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30
Harper
The last fewweeks of the semester fly by as I focus on keeping my rank. I slipped to the third place spot twice, but each time I moved up after Adrian’s class. The extra magic I do in there always gives me a boost.
I suspect that Liam is still keeping the others from taking me out, but I’m not sure why. He’d be able to win the top spot, which he’s held the whole time, and have his secret die if I was gone.
But there’s not a single attack on me. Not one hex on my door. Not even a minor potion explosion.
I am not going to risk anything by asking him. Whatever he’s doing, I consider it his good deed for probably years of bad behavior.
Though, even that doesn’t release me from the guilt of what I did to him. I try not to think about it as I hurry back to my room after our final history class of the semester.
Liam didn’t want the paper we turned in and I clutch it to my chest as I make my way through the crowd of students. After a quick glance at the ranks, I blow out a relieved breath. Still holding at number two.
Final exams are tomorrow and I just have to do better than everyone else. If Liam tanks his test, I’m going to be out of here in twenty-four hours.
The thought fills my insides with nervous flutters. It’s good that I’ll be heading back to the human realm. Even if I’m going to have to explain my absence and try to piece together my old life.
But there’s a nagging sense of dread about leaving all of this behind. I’ve made real friends here. And the thought of giving up the magic I’ve learned is a little sad.
But I know it’s the right choice. I can’t stay here and be part of whatever plans the wicked prince has. Even if it isn’t something as nefarious as Corbin and Adrian suspect, it’s still a life of servitude. And I can’t live like that.
My chest hurts when I think about them. Corbin and Adrian. How can I leave them behind?
Sadie has promised me she’ll visit. But the others have told me it’s better if they don’t.
Sometimes when I lay in bed at night and think about it, I can’t breathe. It feels like I’m drowning. So I’ve been trying to distance myself from them to make it easier.
To be honest, it’s just made me feel numb.
The sooner I get this over with, the better.
Sadie is in the kitchen eating a bowl of chips when I walk into our room. She waves.
I toss the paper on the counter and she reaches for it and pulls it to her. “Ninety-eight percent. Wow, nerd,” she says.
I smile and grab one of the chips out of her bowl. “At least it’s over.”
“Now you can concentrate on beating him tomorrow since you’re no longer a team,” she says.
I wince and try to hide it. Sadie has no idea what I did to Liam. I also haven’t told her about Corbin or Adrian. I am a terrible friend. Maybe it’s better if she hangs out with the other non-demons. They’re probably not hiding everything from her.
“Yep, we’ll know who claims the top spot tomorrow,” I say, forcing a smile.
“I invited the girls over for a last minute cram session,” Sadie says. “Hope you’re good with Chinese take-out and energy drinks.”
“You can get Chinese take out here?” I ask. “Why have you been holding out on me!”
She laughs and pops another chip in her mouth. “We do pretty much have everything down here. You’ll have to visit once you’re free.”
“I’m not sure about that,” I say. “I’m not doing so well in my Ley lines class. I’d probably end up in the Bermuda Triangle.”
“I went there once,” Sadie says. “It’s overrated.”
I laugh.
Someone knocks on the door and Sadie jumps to answer it. I walk over to the fridge and grab a soda.
