I still can’t believe I stood up to him like that. That I pushed things so far and ended up in that insane dreamcast vision, or whatever the hell that was.
And if that was my vision, why did Doc see something entirely different?
And more importantly, why am I still trying to go back there, imagining both of our visions playing out to their natural endpoints, with Dr. Devane and I naked and kissing and…
“Stevie, hey! You’re in this class too?”
It’s Isla, coming to my rescue with her bright smile and kind eyes, saving me from going down a path that—however fun it may seem in the moment—almost certainly ends in misery.
We head inside and find seats together, my heart rate slowly returning to normal.
Fortunately, Potions and Charms is a breeze—best class of the day by far. Under the guidance of a perpetually happy, highly over-caffeinated woman named Professor Broome, we spend the entire hour playing with herbs and spices, identifying them by taste, texture, color, and scent. I’m totally in my element, and even better, free from the Claires, distractingly hot mages, and anyone else trying to mess with my vibe today.
After class, we hook up with Nat for our lunch date at Tamayo, a Mexican fusion place in the Breath and Blade dorms, and after that, my first official day of magick school is blissfully done.
And so far, it seems I lived to tell the tale.
* * *
Back at my suite, I nearly squeal with delight when I see the stack of books piled neatly outside my door. Kirin wasn’t kidding when he said the library was magickal—I only just requested these while the girls and I were at lunch.
Inside, I change into yoga pants and a big red Arcana Academy sweatshirt (go, school spirit!), put on some music, light a few pumpkin spice candles, and brew myself the perfect cup of salted caramel chocolate tea.
I’ve just snuggled into the most comfortable spot on the big squishy chair by the window, my tea balanced in one hand, a book open on my lap, everything about this peaceful moment pretty much the best thing ever… when my door chimes with a visitor.
“I’m not home!” I shout, but I’m already getting out of the chair, my promise to Jessa always echoing in the back of my mind.
I check the camera, then open the door to my visitor, who’s nearly impossible to be annoyed at.
“Hey, Ani.” I smile, stepping aside to let him in. “You want some tea? I just made some. One of my specialties. It’s called Sex with a Caramel, because it’sthatgood.”
“Sounds… sticky. I’m in.” He follows me inside and takes a seat on the couch while I prepare a cup for him.
“Dark Magick: A Brief History,” he says, checking out the stack of books on the coffee table. “The Fool’s Journey and You. Dancing with the Cards: Ten Techniques for Incorporating Music into Your Tarot Studies.” Ani shakes his head, his eyes filling with concern. “Oh, Stevie. Looks like I got here just in time.”
“For what?”
“You’re about one bad book away from falling headfirst into a lonely life of isolation and boredom. Sure, it starts with a few library books. Maybe a few more after that. A magazine subscription or two. A cat. Two cats. Seven cats. Next thing you know, you stop showering, you’re talking to your thirty-seven cats in a language only you understand, and the only reason anyone knows you’re still alive is that you’re still mailing in your Publisher’s Clearinghouse sweepstakes entry each week.”
“First of all, I’m pretty sure that’s not a thing anymore. And what do you have against cats?” I hand him his tea, then resume my position in the chair by the window, downing my own tea before it gets cold.
“I’m worried about you, Stevie,” he says with mock seriousness.
“Well, don’t be. I haven’t had enough alone time to be lonely, and I’m definitely not bored. Or in the market for any cats just yet.” I nod at the stack of books. “I’m trying to get ahead. Or catch up, more like it. There’s so much to learn. Kirin took me through the library today, and I just… I wanted to take every single book home.”
“Even…” He picks up another one, wincing at the title. “Thirty Days to Becoming a Badass Blood Witch?”
“That one came by accident,” I lie.
“Look, I’m not criticizing your reading selection. Well, maybe a little bit. But your timing is terrible.” He sips his tea, his eyes widening. “Holy shit, thatissexy.”
“Glad you approve. Now don’t take this the wrong way, but… why are you here, exactly?”
“Seriously?” He holds out his hand like I’m the most impossible creature he’s ever encountered. “The party?”
I squeeze my forehead. “Shit. I totally forgot.”
“I sent you at least eighteen texts. Maybe more.”
