust Lisa to find humor in my magical tells. "Yeah, because nothing says ''respect my authority'' like lighting up like a Christmas tree whenever I''m annoyed. Maybe I should star in the next Blockbuster vampire flick."

"Better than what I do. Last time she tried to talk to me, I knocked over an entire rack of practice weapons. Just... whoosh. Down they went. Had to distract myself before I got too mouthy with her too-perfect persona."

Ivy glances at the clearing where the children play, their laughter a stark contrast to her pain. "Maybe later. I think I''ll rest for now."

"Let me walk you to your building." The words slip out without thinking. Maybe it''s the grief etched into her face, or maybe I''m just tired of being petty. "You look exhausted."

"Thank you." Ivy''s voice carries none of its usual musical lilt. "I''d appreciate that."

We walk in silence through the packed snow, our boots crunching with each step. The cold bites at our exposed skin, but it''s been a constant companion for months.

Living in Wolf''s Landing has made winter feel like an old friend—harsh but familiar.

She''s watching you, Selene mutters.

Yes, she glances at me occasionally, but her eyes lack their usual calculating gleam. She just looks... lost.

"How are you doing, Ava?" Ivy breaks the silence as we round the corner of the cafeteria. "I heard you''ve been working non-stop with the corruption. You must be exhausted."

My spine stiffens. There it is—that hint of concern that could be genuine or could be another subtle dig. Another way to suggest that maybe Lucas needs someone to pick up my slack. Someone who isn''t constantly drained from magical duties.

Don''t trust her. She''s playing you.

But maybe this is her attempt at normal conversation, at finding common ground. It''s always hard to tell with Ivy.

"I''m managing." I keep my voice neutral, choosing the high road.

"It must be hard to keep up with everything. And dangerous, too."

I wait for the other shoe to drop, for the suggestion that maybe I shouldn''t be out there alone, that maybe Lucas needs someone else to help shoulder the burden. But Ivy just trails off, her eyes distant and pained.

She''s good, Selene grumbles. Very good.

"We take precautions." I gesture toward Marcus and Greg, who maintain a respectful distance. It occurs to me that they probably deserve a day off. "And the work has to be done."

Ivy nods, and we lapse back into silence until we reach her temporary quarters. She pauses at the door, her hand resting on the handle. "Thank you, Ava. For walking with me. And for... for not treating me like I might break."

The sincerity in her voice catches me off guard. I search her face for any sign of manipulation but find only exhaustion and grief.

"Of course." I hesitate, then add, "If you need anything..."

"I know where to find you." A ghost of her usual smile flickers across her face. "Get some rest, Luna. You really do look tired."