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She didn’t understand that there was no free meal. The Academy was preparing her and her peers for battle. They’d all be sent to the frontlines to fight with the Dominions. She’d never seen a real battlefield, but I’d caught a glimpse.
I knew how terrifying it was to face the demons.
My witch friend only thought that she had gotten what she’d always wanted. She’d craved an opportunity to move out of my shadow, though I’d never intended to outshine her. I felt sorry for not being able to make her feel more cherished when I’d had to focus on keeping all of us safe and filling our bellies.
“Marigold has way more power than us, Circe,” Jasper said, “or she wouldn’t have survived the Ritual of the Blood Rune. Even back in Crack, I always knew Mari was something more.”
Circe frowned at him. “I didn’t mean Mari is the weakest link among us.”
“You two still like to fight, even out of Crack.” I beamed at Jasper fondly before turning to smile at Circe. “Of course, I know what you meant, Cir. I’m not offended. I’m only proud of you, as I always have been. I know how talented you are. You’re growing into a very powerful witch. One day you’ll even lead a coven, if that’s what you want.”
Her eyes sparkled in delight. “That’s exactly what I want, and I’m working my ass off toward that goal.”
Circe told me more about classes, training, hot professors who had eyes on her, and other witches who were jealous. To display her power, she cast a spell, and columns of fire bubbled on her palms.
“Very impressive, Circe,” I said. As soon as she’d doused the flames, I squeezed her hand in encouragement.
“I’m still working on range.” She pouted, but her face brightened the next second. “I’m better at curses. You know what, I’ve just had a brilliant idea. I can combine my curses with the fire spell. And Mari, if you ever need to curse anyone, you know where to find me. Even though we aren’t in the same academy, I’ll always watch your six.”
“How are you coping, Marigold?” Jasper interrupted before Circe got carried away again. “We heard stuff about you, but I won’t believe anything unless I hear it from you.”
Jasper had found a good pack. He was no longer a lone wolf.
I was glad for their happiness and sad for our separation. I also felt some degree of relief that they weren’t my responsibility anymore. To be accountable for someone else was a huge commitment, and one could never take it lightly.
A burning gaze bored into me, and I looked up.
Clayton was studying me. He had listened to our conversation while he talked to Yelena and Nat. He appeared to be a good alpha and was taking care of Jasper and Circe. I nodded and smiled at him with gratitude, and he winked.
“Which house do you belong to, Mari?” the alpha asked.
“That’s a very good question,” I said.
Yelena and Nat traded a tentative look.
“I have a question for you, Alpha Clayton,” Yelena started, trying to cover for me, but she quickly shut her mouth and sent me an urgent signal through her gray eyes.
What?My eyes asked in return.
The Hall of Bridgewater turned completely silent, except for the sound of a pair of boots stomping on the floor.
Héctor, in a silver and blue cloak, strode toward our table. His blazing eyes alighted on me.
“He’s coming for us,” Circe shrieked with excitement. “The demigod is coming. OMG, he’sthemost gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. Who is he going to pick?”
“He’s the Demigod of Death,” Rebekah, the shifter beta, whispered. “Whoever he touches dies.”
