“You don’t need to tell me that,” Julia said.

“What did the Society have to say?”

“Everyone’s flipping out about the Consumption thing. The good news is that they’re way more convinced that Quill matters now. Grant and Isra have both offered their personal support, and Grant is gonna try to go forward with making Quill an official partner organization.”

“That’s… good,” the raven-headed Asmeret pondered, “That’s what we wanted.” They sounded like they were trying to convince themselves.

“Quill and the Fae Study and Sustainability Society, side by side,” Julia’s tone was playfully taunting as she looked up at Asmeret. “Come on, you didn’t see this happening when you got me involved?”

Asmeret huffed and adjusted the lavender cardigan that was draped over their pajamas.

With a start, the morning commotion of wayward passengers was joined by Cat’s ringtone. “Oh, Alex is calling me- Yeah?” Cat lifted his phone to his ear, nodding and okay-ing a few times before hanging up.

“She’s not dead for real, is she?” Julia asked.

“Nope. Actually, the girl is on her feet and willing to talk with us.”

(07.29.20)