Page 50 of Dance With Death

“I was meeting you.”

“Excuse me?” She laughs. “What for?”

“A romantic liaison,” I say.

Marci steps back, mouth parting, and Nita giggles. “Are you serious?”

“We couldn’t meet on campus because Violet would know,” he continues.

“Such a tale will assist if somebody else saw you walk into, or leave, the woods,” I add.

“And what about us?” asks Zoe. “Are you suggesting Rowan met all of us? That’s mad.”

“If Marci denies that you accompanied her, people will listen.” I give a tight smile. “And the story about Rowan fits since the pair of you had a past relationship.”

“People won’t believe the story,” Marci says. “As if I’d interfere in your relationship with Rowan, Violet.”

I cross my arms. “I would’ve thought you’d like people to see you’ve gained an advantage over me. After all, you’ve attempted to rile me from day one.”

“Marci. Listen to them. We can’t risk getting caught,” says Nita quietly.

“It was a stupid enterprise in the first place,” says Rowan.

“As if we’re the only witches who’ve ever taken advantage of humans.” Marci tips her chin. “Wes and his gang stalked and attacked Pendle students. Some of those human kids still threaten witches. I’m glad they’re scared.”

My eyes widen. Is Marci—or all of them—part of the plot within the academy?

“And humans were in on the whole thing,” adds Zoe. “Helen and Isabella are as guilty.”

I sigh. “All this risk to make money.”

Marci looks at me. “And to amuse ourselves.”

“Wow.” Rowan shakes his head.

“But nobody will know,” presses Marci. “Tell people your dumb story if you want, Rowan, but if somebody discovers what we did, we’ll know who to blame.”

“Humans who figure out your deception?” I ask.

“No, because we’ll deal with any who do realize.” She points at the side of her head.

“Oh, great. Breaking the law a second time, but with mind magic,” retorts Rowan.

Marci sidesteps to look down at me. “I’d love to know how many laws you’ve broken, Violet. You’re stupid to pretend you weren’t with Rowan.”

I lean forward. “I suggest you consider your words carefully when speaking to me.”

“I’m not frightened of you.”

“Or my father?” I suggest, and her lips press together. “Yes, someone will discover the truth, but for now I’d like to hide my involvement.”

“But you won’t tell on us?” asks Nita.

“’Tell on’?” Rowan laughs at her. “This isn’t breaking a school rule. It’s big. Illegal.”

“We will not tell on you,” I say to Marci. “This is a simple transaction. You hide the truth until I’m ready, or we’ll reveal yours.”

The three girls look at each other.

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