Alex’s eyes drifted to my chest. “There are ways.”
“Ways? Like—”
Alex’s hands gripped my shoulder as he laid me down on the bed and straddled me. His lips found mine, and I arched up to meet him.
If this was how I’d serve my penance, so be it.
Chapter Twenty
My stomach jumped and twisted. The Spellcasters champions would soon travel to Nightdwellers for the opening of the Spy Games. Headmistress Wake had instructed us to pack an overnight bag, but I’d packed for a week because I liked to be prepared.
I loaded my duffel up with clothes, makeup, and some snacks that Eva had procured from the cafeteria at breakfast and insisted that I take with me. When the bag was almost full, I added the vampire-repelling potion, nestling it between a pair of jeans and my socks so it wouldn’t break. Finally, I placed the name tag Headmistress Wake had given me around the handle.
Once I felt ready, I exited my room to find Diana waiting for me at the top of the stairs. Alex, Hunter, and Eva stood with her.
“Didn’t know you guys were out here,” I said, walking up to meet the crew.
“We’d never let you leave without saying goodbye.” Hunter strode forward first and wrapped his arms around me. “Knock their socks off, Odie.”
Eva sidled up to hug me next. “You got this girl. Kick their asses.”
Alex was last, and his eyes went straight to the talisman on my wrist. “Good. You didn’t forget to put it on this morning.”
“As if I could. You only reminded me fifty-two times last night,” I teased. “I packed the potion too.”
“Just want to keep you safe, babe,” He squeezed me tight. “I love you.”
“Love you too.” I returned his embrace. When we broke apart, I gave them all one last smile. “See you guys when we get back. Shouldn’t be later than tomorrow night.”
Alex’s lips tightened. “Maybe a little later for me.” He pulled a scrap of paper from the pocket of his pants. “I found this taped to my door after breakfast. I’ll be leaving soon too. It seems that Headmistress Wake wants to take no chance that we might try to be together during missions.”
I shook my head. That woman was so damn thorough. “Any idea where you’re going?”
“Nope. Ms. Seeley will meet Mina and me with the details at two. But that doesn’t matter. We’ll handle whatever they throw at us, so don’t worry. I’ll be rooting for you and missing you.”
“Same, babe.”
We kissed one more time, and I then I broke off from my friends, who waved Diana and me down the stairs.
When we were at the bottom, I turned to the headmistress’ daughter. “I didn’t expect you to wait for me.”
Diana shrugged. “I figured we might as well go together. You know, start bonding early so we can kick the competition’s ass.”
A small smile broke on my face. Diana had sucked during our Culling-year. I appreciated that she was attempting to be a better person—maybe even a friend.
Only time will tell.
We made our way to Alice Kyteler Hall, where Professor Tittelbaum preferred to open warpholes. Despite being five minutes early Sam, Andre, and Headmistress Wake were already there waiting.
“Ready, everyone?” The headmistress wasted no time as we joined the group.
Everyone confirmed that they were, and Professor Tittelbaum opened a warphole. One by one, we stepped through, and when I emerged onto a grassy downslope on the other side, I gasped with delight.
The school was a castle, black as night and gleaming in the morning sunlight that just managed to fend off the chill in the air. Hundreds of onyx spires twisted toward the sky, and a dozen towers rushed up between them, all vying for the status of tallest. To top it all off, the school was smack dab in the center of a ring of mountains so majestic they made my heart skip a beat.
“Holy crap,” Sam said, inching up toward me.
“Took the words right out of my mouth,” I said, unable to rip my eyes from the gothic wonderland down the hill.
