Chapter 40

Puff's popularity had withered in a matter of weeks, only a few points and whispers shedding the fading trails of his spectacular transition to freedom. Despite this, Veronica could still see the undying twinkle of cheer in Puff's eyes, and the wandering attention in Ronan's.

He was in a conversation with Truvius, the two talking about Puff's refusal to fly and Mr. Mudelin's disappointing lack of call outs on Ronan. Yet his gaze had bounced just past her too many times to be a coincidence. Their suspicions seemed to be right.

Veronica had put her patience to practice, slowly softening Ronan up with a wave of warmth in place of her comfortable chill. On this particular lunch break she felt that she had gotten close enough to him to ask about the room without having to give anything in return. So, after the four had topped their plates with more snacks than substance, Veronica made sure to seize the spot right next to him, banishing Truvius and Talli to face them across the table.

Witho