“Sure.” I wouldn’t have suspected that saving her life would’ve changed her attitude toward me. She now knew I was much more powerful than I had let on, and mages tend to either fear or crave power—or both. Her nod was more along the line of respect, which was doubtful.
“She may be evil, but she has her limits.”
I couldn’t help the awful snort-laugh that came from me. Ender raised a thick brow.
“You admitted she’s evil,” I said, trying not to laugh. “Why do you hang out with her?”
“Why save her if she only makes your life more difficult?” Ender glanced at the other students gathered around. “There’s good in almost everyone—it’s just buried. Life has a way of shaping everyone differently.”
I mulled his words over. They held some truth, but I wasn’t so surealmostcut it. More like half. It was a single dark mage that had killed Mom, but there were two other dark mages present during the attack. All three were well beyond the almost category.
Ender began tapping his finger inside his pocket as he stared off at the party. A small rush of anxiety suddenly trickled along my shoulders, causing me to rub my palms together even though my hands weren’t cold.
“Want to go for a walk?” I asked, my feet practically begging me to leave.
Ender looked over at me, his forehead creased. “Won’t you be missed at your own party?”
I looked around and found my sister and Sydney. They were with April and a couple of others, all of them laughing.
“No, I don’t think so.” I smiled. It was nice to see my sister having fun. Not to mention I was more comfortable with her being out here, especially with all these students around.
I went to turn and walk but stopped before I ran into a tall figure directly behind me—and almost into Ender’s arm, which he had held up to prevent the collision.
“David.” I greeted him as Ender lowered his arm. I hadn’t heard him come up behind me.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to alarm you.” He gave me a sympathetic smile.
“You didn’t.”He had. I needed to be more alert and hadn’t realized he had approached—I couldn’t afford to not be aware of my surroundings.
“I just wanted to say happy birthday and I’m sorry I’m late,” he said as he glanced between Ender and me. “It seems like you’re on your way out, though. I don’t mean to hold you up if that’s the case.”
“No, that’s okay.” I didn’t much care to talk with him—let alone with most anyone—but he had so far been kind to my sister and me. “Parties aren’t for me.”
“Even though this one is for you?” He laughed.
“Even more why it isn’t for me,” I said, causing him to laugh even more, and I couldphysicallyfeel Ender tense next to me.
“Alright, alright.” His laughter faded. “Have you seen April? She’s upset I missed the first part of the surprise.”
“Yeah.” I pointed over my shoulder. “She’s over there.”
“Ah.” David nodded. “Thank you.”
David left, and Ender and I started walking toward a path in the woods.
“You don’t like him very much,” I said once we were out of hearing range.
“He’s alright,” Ender replied, his gaze straight forward as we walked. I wanted to ask why he had tensed during the interaction with David then, but I didn’t want to pry.
I sent a message to Viv, letting her know I was headed out, but it didn’t go through. The music and glow from the torches faded the farther we got away from the party. A small part of my rational reasoning screamed at me that it was a stupid idea to walk alone with a boy at night in the middle of the woods—I should’ve at least turned around and told Viv or Sydney.
I went anyway.
Chapter Thirteen
Selene
Mondayhadapproachedquickly,especially after the party and last night’s movie night with Viv. I crossed the threshold into the library, heading toward my usual table in the back. Mara, the librarian’s assistant, sat behind the checkout counter. I saw a flyer for a paid student greenhouse aide position and wondered if the library assistant was also paid or if she volunteered during her free blocks and spare time. Down the road—if we were still here—it would be pleasant to have a position at the library.
