But how do I get the upper hand here? Or, at least, get out of this? “No developments in my magic,” I snap, though my voice is soft, almost a whisper as I stare tensely down into his face, wondering what the hell he’s going to do next. “Not since the marble.” “Ah, yes, the fascinating marble,” A
Alvez glares at my mate, who leans his heavily muscled body so, so casually against the wall by the window. And I realize, quite suddenly, that Alvez is playing a very, very tricky game here. Because while he is the professor, and does have power over Jackson… I mean, he can’t exactly make Jackson
The rest of the meeting falls along more predictable lines. Alvez leans back in his chair, asking me about how it feels to access my magic, giving me suggestions about new things to try. And, honestly, the suggestions are actually helpful – he suggests that since sun is the signet to which I’m large
“So, what was going on in there?” Jackson asks softly as we move through the quiet halls, glancing over his shoulder as we go. “Don’t you know?” I ask, frowning up at him. He just looks at me blankly, not answering. “Well, then why did you interrupt?” I ask, confused. Because it’s one thing if
I smirk a bit, my eyes dancing, silently admitting that he’s right – that I’m certainly the one keeping secrets. “You’ve got them too, you know,” I say quietly as we reach the stairs at the end of the hall and begin to climb them up to my floor. “Things you’re keeping back from me.” Jackson’s the
“Cadet Clark, keeping his damn secrets,” Jackson sighs, slipping his hands into his pockets and heading again for the stairs. “Just for now!” I call after him, smiling. “Damn well better be for now,” Jackson says, turning to look me sternly up and down for a moment, which just deepens my smile.
I begin to flick through the pages, looking over Alvez’s notes as I glance at the other students in the class, wondering if their results were as devastatingly bad as mine. Considering the horror on everyone’s faces, though, I think they might have been. None of us have really become friends, honest
“Honestly, Ari, you did kill yourself studying for this test,” Rafe says, looking at me seriously, “and I know you know the material up and down. He must have included trick questions –“ “Rafe,” I sigh, leaning back against the arm of the couch, “I don’t need the Prince going to yell at my profess