“Because my life’s terrible and there’s nothing for me here except for you, but I can’t remember that.”
“We need to find Reid,” Ellie says, shoving her things into her bag.
Still holding her hand, I push to my feet, almost colliding with Professor Mallory. I fumble an apology, but she holds up her hand, silencing me.
“Mister Evers, I require a word.”
Ellie squeezes my fingers, clinging to my arm.
“Can it wait?” I ask weakly. I frantically scan behind her for Reid but find nothing.
“It cannot.” She looks at Ellie, and her eyes soften. “Miss Detura, if you would.”
Ellie slowly releases my arm. I tighten my grip on her other hand.
Professor Mallory indicates I should start walking. I glance back at Ellie, whose knuckles are turning white as she clutches the strap of her bag.
Everything will be fine. I’ll see her again soon.A knot in my stomach constricts with such force that my knees almost give way.
“I don’t have all day, Mister Evers,” Mallory says.
With a final look at Ellie, I let go of her hand and follow the professor.
Our footsteps echo along the barren halls until we reach her office. I don’t know what’s going on, but this can’t be good; I’m not in any of her classes, and she seems to be the one Headmaster Gleese delegates everything bothersome to.
I take the seat across from Mallory at her desk—its surface is relatively clear, with an open folio in front of her. A messy hand scrawled my name on the topmost page.
“I’ll try to keep this short,” she says, adjusting her spectacles. “I’m sure it’s no surprise for you to hear that your performance has been far from satisfactory. In reviewing your assessments, I struggle to recall another student who has ever been so universally agreed upon to completely lack any ability for incantation.”
Ouch.
“Perhaps if you had shown dedication to the rest of your studies, this conversation could have gone differently. But by all reports, you’re constantly late, barely pay attention, and put forth the minimum effort required for your assignments, even after receiving warnings from all your professors. I am thereby forced to terminate your enrollment at the Academy, effective immediately.”
A lump forms in my throat. I swallow, only for it to catch on the coil tightening in my chest.It’s fine. I knew this would happen eventually. Just one less thing to worry about.
I swallow again, forcing it down despite the effort making my eyes sting, and my head jerks with a nod.
“I understand.”
The tension in Mallory’s face eases. “I’ll give you the afternoon to say your goodbyes, but unfortunately you won’t be allowed back on Academy grounds after today, unless you’ve registered as a guest of a currently enrolled student.”
What does it matter if I can’t come back? Reid will still visit me.
Only if I stay in Haven.
An unexpected emptiness fills me. I didn’t think being expelled would bother me, but here I am.
Mallory continues speaking, but I pay little attention, wandering out of her office as soon as she dismisses me. I make my way down the stairs, out the doors, and begin the short walk home.
Maybe a fresh start would be nice.
Chapter 18
Ellie
As Reid and I enter the dining hall for our midday break, I search the room for Alexis. Every bench is full, but less chatter fills the air than normal. The arrival of spring heralds our impending examinations, and everyone’s exhausted from their increasing workloads. It seems to weigh especially hard on Reid, surprisingly.
He’s been growing more and more frazzled with every passing day—late to class, snippy in conversation, and constantly insisting I go to town with him when we really need to study. Yesterday, we had an exceptionally frustrating interaction where, instead of letting me eat lunch with Alexis, he insisted I sit alone for an entire bell while he disappeared, occasionally popping back just to snap at me. He hasn’t spoken to Alexis in the almost three weeks since they fought, and despite not wanting to get involved, it’s clear I have no choice if I want Reid to calm down and return to normal.
