Chapter 12

Lily is just drifting off. The blanket is pulled up to her chin, Alto’s scolding still echoing faintly in her brain. The room is finally quiet.

buzz buzz

Lily groans, fumbling for her phone again. She squints at the screen. It’s from—

Shizuku - ☉ 🜚 ☼ Emperor of Everything [12:27 AM]

Hey, kiddo.

You can stay up as long as you want.

You’re almost an adult. I trust your judgment.

But just remember:

You’ve got a test tomorrow.

And if you fail, that’s on you.

I’m not bailing you out of any lectures from your teacher this time.

Love you. Sleep well— or don’t.
Your choice. 

Lily stares at the message, blinking. Then she slowly turns her phone screen off and sets it face-down on the nightstand.

LILY (groaning into her pillow):
Ugh. That’s worse than Alto yelling. Guilt-trip combo with responsibility bonus damage…

She rolls onto her back, staring at the ceiling. Her thoughts flicker between Kifo, Emrys, Sanny, tests, magic, dragon-slaying…

LILY (quietly):
Ughhhhhhh… fine.

With exaggerated reluctance, she flops her arm over to shut off the last light, dragging the covers over her head. Silence settles once again. But this time, it lingers.