I gulped. The next Spy Games event was in four days. I had a mountain of course work and a ghost to banish before I left. But looking at Alex’s earnest face, I couldn’t say no. And if it eased his anxiety about me being away, why would I?
It was unlikely that he’d take to warping quickly—if at all—but we’d give it a try.
“Tonight, Iseriouslyhave to get some homework done. We’re banishing the ghost tomorrow.” I wrapped my hand in his. “The next night, you’ll have your first lesson.”
Chapter Thirty-One
“In the Riverland Court, the royals rule in a more democratic fashion than in the Snowcap Court.” Ms. Seeley pointed out the adjacent kingdoms on the map of Faerie tacked to the wall.
While I found the various court workings of Faerie to be interesting, I fought to keep my eyes open. After meeting Ronald the night before, staying up half the night to finish homework, and then worrying about Alex’s first warping session, I was running on two hours of sleep. While some blessed people, like Hunter, could be charming and energetic on a ten-minute power nap, I’d never been one of them. Exhaustion had sunk into my bones, and the only thing that would alleviate it was a good snooze.
Maybe I can sneak in a nap before dinner. Or I’ll just skip dinner and sleep . . .
I darted a glance at the clock and groaned. We’d only been in class fifteen minutes. This was officially the longest day ever.
I’ll just rest my eyes for a few minutes.My eyelids fluttered closed, and relief washed over me.
“Miss Dane? Miss Dane? Are you okay?”
I jerked up and nearly toppled out of my desk.
“Wha—what?” My face grew hot as I cast a confused glance around.
A few of my classmates who were gathering their belongings laughed. I set my hand on my desk, right in a wet spot, and groaned.
Oh my hell. I’d slept through class. I bit my lip as Kira Johnston walked past me, her dark brown eyes narrow and judging.
After we’d returned from the first Spy Game event and word got around that I’d helped the group tremendously, a few Grind-year students had warmed to me again. Kira was not one of them. Unfortunately, a whopping quarter of my year was still in the ‘Odie sucks’ club, and sleeping through class probably didn’t help my rep.
I flung my head into my hands.
A moment later, Alex was there, his hand resting on my shoulder. “You okay babe?”
I nodded, still not daring to remove my hands from my eyes as I listened to the sounds of the class emptying.
Alex stayed silent, rubbing my back and allowing me to collect myself. Soon, the only sound in the room was the clacking of footsteps approaching, heels.
“Mr. Wardwell,” Ms. Seeley’s musical tone hit my ear. “I’d like a moment with Miss Dane, please.”
“Oh, umm—”
I lifted my head from my hands to meet my boyfriend’s eyes. “It’s fine, Alex. I’ll meet you in Potions and Poisons.”
Once he left, I turned to the professor.
“I’m so sorry, Ms. Seeley. I didn’t mean to fall asleep and disrespect you like that. The topic is super interesting, I’m just so—”
“Exhausted. I know, Miss Dane.” Ms. Seeley patted my hand, and her violet eyes sparkled. “It happens to everyone during the Grind. Even those who are not also acting as school champions. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
I gave her a weak smile. “Thanks. I’ll try not to let it happen again. I need to learn as much about the fae as possible,” I said, referencing the fact that the fae were set to host the next Spy Games at the Fae Academy of Elemental and Arcane Arts.
“About that,” Ms. Seeley turned and moved back to her desk. “You probably don’t need anything else to study, but let’s just say I have a feeling about your event. This might come in handy.” She pulled a scroll out of a drawer and handed it to me.
The paper was thick, with a silver ribbon tied around it. “Thank you. I—”
The owl hooted, indicating that the next class had already started. I began picking up my things. “Looks like I’d better run.” I held up the scroll. “But thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Miss Dane,” Ms. Seeley said before waving me from her classroom.
