Mistblade hadn't returned, even with just three days left before school started.
On the way back from Junk Street that day, Lightchaser asked,
"Are you going to Gilane to look for your friend?"
Rita shook her head.
"She hasn't sent me a letter, and her griffin never came for me. Her life isn't my responsibility."
Lightchaser seemed satisfied with that answer. She even personally rode her motorcycle to drop Rita off at the gates of Moonlight Marsh on the first day back.
And right there at the gate was Mistblade, clearly waiting—until the moment she spotted Lightchaser. Then she turned and bolted.
Lightchaser let out a low laugh and called,
"Tell your friend what I prepared for her next to the goblin head."
Rita thought it was childish, but she still cooperated and shouted,
"A wooden plaque—for hanging a tail!"
Mistblade ran a few more steps into the school in panic.
Rita jumped off the back of the bike, waved wildly at Lightchaser and yelled,
"Bye!"
