Chapter 11

Lily’s eyes are still adjusting after her late-night conversation with Sanny. She’s just put her phone down and turned onto her side when—

buzz buzz

She squints at the screen. A message from Alto lights up the top.

Alto☄️ [12:13 AM]
Lily.
Get off your damn phone.
You have school tomorrow.
Sleep. Now.

Lily groans dramatically into her pillow, then grabs the phone again.

Lily📱 [12:13 AM]
how do you even KNOW i'm still awake

Alto☄️ [12:14 AM]
I’m literally down the hall.
Your arcana is flaring like you’re running a whole war simulation in your brain.
Log off.

Lily📱 [12:14 AM]
rude
i was talking to sanguinella about Important Girl Stuff™

Alto☄️ [12:14 AM]
You can discuss Important Girl Stuff™ after you’re not half-dead in Algebra.
Also your lights are still on.

Lily📱 [12:15 AM]
god you sound like dad

Alto☄️ [12:15 AM]
Good. Maybe you’ll listen to me then.
Bed.
Now.
Or I will come in there with a warm glass of celestial milk and a lullaby.

Lily📱 [12:15 AM]
you’re so dramatic

Alto☄️ [12:15 AM]
Where do you think you got it from?

Lily snorts and tosses the phone onto her nightstand, muttering something about “overbearing celestial dads.” She flicks off the lights and curls under the covers, still smiling.

Down the hallway, Alto sighs in relief as her arcana level finally settles.

Alto (to himself): Stars help me… this kid’s going to be worse than both of us combined.