Chapter 40

Before I could be dismissed or Yaru could move on to another part of the ceremony, Kevin appeared. With him was a man I didn't recognise. Everyone turned, surprised.

“Keaton sends his regards and a small gift in honour of tomorrow,” the man said, coming forward unintroduced. As he did, I noticed the case he was carrying. It was familiar, very familiar. Both sets of body paint I already owned had come inside similar, although slightly smaller cases.

The rest of the room was almost deathly silent, Yaru's mouth hanging open as the visitor confirmed my educated guess and opened up the case. Inside were refills of the main colours, every single one.

“A small gift?” I asked, reaching out for the envelope I noticed nestled among them. “This isn't a small gift.”

The man chuckled, closing the box.

“No. It's not, but we're friends. I also included my newest applicator and a spray that should make it chip a little less.”

“Thank you, Harry,” Yaru said, entirely back to his smooth-talking self. “Yo