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“You must have trained really hard to get to this point,” Heather says with a big smile. “Maybe you can teach us a thing or two. I think it’s really awesome that you get to attend our school now.”
“And I’m thankful for the privilege,” Claire replies with a radiant smile. “I know it’s unusual for a student without a spirit to be offered a place. But I see myself as a pioneer – because someday, if I take a seat on the Council, I’d like to help shape our world and change it for the better. Obviously, the only reason I have this option is because of my family name; I’m fully aware of that. But that’s why I want to show my gratitude and give something back.”
“Well, you were amazing,” says Heather. “That fight was unbelievable.”
“Thanks,” Claire replies. “It was fun. I’m glad I get to train with you guys.”
“What a bunch of ass-lickers,” Kate mutters, having overheard their conversation. “And it’s only because she’s a Cunningham.”
“True. But you have to admit that she put up a good fight in training. It was really impressive the way she defeated Monica and her spirit.”
I can’t help thinking of all the training behind that. How much of a childhood did Claire even have? It can’t be easy coming from such an eminent family and growing up with all those expectations. And on top of that, knowing that she’s a miraya – a potential goddess of destiny. I’m starting to feel really sorry for Claire, even if she gives the impression that she’s coping well with the situation.
“Yeah, she did well,” Kate agrees as she shoulders her backpack. “But she has a whole arsenal of training under her belt. You had to figure it out alone. And so did I. Plus, she keeps hitting on your boyfriend when she knows that you two are a couple. I find it hard to sympathize with her.” She glances at Claire, who’s packing her things into her school bag and continuing the conversation with the other girls.
“I haven’t forgotten that,” I admit as Kate and I leave the locker room. “And I sure as hell won’t underestimate Claire.”
In the corridor, I stop and take out my phone.
“I need to hurry, or I’ll miss the bus,” I muse aloud as I check for messages. Nothing. “I was hoping for a reply from Ayden by now. I really want to know if the hunters have decided when they’re going to strike. I have a bad feeling about the whole thing.” I wish I could see him right now, and the pain of not being able to feels like a stab in the heart.
“Uh, I’ll see you later,” I hear a voice say behind me, and I turn around in surprise. Claire’s standing in front of the locker room door, smiling kindly but firmly at the girl she was just talking to.
“Okay … see you later,” says Marisol, whose surprise at this unexpected dismissal is written all over her face. But she says nothing and turns right into the corridor with Heather and two other girls.
“So, Ayden shares confidential information from the hunters’ meetings with you. Interesting. Although not really surprising,” Claire observes.
I stare at her. Where’s this going?
“We’re together, and we have no secrets from each other. If he has to go out on deployment, he tells me about it.”
She slowly looks me up and down. There’s a disdainful look on her face, and I can’t understand why. What’s that about?
“You seem to think you can stick your nose into everybody’s business and question the way we do things. You figure you know everything about us and our world, and Ayden especially. But you don’t even notice what’s going on right under your nose.” She folds her arms across her chest, and her mouth stretches into a cool smile.
“Am I supposed to understand what you’re talking about?” I ask impatiently. I’m not interested in playing along with her little game. “If you have something to say to me, then say it. Otherwise, leave me alone. I’m running late.” I turn to go when I hear her voice again.
“I just think it’s amazing what they let you get away with. You know almost nothing about our world, and you don’t understand what we’re trying to do here. Your gift is the only reason you haven’t been kicked out of this school and this world.”
I raise my eyebrows. “Oh, really?” Part of me is interested to hear what else she has to throw at me.
“You have to admit that you clash with the Council over a lot of things. You’re constantly rubbing people the wrong way and putting yourself in danger. I honestly don’t understand what Ayden sees in you. Or my grandfather, for that matter, who keeps jumping to your defense. He’s stuck his neck out for you several times and even offered to personally train you to use your gift. What is up with that?! One of the most senior Council members, who’s constantly traveling for work and has no free time, wants to add you to his burdens.” She shakes her head. “It’s beyond me, especially since you can’t even get your gift under control. What value do you actually bring to the Council?”
“I don’t owe the Council anything,” I retort. “The only person I have to answer to is myself. And I’ll do whatever I need to do to make sure I can look in a mirror with a clear conscience.”
“You live in a dream world, and you don’t even know it.” Claire shakes her head scornfully. “Every one of us is an integral part of this world. And only when you fulfill the role assigned to you do you have a right to exist in it. But maybe that’s something you’ll never learn. Which is why you keep getting into trouble. You’re too different, and you’re blissfully unaware of so many things. If you really cared about Ayden, you’d take a closer look at what’s going on, ask questions, and maybe even get some answers.”
I’m really losing my patience now. What does Claire want? She obviously knows something I don’t, which is not surprising. I bet she gets to hear about some of what the Council discusses from her family. But what does she want from me? As much as I hate to admit it, she’s making me uneasy – I suspect that if she’s being this melodramatic, it must something important.
“Hunter wing, room 13. That’s all I’m saying.” She shoots me a challenging look before turning on her heel and leaving me stranded.
For a moment I just watch her go, speechless, then I start walking.
Kate runs after me. “Tess, wait! You’re not actually going to listen to Claire, are you? She’s obviously playing you, and you’ll just wind up in trouble.”
“I know,” I reply. “But there’s something in that room. Something to do with Ayden. Something serious.”
“She’s just trying to mess with you,” says Kate. “You’re a thorn in her side. She doesn’t like the fact that her grandfather keeps sticking up for you and wants to make time for you. She probably doesn’t get much attention from him. She’s jealous.”
