Ceri pulled one of the misshapen egg tarts from the box.
“You don’t have to eat it now,” said Leo, holding up a hand to stop her, but Ceri had already taken a bite.
It was far better than it looked. The pastry had maybe a bit too much chew, but the custard was exceptional: smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of caramelization.
“These are my favorite,” said Ceri, her eyes closed in pleasure after she finished the whole thing in two bites. “Did you eat the others already?”
“No,” said Leo. He smiled in relief, and it dimpled his rosy cheeks. Ana was right: he was cute. “They’re back at the lab. It’s the building out on the edge of the woods. I’ve got to get back to work tonight to help Professor Marin. If you wanted to stop by…”
Ceri hesitated. She still hadn’t managed to see her brother, and there was a chance he would be there with the Professor. And those egg tarts. It was hard to deny their appeal.
Plus Leo would be working, so it seemed like there would be little opportunity for any awkward moments. Not that the moment last night under the stars had been awkward.
Not that Ceri had thought about it at all since. That would be ridiculous.
“Alright,” said Ceri. “Let me run back to my room and let my roommate know. I’ll meet you there.”
Chapter Eight
THE POWER-SAVER
Alison
“He’s cursed,” said Idris. “No doubt about it.”
He stood over Leo while Keir attended him on the ground.
“He’s lucky is what he is,” said Keir. “Lucky he’s an elf. That would have killed a human.”
Leo stirred on the floor, coming to in a daze. “What happened?” he said. “Ceri?”
“What did you just say?” asked Idris, his eyes narrowing.
“Are you alright?” asked Ceri. Alison turned to see that the young princess had entered the workshop without anyone noticing. “I heard screaming. What happened?”
“Of course my sister is somehow involved. I’ve never met anyone more attracted to trouble,” said Idris as they watched Ceri bend down to help Leo up. She shot Idris a rude gesture.
“I like your hair,” Rinka mouthed to Ceri when Idris’s back was turned.
Ceri smiled.
“Was it the power-saver?” Lady Sibba asked Professor Marin.
“I don’t know. I’ve never seen anything like that in our lab. We’re careful with the shielding and connections.”
“What did you say about him being cursed, Idris?” Alison asked.
“Oh, he’s clearly cursed. Can’t you feel it? There’s magic all over him. Strange magic, definitely none of ours.”
Alison couldn’t feel it at all. She looked around, but even Ceri seemed mystified by this revelation.
“None of yours?” asked Leo. “Can you all do magic?” Whatever impact the ‘lectrocution had made was clearly fading. Leo was excited as Gwenla got when she was scheming.
“Why do you want to know?” asked Rinka.
“It’s related to my research. Ceri has been kind enough to help me, but if all of you can—”
“Oh she has, has she?” asked Idris, looking at her sternly. “You’ve been here one day—”
