"When do we return to Mythos Academy?" Cecilia asked, her question hanging in the air between us.
I glanced at the ornate calendar displayed on one wall of the reception room. It was still winter break—the second semester wouldn't begin for another two and a half weeks.
"Soon," I replied, "but there's something I need to do first."
The realization had been building since my return. Before I was a student, before I was involved with these four remarkable women, I had accepted another responsibility.
"Ouroboros," Rose said, understanding immediately. "You've been gone almost a year."
I nodded. "As the Guildmaster, I can't just reappear and not check in. There must be a thousand issues that have built up in my absence."
"Elias has been managing things," Rose offered. "We kept an eye on the guild when we could. It's grown considerably."
"All the more reason I should go as soon as possible," I said.
