I sighed. So not in the mood for his crap. I’d cried myself to sleep last night. Why couldn’t I have a peaceful breakfast before fighting for my life in front of all the teachers?
“Absolutely.” I gave him my back and opened a cupboard for oatmeal. “Are you?”
He hissed, a sharp intake of breath.
Ha! Maybe the universe had served him with a nick or cut to his hand. Total comeuppance.
But when I spun around, he stood inches from me, his face in front of mine. Glaring down on me, Nolan flared his nostrils, and his eyes were wide.
I jumped back, startled, and banged into the cabinet. Placing my hand over my chest, I tried to slow my thundering heart. “Geeze, psycho. You scared me!”
His eyes turned yellow as he slowly reached for me.
“What. Is. That?” He pointed toward my neck, curling his finger as if to touch the back.
Frick.
My mark. I’d forgotten about the one at the base of my neck and tied my hair too high.
I smacked his outstretched hand away then pulled my hair down, letting it cover my neck as I stepped past him. “Nell was practicing mark-forgery on me.”
Was that a thing? I didn’t know, but hopefully, he’d buy it.
He chuckled and shook his head. “You better be careful. If they catch you or her trying to pass for a high mage—that would only spell trouble.”
My eyes widened, nearly falling out of my head, and my throat went dry. After forcing a swallow, I glanced over at him. “What do you mean?”
Nolan shook his head like I was an idiot. “See you tonight,cousin.”
I sat at the island countertop, blinking at my cold oatmeal.
High mage?Why would he think that? Unless…
I swallowed, and a stone sank into my stomach.
Did the high mages have marks like these?
Just then, Kaja’s voice rang in through the front hall. “Hello? It’s unlocked. I’m coming in.”
I pushed the freaky marks to the back of my mind. First things first. I needed to get through the midyear games. Tomorrow, I’d go back to the library and find something about these marks. Maybe the lady behind the black door could help me again.
“In here!” I shouted to my bestie.
Kaja popped into view, wearing a thick black swatch of paint under each eye like an American football player or a warrior going into battle.
I burst into laughter, all of my problems forgotten at the sight of her.
“Too much?” she asked, frowning.
Grinning, I shook my head. “No, it’s perfect.”
She placed her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. “Damn right. We’re going to kick ass and take names.”
I nodded, knowing how high the stakes were.
“Hey, I never found you last night. Why did you bail early?” she asked, sidling up next to me with a frown.
My eyes flicked to the hallway, and she gave me a knowing look of understanding. Nolan could be listening.
