Page 50 of Stormbreaker

“I don’t want to go anywhere,” I say. “I’m too tired.” May as well use the same excuse.

“Boring,” Sal calls out as he ambles over, making a loud snoring sound as he grabs the bottle from Jackson.

“You guys have fun,” I say. “I’d really rather just stay in.”

Knox studies me for several long seconds, and I think he’s about to argue.

“If that’s what you want,” he says with an arched brow.

“That’s what I want.”

Again, he pauses as if he has more to say but changes his mind. “Next time?”

I shrug. “Sure. Maybe. We’ll see.”

“She’s so enthusiastic, isn’t she?” Sal says in a dry tone. “It’s like we’re threatening to rip out her toenails.”

A momentary flare of guilt burns in my gut. It’s kind of nice they seem to care more than my so-called friends, but I still don’t want to go without Trinity.

“It’s not you,” I say, hoping to appease him.

“We’re so handsome, too,” Jackson says with a pout as he tips the bottle into his mouth, and I can’t help the twitch of my smile.

Knox stuffs his hands in his pockets and gives me an are you sure? look.

“Next time,” I say with a bit more confidence. “Okay?”

“Okay,” he says, which seems to please all three of them. I shouldn’t be so grateful they’re talking to me, but after Silver and Hazel’s dismissal, I can’t help it. Being with Knox offers a kind of currency that protects me despite my status as a social pariah, but I’m also a mouse befriending a lion.

Knox gestures to his friends, and they leave while Winter and Lacey continue entertaining. I’m attempting to lose myself in my book when a harsh crackle zips down my spine. I inhale sharply as it spreads to my fingers and toes, making them tingle. The threatening storm is starting to build, flashes of lilac streaking across the sky every few minutes. I stare out the window with my knees tucked up, watching the clouds tumble.

They’re moving fast, and I’m not sure I can withstand their pull tonight. It’s been too long since I absorbed a cloud burst, and my plans to stay in my room go up in smoke as another buzz flashes in my temples. At the very least, I need to hide. I’m not sure I can conceal my discomfort tonight.

Trying to go unnoticed, I slide off the bed and grab my bag, intending to head to the library. At the last moment, I snag my coat, just in case, and quietly slip into the hall.

Music pounds from the various dorm rooms, and a door opens to my left, a group of kids stumbling out. I wait a few seconds for them to leave first, hoping to avoid any more awkward interactions tonight, then hang a left at the bottom of the stairs as another tingle spreads along my back. I don’t think I can ride this out in the library after all. I need relief. I need to touch Spark.

I consider my options. I could go to the roof, but what if someone sees me up there?

A balcony? No. They’re too exposed and open.

What I need is to get out of the city, where no one can find me.

I’ve done it before, when I was desperate. I know a spot where I’m invisible on the city’s outskirts.

Another loud group appears at the end of the hall, and I freeze as Domino emerges with her cog friends. I consider bolting, but she calls my name.

“Poet!” She grins as she approaches. “This is my friend Journey.” She gestures to a pretty brunette sidling up next to her.

“Nice to meet you,” I say.

“You’re the one they’re all talking about,” Journey says, perusing me with an unflinching look. “What’s it like being rich and powerful? Or maybe you’re less powerful now? People are mad, but they also seem to kind of fear and respect you. I guess it’s confusing, right?”

I don’t think she breathes even once as I find myself slowly backing away. Not from her as much as this list of questions that makes my stomach hurt. The last thing I want to talk about is what it’s like to be hated by everyone you know.

“Journey,” Domino says, an air of impatience in her tone. “You’re doing that thing again.”

“Oh yeah,” Journey says with a wince. “Sorry.”