“But what…”
Francis pushed Paz out of the Headmaster’s office, and slammed the door shut.
CHAPTER TEN
Something wasn’t right.
GC and I were both in the infirmary, with Francis, Paz, and Sariel pacing outside and arguing in hushed tones. GC was bleeding. I was not. In fact, my wound had knit itself closed on its own, with minimal attention from the nurse. GC, on the other hand, was having a hard time healing. The nurse said something about a potion, then rushed out of the room. Probably to get said potion.
“This doesn’t make any sense…”
“You’re telling me? It hurts like a bitch!” He was holding a temporary bandage over the gash. Half of his shirt was soaked in blood. “The only explanation is that your dear father has poisoned his scythe.”
“Then why am I fine?” I showed him my wound, which was barely a scratch now. In an hour or so, it would disappear completely.
“I have no idea, goddess,” he sighed, defeated. “And I can’t think straight… This stupid headache! I’m glad you’re okay, though. That bastard! How could he hit his own daughter?”
I thought for a long moment. It felt as if I was so close to a breakthrough… I just didn’t know what it was. Missing pieces…
“I’m glad he did,” I said. “Because now I know there’s something fishy about his scythe, and it has something to do with me.”
“Why did he say his scythe was broken and now is whole?”
“He broke it some years ago. I don’t know when, where, or how. He didn’t give me details. He just said it happened because he tried to take someone’s life when he shouldn’t have.”
“I didn’t know scythes could break…”
“Me neither.” I munched on my lower lip in deep thought. The nurse came back. She had an ancient-looking bottle which she tipped over a cotton ball. The liquid that poured out was thick and oily. “I’m going to find out.” I hopped out of the bed. “Stay here, get better. I’m going to get to the bottom of this.”
The nurse protested because she wanted to check on me again, and GC protested because he wanted a kiss. I ignored them both. I was on a mission. In the hallway, I bumped into Francis, Sariel, and Paz, who were trying to convince an Unseelie guard that yes, they were a group, but no, they weren’t conspiring against the Headmaster or whatever, they were just concerned about their friends.
“The rule says students are not allowed to gather in groups, and three is a group,” the guard said boredly. “Either one of you walks away, or I will have to notify Headmaster Morningstar.”
Shit. Who should I pick? Pazuzu was my first choice, since he was my boyfriend, but Crassus was waiting for me at the end of the hall, and if he saw me with Paz, he’d tell my father. I’d had enough of stupid Morningstar for one day. Sariel or Francis?
“Sariel, would you come help me with something? It’s this case we’re studying in Anatomy of Souls, and I need a Merciful Death’s opinion.”
His jaw almost dropped. Paz narrowed his eyes at him, then looked at me for an explanation. I just smiled, nodded, and showed him my wound was healed. I was fine. He could trust me.
“Come on, let’s check up on GC,” Francis said to distract him.
I motioned for Sariel to follow me down the corridor.
“I need you to talk to Lorna.” Crassus fell in step behind us, so I made sure to whisper.
“What for?”
“Tell her there’s nothing between us and the kiss was a mistake.”
He tensed up. “Was it? A mistake?”
I sighed. “Sariel, I need her. She’s the best mage at the Academy, and I need her help. Do this one thing for me, okay?”
“Okay.” He picked up the pace and left me behind without a word. I couldn’t blame him.
I stole a glance at Crassus, wondering what was going on in that big head of his. Did he enjoy his job? How can he? My father is making him follow a twenty-year-old girl on hormones around. The Unseelie must be in desperate need of jobs if he accepted this gig.
“Is everyone all right?”