“It’s super advanced,” Neve says. “They don’t even teach it here. You only learn that after years and years of reaping. Though I’m still going to hold out hope of getting into my own body and finding one of those famous men that seem to be of great importance.”
“Until then, the boys here will have to do,” Nova sighs.
“I don’t see what’s disappointing about that,” I laugh. “The guys here seem pretty damn hot to me.”
“Are you talking about Max?” Nova giggles.
“No,” I say quickly. “He’s engaged.”
“Doesn’t seem too happy about it though, does he?” Neve says snidely, and her sister elbows her.
“I, uh, did notice that,” I admit, and feel like I’m toeing the line of small talk and gossip a little too close for my comfort.
“Their marriage is arranged.”
My eyebrows hike up. “Seriously?”
Both girls nod. “Max is a Proeliator. Celeste is a Magus. For centuries, the heads of their families have been at odds, so their union is like super important.”
“Oh, wow.” I had no idea that was a thing.
“I know, right?” Neve gushes as if this is exciting news. “So he’s like, what, tutoring you?”
“Yeah. He’s supposed to, at least.”
“He’s the best,” Nova says with a dreamy sigh. “Tall, handsome…good at fighting demons.”
“He really is,” Neve goes on. “Just the fact that he was able to open a portal and go after a demon alone—no matter how stupid it was—shows how good he is. He’s powerful. Very powerful. And good-looking.”
“He’s engaged,” I say dryly. “Even if it was arranged, he’s promised to someone else.”
Neve laughs. “Doesn’t mean we can’t look, right?”
I place my hands on the textbook, trying to change the subject. Looking is one thing, talking about him is quite another. “You sure you don’t mind helping?”
“Not at all,” they say at the same time. “What do you need help with?”
I let out a snort of laughter. “What don’t I need help with?”
Nova beams and slides the book over in front of her. She skims over the page and then flips to the next chapter, which is about drawing in energy from outside sources.
“So,” she starts. “I’m a year behind, but we’ve already covered this. This mostly applies to times when you’re reaping a soul or, more crucially, fighting a demon. You’ll need extra energy in order to prevail. There are certain things in the human world that provide extra energy.”
“Power lines, cell phones, and anything else with a battery.”
“Yeah. How’d you know?”
“Spirits tend to drain anything with a battery and thrive in a location that’s near a power line or power plant.”
“Interesting,” they say at the same time.
“You didn’t know that?”
They both shake their heads. “It makes sense, though,” Nova goes on. “And gives me an idea of what to speak about during my thesis next year. Thanks.”
I smile. “Happy to help.”
Nova looks back at the book and flips the page. We spend the next half hour going over chapter one, flipping back and forth between the book and the notes, just like Max said. By the time the bell rings, I’m confident I’ll ace whatever quiz he throws my way.
