16
Raven
The next twoweeks passed by in a blur as I focused on classes, not dying in gym, avoiding the awful girls in the cafeteria, and trying not to let my hormones get the better of me. I took Dr. Green’s warning to heart and was a better student than I’d ever been in my whole life. I took notes, I studied, I practiced, and I avoided distractions. He still hadn’t called me to his office to explain anything. But thankfully, nothing had come of the letter and I didn’t receive any other threats.
Well, at least not from outside sources. This school had its share of bullies and assholes, but I avoided them and continued to hang out with the shifters who lived in the dungeon.
While I was finally starting to figure out how this place worked, I still hadn’t managed to make any friends with any of the other mages.
Not that I was trying too hard.
I spent lunch with the wolf shifters and most of my free time with Makayla. The two of us had even spent a day off school at the nearest mall. It was ridiculously normal.
And it turns out I do have an allowance. A huge allowance. Part of me wanted to argue about it, but mostly I was thrilled with the new lamp and really amazing headphones I’d purchased.
Makayla shoved a bag in my hands as we stopped in front of the stairs leading to the dungeon. “I got this for you while you were distracted.”
My brow furrowed. “You really didn’t need to get me anything.”
She shrugged. “I wanted to.”
With a smile, I opened the bag. It had been years since anyone had got me a present. Inside was a pair of earrings in the shape of flames. They were silver and subtle and beautiful.
“Maybe they’ll bring you luck,” she said. “Since I know you haven’t really tried using magic yet.”
I frowned. The earrings suddenly felt like they weighed a ton. During lunch and down times, I saw other students use magic to create horses made of fire that could dance around the room and butterflies made of smoke that moved so effortlessly it seemed like they were breathing. Once, I’d even seen another mage draw a line of fire between himself and another mage in an act of self-defense. I knew I’d have to use my magic sooner or later and I knew fire was important to mages.
Even though we’d never talked about it, I had a feeling that Makayla knew I was afraid. The men who’d attacked me died by my fire. What if I lost control again? Those men were monsters. The people here were students. I didn’t want to hurt anyone or hurt myself. Plus, there was the whole Untamed Magic thing Dr. Green warned me about. I couldn’t shake the part of our conversation about having power I didn’t know about. The fire had been surprise enough. I wasn’t sure I could handle any other new magic.
Worse, I didn’t want to end up thrown out of here. I was worried that once I tried using magic, they’d learn what a fraud I was, or I’d do so much damage they’d kick me out.
I’d grown to like being here. The food was good and reliable. The water was never cut off and my room was never freezing so I could save money on heat. I had it good here.
“Don’t worry,” she said. “You’ll know when the time is right to try your magic again.”
I nodded, forcing a smile on my face. “Thank you.”
The two of us were laughing over a shared joke when we reached the common room.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Ben jump up from his seat. I’d only seen him in passing over the last two weeks. It was clear he’d been avoiding me.
The sexy wolf shifter glanced toward me and for a second, our eyes locked. My breath hitched and I felt warm all over. I still wasn’t sure how he was able to do this to me with a look, but he seemed to have a hold on me that I couldn’t shake.
It felt like we were alone in the room, just the two of us.
He broke the stare first, looking down with a nod. “Raven, Makayla.”
“Hey, Ben,” Makayla said. “What are you guys playing? Cause Raven here keeps saying she’s a champion strip poker player but I’m not sure I believe her.”
Makayla nudged me with her elbow playfully.
“It’s been a while since I played,” I said, still unable to take my eyes off of Ben.
“Come on, show us what you got little mage,” Jenny said, tapping the empty space on the couch next to her.
“I think I’ll sit this one out,” Ben said.
“That’s probably smart,” Makayla said. “We all know you can’t handle losing well.”