I left my bed and padded to the window, pressing my forehead to the cool glass.
Kieran sat by his own window opposite mine, his guitar balanced on one knee, eyes half-closed as he played like the song was just for me.
When he finished, I clapped softly.
“Yay! That one was the best. Did you write it?”
“This morning.” His grin was quick, proud. “So you like it?”
“I love it. I wish you could make a career out of it.”
He laughed under his breath. “Yeah, right. Music doesn’t pay bills. I’ll probably end up taking a trade.”
“Have you been applying?”
“All the time.” His smile faded. “But people see my name or my face and turn me away. If they didn’t make us do those goddamn APA tests…”
TheAetheric Polarity Assessment— every fifteen-year-old had to take it, to measure how much Light or Dark magic they carried. A number that decided your future before you ever got one.
I hadn’t taken mine yet. The first time they tried, the machine didn’t work and they hadn’t tried since. As far as I knew, I was just a null. Nulls weren’t allowed in regular schools; at least that’s what Father told me. They were kept home, hidden.
“What was your number?” I asked.
“Sixty-eight D.”
He said it like a curse, tossing the guitar aside. “Too dark for them. I’m apparently too dangerous. I’m so sick of the council and their bullshit, you know?”
68D was so high. I wished I could reach out for him, hold him.
“I know. I wish I could help you.”
“You do, baby Quinn. You keep me from going crazy.”
I shook my head, annoyed. “I wish you wouldn’t call me that.”
“What?” Kieran frowned.
“Baby. I’m only three years younger than you. I’m not a kid.”
Kieran sighed. “Seph – “
My bedroom door slammed open and in rushed Sable. “Quick. Say goodnight. Mum and dad are coming.”
She was dressed in a pretty linen sundress with pink flowers on it that set off the gold in her eyes. Her golden hair was loose and in gentle waves down her back.
She was so beautiful, was Sable.
I ran to my bed and jumped under the covers quickly and Sable locked the window bars. She pocketed the keys quickly then ducked back in the hall.
“Mother, father.” I heard her say, her voice respectful and kind.
“Hello angel. Is she sleeping?”
“Um, maybe. She looked tired. So probably sleeping now. I was just saying goodnight.”
“You are such a sweet girl to your sister, Sable darling.” Mother simpered.
I burrowed deeper into the covers.
