So when I stir awake the next morning, glancing at the clock on Fox’s mantelpiece and finding the hour still early, I slip from his embrace, leaving him sleeping, throw on some of his clothes, and tiptoe out of his room, the classroom, and then up the stone steps and out onto campus.
The morning light has barely penetrated the sky and the academy is still and silent. I scan the pathways for any signs of patrolling soldiers, and then I hurry in the direction of Fly’s tower.
At one point I hear footsteps from far behind me, and I duck into the nearest doorway, hiding in the shadows as I watch two soldiers in their purple uniforms and caps pass me by. When I’msure they’re gone, I continue, utterly relieved when I slip into the tower that used to be my home, and creep up the stairs.
Fly’s never been one to lock his room, especially at night when he’s sleeping, so I let myself in and pad over to my friend’s bed, relieved to find him sound asleep, lying on his back with his arms spread wide and a silky black sleep mask covering his eyes, his hair drawn back in a net.
It’s so good to see him I have to resist the urge to fling my arms around him and squeeze him tight. Instead, I rest my hand on his shoulder and shake him gently, whispering his name.
My tall, skinny friend snaps upright, draws back his fist, and punches me right in the face.
I shriek and fall onto my backside, scrabbling away as he yanks off his sleep mask and stares down at me in horror.
“Briony!” he shrieks.
I clasp my hands to my bruised and throbbing cheekbone. “You hit me!” I yelp.
“Because you gave me a freaking fright!” he says, resting his hands above his heart for dramatic effect. “I was sound asleep, and I wasn’t expecting you.”
“No wonder you don’t have a regular boyfriend,” I mutter, clambering up to my feet, “if this is how you treat people.”
He pulls back the covers and swings his feet to the ground. He’s wearing a black silky pair of pajamas that match the sleep mask and that I assume must have come from his trip to the Onyx Quarter. He beckons me forward, pulls my hands away from my face, and winces.
“Shit,” he says. “I think you’re gonna have a shiner.” His eyes flick up to mine. “I’m dead meat, aren’t I? Those Princes are going to kill me.”
I flop down onto the bed beside him and shake my head. “The Princes aren’t here.”
“They’re not?” Fly says. “Then where are they?”
“I’m assuming news of their arrest hasn’t been broadcast across the realm yet, then?” He shakes his head. “Or news that we’re now traitors to the realm?”
“Oh,” he says, looking suddenly nervous. “That news I have heard.”
“Really?”
“Uh-huh. The new headmaster, Sir Sterling Spanks-a-Lot—” I peer at him quizzically, but he shakes his head, making it clear that piece of information will have to wait. “—has been subjecting us to nightly rants in the Great Hall.”
“What does that mean?” I say.
“He likes to stand and trumpet propaganda from the Empress. Apparently you and the Princes have been working with the demons. You destroyed the magical shield protecting our realm and are planning a demon invasion.”
“What the fuck?” I say.
“I know. You’re definitely more badass than you used to be, but seriously…” He shakes his head.
“Are people actually believing it?” I ask. My gaze drops to the ground.
“Some people, Briony,” he says quietly. “Some people are that stupid. Others know you, and they’re not so easily fooled. Besides which, Clare’s been going around telling everybody it’s lies.”
“Is that safe?” I say, alarmed for my friend.
“Most definitely not,” Fly says. “I keep having to smack my hand across her mouth.”
“More violence!” I tease.
“It’s for our own good,” he says. “Honestly, how I’ve ended up with two friends with such extreme death wishes, I just don’t know. The plan was to come to the academy and keep my head down. Anyway,” he continues, “anyone with any sense knows it isn’t true. Destroyed the border protecting the realm – arepeople insane?!” I nibble on my lower lip. Fly narrows his eyes. “Oh shit,” he says.
“Uh huh,” I say.
