Chapter 352: Friends And Enemies
Lunch was quiet, though Liam and Sashenka both tried several times to pull me out of my funk. I didn't really want to dump all over them over our sandwiches, not to mention if I did open up I'd end up sobbing my stupid face off, so instead I just shrugged off their concern and sat in my own little dark cloud of misery until next class.
This one I had with Sashenka, but it was easy enough to not talk while we focused on the work and the soothing sound of Isodore's voice, though the more I listened, the more I thought of Martin and Louisa and the worse my need to cry my heart out became.
I was really looking forward to Maryanne's class, for a chance to laugh again, to absorb some of her snarky fun, but it turned out to be canceled, a sign on the closed door saying she was sick. I waited a little while, just in case this was another of Albert Dumont's tricks, but when she didn't show, I instead retreated to the main library while Sashenka and the girls went off in search of a cup of coffee. I just needed to be alone.
I felt around for the hidden section housing the magical books, but only half-heartedly. Really, if I found them, I'd only scope out a place to slide into the stacks and hide. As I was turning yet another corner, entering yet another huge room filled with tables and wide-backed chairs, I spotted Simon and Rupe hovering with their heads together, whispering.
While I wanted to be alone, I also had to know what was up with them and took finding them as an opportunity to shake the depression weighing on me, if only for a little while. Funny how a mystery, the possibility of a problem, could suck me out of the dark and back into the real world.
Quaid's nasty remark hovered in the back of my mind as I walked over, refusing to believe what he'd said. I wasn't looking for trouble. I was trying to cut it off at the pass.
The moment I sat, my two friends looked up and immediately fell silent. In fact, both then lowered their heads over their books and refused to meet my eyes.
"Hey, guys." I didn't even pretend to pull out a book of my own. "How are you?"
Simon mumbled something I couldn't make out while Rupe's shoulders raised and lowered once. Okay then.
I was about to prod them further when I felt a familiar tingle of magic and looked up to find Charlotte hovering over me even as Darin and his two minions came to a halt beside Simon.
Despite what I'd done to his shields the last time we met, Darin still smiled at me like I'd be good to eat. He hadn't lost his arrogance with his personal wards. I prodded them and, to my shock, found them stronger than ever.
How did that happen? There was no way he'd be able to build himself up again so quickly. At least, not without help.
"Well, if it isn't Sydlynn Hayle." Darin leaned forward, face-to-face with me across the table. "How are you, little witch?"
His friends tittered a laugh, but Simon and Rupe remained silent.
"Better than you, I think." I sat back with my own smile. No way was this ass pushing me around. "At least I didn't have to have Mommy and Daddy rebuild my shields."
It had to be the explanation and, from the twitch of his lips, the unhappiness flashing through his eyes, I'd hit the bull's eye.
"You do know attacking another witch is a crime." His eyes went dark, angry, even as I continued to grin at him. Crime? Yeah, right. Nice threat, moron. "But I'm prepared to let it go."
"Oh really?" I studied the fingernails on my right hand, knowing he'd never report it, not when I could counter with his very forward greeting when we first met. Yeah, I might get a reprimand, but so would he.
Holy, my cuticles were a mess. I really had to stop biting them.
"Stay away from my initiates." Darin straightened, one hand falling on each of my friend's shoulders.
Something dark flashed on his wrist. "Nice tattoo," I said. "Not obvious or anything. Idiot."
When he turned his hand I caught another glimpse. The pentagram couldn't have been more plain.
Darin just grinned. "Maybe if you're good, we'll welcome you into the Star Club. Oh, wait." He laughed without humor. "You're a girl. Sorry, Syd. No girls allowed."
"What's the matter, Darin?" I leaned forward, letting my demon out into my eyes. The boys were still looking down so I had no fear they'd see. "Afraid just such a girl will kick your ass again?" I shouldn't have been talking so openly about our power in front of Rupe and Simon, but I couldn't help myself.
He snarled at me. "Watch your step, Syd." Darin backed up and my two friends rose immediately, arms full of books, still not looking at me. "Next time I'll report you."
I wasn't the only one speaking out of turn in front of normals. Oddly, neither of my friends seemed even remotely interested in the conversation. Which made me even more anxious.
What had Darin told them?
"You might want to think about that," I said. "Considering who the members of your club really are. And who my two friends happen to be." I knew he understood my meaning-he was a witch and Simon and Rupe were normals. What was he up to?
"Just mind your own business." I was surprised when Simon spoke up, more so because I'd heard those words from another friend not so long ago. "Darin's been my friend since I got here last year. He cares about me."
Sure he did. That nasty smile he gave me told me just how much Darin cared about Simon.
"Stay out of it, Syd." Rupe's deep voice had a petulant edge to it, something I'd never heard from him before. "We want to be in the Star Club."
Not much I could say to that.
Darin didn't comment further, just grinned at me like it was funny and swept off with his two minions and my friends in tow.
No trouble here, right?
Yeah. Right.
I sighed deeply, hearing Charlotte echo me. "Now I'm even more convinced something is going on."
She nodded, eyes locked on their retreating backs. "As am I."
I stood up, turned. Froze. Gaze locked on a girl walking into the stacks. I only caught a quick glimpse, just a flash of the side of her face, but I was sure. Positive. Without a shadow of a doubt.
Ameline.
Again.
I rushed after her without a word of warning to Charlotte, heart pounding as I pushed through a small knot of students and into the aisle. I practically ran all the way to the end, turned the corner.
Nothing. No one. Empty.
Charlotte grasped my arm, turned me to face her, her own expression unreadable.
"What is it." Not a question.
"Not what," I said. "Who. I saw her again."
I didn't have to tell Charlotte who I meant. She turned her head, lifted it, sniffed deeply. Met my eyes.
"I don't smell anything," she said.
Anger poured through my veins. "I bet it's just Darin messing with me." He'd regret it if I caught him at it. And why was I so worried about the guys? They chose that smarmy jerk over me. Fine. They could have their boys only club with their loser of a leader.
I had better things to do.
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