Page 12 of Make Me

“Sorry!” they both said at the same time.

She had run into a familiar-looking girl. Her long brown hair cascaded around her face, and her warm brown eyes looked weary for a moment before they cleared and a bright smile replaced the shadow.

“I’m so sorry,” the girl said again. “I didn’t think anyone else would be in here.”

“No, it’s my bad,” Bethany said. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“I’m Holly Brandlevine,” the girl introduced herself, sticking her hand out. A witch, and a strong one at that. Her earthy scent tickled Bethany’s nose. If she was in lioness form, her nose would be twitchy.

“I’m Bethany Thorncrest.”

“Sadara Thorncrest’s daughter?” Holly asked, clearly savvy about Realm politics.

“That’s me,” Bethany said awkwardly.

“It’s great meeting you.” Holly said warmly, placing a hand on Bethany’s shoulder, and her worries faded away. “Are you exploring?”

“I am.” Bethany hesitated, but this could be a chance for a new friend. “Do you want to join?”

“I’d love to.” Holly looked relieved as well. “It’s a big school.”

“It really is. Have you seen the size of the combat arena?”

“Only from a distance. Have you checked it out?”

“Not yet. We can head that way now if you’d like?”

“Sounds good. And I wanted to check out the gardens. Someone in my coven said they were amazing.”

“Let’s hit that first, then,” Bethany suggested. “I remember seeing it on the map, and I think it’s on the way to the combat arena.”

Holly linked her arm with Bethany’s as they headed outside. The conversation was light and casual, and Bethany found herself relaxing more and more as it went on. She had a feeling she and Holly would become fast friends. Underneath all that sweetness was a spicy sense of humor that had Bethany laughing often.

Soon, their shadows stretched long in front of them as the sun began dipping below the sky.

“Do you want to join my friend, Zack, and me for dinner?” Holly asked, as they headed in the direction of the dining hall.

“That would be great. How do you know Zack?”

“He belongs to a neighboring coven,” Holly explained as they pushed the doors open to the dining hall. “But we’ve always been friendly at gatherings. He’s trying to get an apprenticeship with a witch at my coven for next summer.”

“That’s interesting…” Bethany trailed off as they approached a table with two men sitting at it. One of the men had a lean build, but she would know the other man’s silhouette anywhere.

“What are you doing here?” The words burst from Bethany’s mouth before she could stop them.

Cody turned in his seat. His eyes widened as he saw her. “What are you doing here?” he said, ignoring her question.

“You two know each other?” Holly asked as she took a seat across from the man who had to be Zack. He had messy brown hair and silver eyes that were hidden behind black-rimmed glasses.

“We grew up together,” Cody said, wide eyes still locked on Bethany.

“Wow! What a happy coincidence,” Holly said as she tugged Bethany down to sit next to her and across from Cody.

“Mhmm… a happy coincidence,” Bethany mumbled.

Holly either didn’t hear her or acted like she didn’t hear her as she gave Bethany the ordering orb and showed her how to order dinner.

Zack cleared his throat shyly and looked at Holly meaningfully.

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