Page 74 of Echoes of the Banshee

He leaves, his door opening and slamming shut across the hallway.

I should correct him, both that I’m full of shit and that Thea is in fact, the most beautiful woman in the world.

“Huh,” Dylan says as he stares at Benson’s door.

I should ignore it.

“What?”

“I’ve never heard Benson refer to a witch as a woman,” he says.

My head tilts as I think about it. He’s right.

“That’s just because he knows her.”

“He doesn’t call you a man,” he points out. “And women are cherished in goblin communities. He wouldn’t make that mistake.”

We both look towards his closed door.

“Come on, let’s go to the party,” Dylan says.

“Did I not mention I ate half a chocolate cake. If I drink, I’ll become a chocolate fountain.”

“Gross. Let’s test it.” He grabs my arm and pulls me to my feet. Dragging me to a party at one of the nightblind sororities.

I last exactly five minutes before Anita tries to sit on my lap.

“I said no, Anita,” I raise my voice. Something I never do.

“Zair,” she looks like I hit her.

“I told you I’m not interested. Stop trying to climb into my lap. It is never going to happen.” I stand and walk towards the door. Head held high.

Anita and the whole school now know exactly where she stands.

What took me so long?

I know exactly what.

Thank you.

For what?

Reminding me to have a spine.

You didn’t!

She sends me a picture of Anita on the floor and me standing over her. GhostChat really catches everything. I open mine and the messages scroll by, all happy someone finally put her in her place.

I did.

Because of you.

I get back to my door and collapse onto my bed. I’m asleep in minutes, my conscious clean for the first time in a long time.

Thea

The Ball Doesn’t Lie, but My Heart Might