Ava huffed, obviously taking note of my harsh tone. “You’re making excuses. What’s up with you?”
“I just don’t know what you expect from me,” I insisted.
“Iexpectyou to help me with the prophecy, like you promised,” she pressed.
“Don’t you trust me?” I snapped. I wasn’t truly mad at Ava. I was only taking my anger out on her, and it wasn’t fair. I had to cool down, and shoving my fists into a punching bag sounded like the perfect way to do it. “You know what? I have plans. I’ll catch up with you later.”
The fabric of Ava’s uniform rustled as she crossed her arms. She sounded skeptical. “What kind of plans?”
“I’m headed to the prison yard to work out.”
At least I wasn’t lying to her. I had to be in the best shape I could for my first fight, because if I impressed the guards now, it was more money in my pocket later.
“Since when did you startworking out?” Ava asked.
I squared my shoulders. “Since now.”
Ava must’ve noticed my harsh tone, because she blew a breath. “Ancestors, are the guards spiking your meals with testosterone? You’re acting like a jerk.”
I pressed my lips together. “No, I’m acting like a guy who should’ve trained better for the Darke Games. I need to be ready for anything in this prison.”
Andthatwas the truth. Prophecy or not, I had to do everything I could to protect Ava. I couldn’t do that unless I was a better fighter.
I didn’t give her a chance to argue. I whirled around and started toward the prison yard.
Whether she believed it or not, I reallywasdoing everything I could to help her. Just not in the way she wanted.
Chapter Six
Ava-Marie
Charlie Wahkin was hiding something from me… and it was bigger than whatever he had going on with Chancey.
It wasn’t like him to go off on me without being provoked. I could always tell when the guy had something hidden up his sleeve. I just wasn’t sure what it was yet.
I was damn well certain I was gonna find out, though.
The subject of Charlie’s questionable secrecy had gears turning in my head. Opal, Kallie and I walked to Substance Abuse together after lunch one afternoon, but while they chatted, I couldn’t get my head on straight. Oberi walked behind us as a unicorn, tossing her head every time I had a new theory about Charlie, and what it possibly meant.
My stream of thoughts were interrupted as I realized someone was sitting at my desk. A new person had arrived at the Institute. They had shaggy white hair that fell into red eyes, with a matching streak of red blazing through their bangs. They were wearing the sweater, tie, shoes and socks of the boys’ uniform, but the girls’ skirt draped over their long legs.
The person looked male, but I didn’t want to assume, because that was rude. Opal started beside me when she saw the person— as if she couldn’t believe it. Oberi nickered and tapped her hooves happily.
“Uh… okay,” I muttered. Kallie usually sat next to me, but her seat was clearly occupied by the new guy. She took a spot behind mine, next to Opal. I slid beside the person sitting at my desk, and played with the pages of my books.
The person next to me eyed me curiously. “I know that look. If you’re asking, I’m nonbinary, pronounsheandthey, but I don’t mind if you use male terms.”
His voice smacked with a slight Italian accent. It was intriguing.
I relaxed. “You must be new here. I’d remember if I’d seen you around.”
“Damn right you would, precious.” His eyes sparkled, and I instantly liked him. “My name’s Ivy. I’m a freak. Half-vampire, half-mermaid. Don’t be asking for my real name, cause you ain’t getting it.”
“I’m Ava-Marie,” I offered, before gesturing behind myself. “This is Kallie and Opal. We’ve been at the Institute a while.”
“I know Ivy. He’s a very distant cousin,” Opal said fondly. “We grew up together, before he moved to Chicago.”
Ivy grinned. “Idomiss Hawaii, but it wasn’t really my scene. Not enough action. Or money.”
