“I’m sure you’ve already heard plenty from the rumor mill,” Wave argued back.The room started to fill, and she kept an eye out for Dr.Johanson.She needed to talk to her before she started teaching.
“What I heard is that you were trying to steal Prince Irishen Sleethill from Elena Flameward.”Salis snorted.“None of what I’ve heard makes any sense, and there are at least a hundred versions circling about.”
“Well, there you go then.”Wave huffed.“Nothing happened.”
“That’s good.”Salis nodded.“Because then I won’t need to tell you how absolutely ludicrous it is to get involved with those two.”
“You are absolutely right.”
“Wayla!”Salis groaned exasperatedly, clearly not believing her.“Elena’s grandmother is the reigning monarch of fire clans.Her mother is the next in line, but Elena is more powerful, so she claimed the heir apparent.”
“She’s more powerful than her mother?”
“Yes!”Salis whisper shouts.
Wave gave a small shrug.“Things aren’t going well for the fire clans then.”
For a moment, Salis just gulped in air like a fish on dry land.Gently, Wave reached over and pushed his open jaw closed.Just then, Elisa stomped her angelic ass into the class and looked Wave in askance before moving to sit next to Salis, not Wave.
“Salis, are you sure you want to be seen with her?”Elisa spoke loudly enough that Wave had no trouble hearing.
“Why wouldn’t I?”Salis asked, confused.
Wave leaned forward a bit and waved.“Hi, Elisa.”She gave Wave another stink eye and huffed before turning away.
“What’s going on?”Salis asked.
“I’d hazard a guess it’s one of those many versions you mentioned,” Wave said.
“I just don’t think Salis should associate himself with someone willing to steal someone’s betrothed while sleeping around with every willing male on campus,” Elisa snapped.
“Ah, the classic slut approach.”Wave nodded calmly.
“Wayla wouldn’t—”
“Don’t waste your breath, Salis.”Wave cut him off just as Dr.Johanson walked into the class.“Excuse me.”
She got up, slowly, and then hurried over as best she could without showing any limping.She would be caught dead before she limped in front of Elisa now.
“Dr.Johanson, may I have a word?”
The woman turned to face her, and the look in her eyes was cold.“Ms.Spinwell.What can I do for you?”
“I’m not sure if you’ve heard about the incident at the party,” Wave began hesitantly.Dr.Johanson looked even more reproving, but Wave pressed on.This was more important than her pride.Probably.
“I’d like to request a chance to observe today’s class without participating in the exercises.”
Dr.Johanson blinked a couple of times, some of the hostility bleeding from her face.“That’s all?”
“Yes, Dr.Johanson.”
“And why should I allow this?”
“I fear my control is not up to par, and I would not like to put my fellow students in danger.”Dr.Johanson frowned, and Wave hurried to continue.“While I know you have everything well under control in the classroom, Dr.Johanson, I cannot say the same for myself.I’d hate for my slip-up to cause any undue harm.”
Dr.Johanson looked thoughtful and tapped her finger on her lower lip as she thought.After a moment, she nodded.“Just to be clear, you are not looking to be excused from the class, just from the hands-on exercises?”
“That’s right, Dr.Johanson.I’d very much appreciate it if you’d allow me to stay in class to observe.”
