Page 247 of Light Leech

I smiled. “Let’s take a step back. Say your parents focused on this school so much and that is why the other Luxists sent us here. That doesn’t mean that the Correction isn’t out there, but what if we’re approaching this all wrong?”

“Mixed-up data makes sense. There are seven Beacons out there that we don’t know about, after all.”

I smiled and patted him on the back. “Zeg yeah, du.”

“Don’t get too excited. We still have the head of the PTA to deal with.”

“Do you know them?”

“Maybe? My parents had them over every now and then. I might recognize them, but they also might approach me like I’m some nephew, especially if they know about my parents.”

“PTA involvement, just another reason to think they’re looking for something else in the school.”

“Is everything alright, boys?” Naoma called from outside.

“Your wife wants you,” Boyband said.

I smiled and shook my head as I turned to leave.

“Sorry for the wait,” I said.

Sanna looked more exhausted by the minute and lacked the enthusiasm she had at the beginning as she bid us to follow her towards the elevator.

We stepped inside and Sanna pressed the button for the tenth floor.

Naoma took my hand and eyed me from the side. Her eyes flashed for a moment.

A message appeared on my interface.

Naoma: Is everything alright between you two?

Petya: Yeah. We’ve got a lot to talk about later. Not sure how much we can accomplish right now. I don’t think this place will lead us to the Correction, but there still might be something worth our time.

Naoma: I was getting the same feeling. We’ll keep this PTA thing short.

Petya: See what you can dig up on the PTA, and see what Boyband’s parents were looking into before they got offed. You plug?

Naoma: Yup.

The elevator chimed upon arrival and the doors slid open. Sanna led us down the hall to a room in the corner of the floor. The back two walls were windows facing the city, giving plenty of natural light and the violet tint of the surrounding skyscrapers.

A woman with vibrant red hair in a ponytail stood from her seat facing the window. She looked to be in her mid-forties, though the abundance of violet light makeup and facial touchups said that she longed for a youth now lost.

“Little Devóne Eclaine!” She ran to Boyband on steep heels and embraced him as if he was a nephew, just as he had told me.

His face remained tepid, hiding his annoyance. All he offered was a pat on the back with one arm while the other hung limp.

“Do you remember me?”

He squinted. I hoped he would at least try to win her over with feigned enthusiasm, but all he offered was a dry stare and “nah.”

The woman giggled. “It’s been a while, I guess. I was sorry to hear about your parents. I truly loved those two. They were such great people.”

Boyband nodded.

Her laugh was uncertain. She looked up, eyes locking with Naoma as she approached with an extended hand. “Hihow, I’m Veren.”

Naoma shook her hand. “Mei. This is Alyosha, my husband, and our son, Yuze.”