Page 100 of Echoes of the Banshee

Her look makes me want to ask questions but the teacher comes in and we can’t talk. She takes off out of the class as soon as it’s over.

Benson falls into step next to me and he doesn’t say anything until we get to Otherfell, he pulls me off the path and steps in front of me.

“I don’t know why you’re lying to Zair about how strong you are, but that was a lot of magic you let out yesterday. Are you sure you’re okay?”

I let out a long exhale. “I’m not lying per se. More like, not drawing attention to it.”

“But you’re okay?”

“Yes, I slept, I ate, I feel almost normal.”

He studies me for a few minutes before agreeing and following me to the dining hall. Zair joins us, apparently no one trusts me today.

Fair, that was an avalanche of magic I let out. Benson had braved it. Why did he do that?

I could’ve seriously hurt him.

Every other spiritborne on the planet would’ve run away from a witch meltdown. But he ran towards it. I never thought I’d have anyone who did that. Lazlo is the only one I could imagine doing that.

Benson couldn’t be a banshee. Could Lazlo be a goblin?

Lazlo took my soul, he’s definitely a banshee. That I’m certain of. Right?

I might need to research more on banshee’s.

The opportunity arises when we get a research assignment in Spiritborne History. I try to work with Mavrik but Zair looks at me with puppy dog eyes and I find myself agreeing to work with him. If nothing else, I’ll know for sure that Zair isn’t a banshee depending on how he reacts to the assignment.

Zair gives a pointed look to Mavrik before leaving to soccer practice. I have the feeling that all of them are keeping tabs on me today, Actually, I don’t think I’ve been alone once.

We train until the sun sets. As we start packing up our things, I check my phone. A text from Zair that says Dylan dragged him to a party and to stay with Mavrik.

“Y’all aren’t even trying to be subtle.” I show him the phone.

He quirks his lips.

“Library or dorm?”

“Dorm, I actually am really tired,” I admit. He nods and we walk together, when we reach my dorm he’s already peeling off to head to his. His shadows are agitated, one grabbing onto my arm.

“Will you come back?” I hear myself call after him.

He spins, his eyes scanning the area as if to check if I’m talking to someone else. He makes eye contact and I offer him a small smile. He nods.

“Let me shower.”

This is a stupid idea.

He’s my best guess.

Last night was the safest I’ve felt — even without my magic — that I can remember.

I get to my room, shower and put on some pajamas. I text Zair that I’m in bed and safe. While I wait for Mavrik I scroll through videos on the phone. I love those silly masktok dancer videos.

He knocks a few minutes later and I let him in. He’s standing in a light tee and gray sweats, his hair damp from the shower. My stomach tightens.

Oh god. It’s a good thing he can’t smell arousal.

“Thanks for staying with me,” I say, climbing into the bed and holding it open for Mavrik.