“But –“ “No but’s,” he says, holding up a hand as he interrupts me. “This is your course of study. If you do not accept it, you can leave the school.” I scowl, looking over at Faiza, who shrugs, clearly inviting me to make whatever choice I want. “But when will I study for my other courses?”
“You must work very hard, little bird,” Blaze says, smiling at me. “And even then, it will take time to master.” “I will,” I say, nodding again. “I’ll work very hard!” “Tonight, then,” he says, bobbing his head. “Here, after your Chemistry class. We will begin.” I express my thanks eagerly as
“So, you’ve got secrets then,” she says, closing one eye as if doing so will help her see me better. But then she laughs, leaning forward. “I actually like that you’re kind of cagey – I think it will make you a better spy. Damn,” she says, shaking her head at me. “I’m really glad dad got me here. I’
I sit back in my chair, staring at her, suddenly seeing the logic of this. My entire life, I’ve been the perfect princess. And I never, ever considered that what I was doing could be use as a smoke screen for a second identity underneath – one that’s been secretly growing since the moment I entere
“It’s not like that,” I say, dropping my head a little, wondering at myself. “My mates – Jackson, especially – are…a benefit to me. Not a weakness. I don’t need to run from them to do my job; and if I need to be separated from them for an assignment…” I shrug. “I’ll make them understand.” “All rig
I throw open the door to our room and stumble inside, panting and exhausted and covered in sweat from my lesson with Blaze as I toss my new chemistry textbook onto a side table. “I just had the best day,” I sputter out, each word seeming to come out on its own little pant. “Ariel!” Rafe shouts, fr
“Really?” I ask, perking up and looking around. “What happened?” “We got our specializations,” Ben says, beaming at me as he settles onto the couch next to Luca and I, sitting in my usual seat. “That’s amazing!” I burst out, delighted. But then I hesitate. “But also, what does that mean?” Ben
“What…what does un-sorted mean?” I ask, looking first at Luca and then a little frantically around at the rest of the boys, all of whom are equally a bit dour. “It just means that they’re deciding where Luca fits,” Jesse says, giving a shrug. “He’s sugar coating it,” Luca corrects, and I turn my