“I think I got them all right. Chesnaand choliatrip me up every time, because they look and sound the friggin' same.”
Larissa laughed. “Oh gods, I know. Trolls probably love that, because one kills them, while the other just cures their allergies. Anything to make it harder to find the one plant that can take them down.”
Choliakilled a troll. The tiniest drop on their skin would petrify their wood-like exterior. I really hoped I got that one right.
We celebrated the end of exams by ordering three meals for dinner and five desserts and sharing them between us. “I wish Ilia was here,” I said sadly, scooping more of the beef stroganoff into my mouth and moaning at the creamy sauce that dripped from the succulent meat. “I miss her.”
“Me too,” Larissa said, dropping her eyes to the table. “But at least she texted to say she arrived safely and would be chasing her supe for a few weeks.”
I nodded, making a mental note to try to find the phone again. I hadn’t seen the box in months, but I must have shoved it somewhere. Thankfully Larissa had one that got Ilia updates.
Larissa reached out and grabbed my hand. “I think I’m addicted to having friends now. I never realized how lonely I was before you showed up. You and Ilia. I love you both.”
Aw, my little vamp and her emotions always hit me in the feels.
“I also never knew what I was missing out on,” I agreed, reaching out to squeeze her hand. “Knowing I have you guys in my corner … it means everything. I would cut a bitch for you. Girl power, my friend. This is girl power.”
She laughed, her eyes watering. “Girl power.”
“What about me?” Calen said, dropping into the seat beside me and reaching out to snag some of my food.
“You can’t be part of girl power,” I told him, not so politely snatching my stroganoff back.
“Why not?” he said, sounding completely affronted.
I raised my eyebrows. “Uh, let me think of the reasons. One: too much dick. Two: Two too many balls. Three: Not enough awesome.”
“So much dick,” he agreed. “You have no idea how much dick. Wanna find out?”
I punched him in the shoulder, and then resumed my celebration dinner. Calen ordered for himself and leaned back to look between Larissa and me. “You know there’s a big party on tonight, right? I expect you both to be there, dressed in your finest, skimpiest clothing.”
“A school-based party?” I wondered, because I hadn’t heard anything.
Calen threw his head back and laughed. “Gods no. This one is underground, of course. That’s where all the good stuff happens.”
I turned to Larissa. “What do you think? Will there be any weird shit there?”
She laughed, flashing all of those perfect white teeth and just the hint of fang. “Like what?”
I shrugged. “Sacrifices to the gods. Double, double, toil and trouble spells?”
She screwed her face up, having no idea what I was talking about.
“You’ll be fine,” Calen interrupted. “I’ll keep you safe.”
“Very reassuring,” I told him drily. “You’re usually ass-up drunk before I’ve even had my first drink.”
He opened his mouth, but then shut it again, because I was right. “You’re still coming,” he finally said.
I just shrugged. “We might make an appearance.”
* * *
Later that night,when we were back in my room, Larissa was hyped. “Oh my gods, Maddi! This is insane! I’ve never been to one of the underground parties here. It’s usually reserved for the popular.” Her eyes went really wide. “Holy shit. I’m popular now. I mean, I’m not really popular, more like popular by association because you’re hooked up with the five hottest dudes at school.” She sucked in a few deep breaths, resting her hands on her knees.
I shook my head as laughter burst from me. “It’s going to be fine. They’re just supes like you and me, all of us living this same life.”
She shook her head. “Not even remotely the same life. They live like gods, and the rest of us are the peasants scurrying around in the mud. But … I see your point.”
