“Told ya,” Meadow said before taking the pendant and returning it to her pocket.
“How does that pendant work?” I asked as we began to walk on the forest floor.
Meadow shrugged. “I’m not sure of the details. I didn’t create it, if that’s what you’re asking. I’m not eventechnicallysupposed to have it.”
Well,thatwas cryptic.
We crept through the forest until the glass academy building came into view. My heart expanded a little at the sight of it covered in flowers and vines, glorious in the summer sun.
“I’ll walk to the side door and make sure the coast is clear then signal when it’s safe to join me.”
Before I could respond, Meadow began walking overly casually across the open field and to a door that I knew led into one end of the central vein.
As I waited, tufts of purple, bell-shaped flower blooms floated toward me on the summer breeze. I reached my hand toward one of them, catching a hint of grape fragrance. At the sound of a door opening, I dropped the blossom and looked at Meadow.
She peeked inside then turned back and waved me forward.
I jogged to the door, and we slipped inside. Upbeat but classical-sounding music was coming from the teahouse, and the voices of the various founders’ descendants, board members, and other important people that I presumed were invited to the summer solstice event trickled into the central vein.
“Meadow?” a woman’s voice called.
Meadow straightened, and I jumped behind a group of potted trees.
Peering through a small gap in the branches, I saw a womanwith Meadow’s same heart-shaped face step out toward Meadow. “Where have you been? You were supposed to chat with Regent Yarrow after dinner.”
“Sorry, Mom. I got distracted in the woods.”
“Really, Meadow, I can’t keep you focused for a few hours?” The woman sighed, but she didn’t sound angry. “Come on, let’s go find her.”
I heard the click of heels walking away and poked my head out from behind the tree. Meadow turned and cast me a mildly apologetic look then followed her mother.
Once they were gone, I sighed and stayed hidden behind the fluffy, bright-green leaves, debating whether I should go back through the door and return to my car. But how would I pass over the wall without the Shasta lily pendant? Could I manage to sneak out the front gate? Following Meadow hadn’t been my wisest decision ever, and now I was a sitting duck.
Before I could form a plan, I heard voices coming from the white stone staircase that led to levels two and three of the academy.
“I’ll let you charge, but you must swear you won’t overdo it.” I recognized Professor East’s voice immediately.
“I won’t,” the other voice said, and I sucked in a breath when I realized who it was.
Callan.
“Good. And,” Professor East lowered his voice, and I leaned forward, “there is a full box from the latest collection at the Wildflower Trail. Please sort and dispose of it for Professor Bowellia.”
“Will do,” Callan said.
“Now, I must get back to the donors. Can you handle organizing the auction winnings?” Professor East’s voice grew louder. “Ms. Whelan, you might as well help him.”
Chapter Three
Istartled, in complete shock at hearing my name. I didn’t move.
“I know you’re behind the potted elms, Ms. Whelan.”
Exhaling, I stepped out from my obviously ineffective hiding place. “Hello, professor.”
Callan’s eyes were on me like a hawk.
I returned his gaze, taking in the fancy tuxedo and deep-green bow tie he was wearing. He always looked put together, but this was a whole other level. If possible, he’d gotten evenmorehandsome since I had last seen him, his usually tousled brown hair lightly styled for the occasion.
