Page 5 of Revenge is a Witch

When I sit down, Sam’s practically beaming. "That wasepic."

Derek leans back in his chair, giving me an approving nod. "You really know how to cut deep."

I grin, though my eye twitches as I look down at my stocking. "She’s lucky that’s the only thing getting cut today."

Getting My Shoes Wet

The final class of the day drags on, as usual, but when it’s finally over, I bolt out the door and head across the campus, eager to get back to my dorm. Only one problem: the sky has opened up, and the rain is coming down in sheets. I skid to a stop under one of the stone archways, safe from the downpour, and lean against the pillar, watching as the rain splashes over the cobblestone paths.

Across the lawn, a couple of naiads are frolicking like they’re having the time of their lives—of course, they are. Rain is practically their version of a spa day. Meanwhile, here I am, stuck waiting for the downpour to let up so I can dash back without ruining my already fragile mood. Or, you know, my shoes.

As I shift my weight, I feel a presence beside me. Great. I glance sideways and see none other than Sebastian—Kyla’s annoyingly perfect half-vampire boyfriend. He’s leaning casually against the pillar like he owns the place, his dark hair already damp from the rain and a smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

I sigh dramatically. “Oh look, the weather reminds me so much of you, Sebastian. Shitty.”

He raises an eyebrow and looks out at the rain. “The forecast did say things were gonna get wet. I’m sure that’ll be a first for you.”

I snort, not missing a beat. “Oh yes, several inches of rain, I heard. Can you imagine that? More than one inch?”

His smirk deepens, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “You know, I think I’m having trouble. Maybe if you moved a little bit that way—into oncoming traffic—I think everyone would have the peace and quiet necessary to envision such a thing.”

I can’t help but grin. “I would, but then who would be around to put your girlfriend Kyla in her place? She’s got enough ego for both of you.”

Sebastian chuckles softly, his voice a low rumble that annoyingly sends a shiver down my spine. “Touché.”

Without warning, he gives me a playful shove out into the rain. The cold water drenches me immediately, and I spin around, glaring at him as the rain runs down my face.

“Oh shit,” he says, looking mock-surprised. “You didn’t melt. I guessThe Wizard of Ozlied to me.”

I wipe water from my eyes and stomp back under the shelter, fuming. “Very original, Seb. Maybe next time you can come up with a joke that isn’t older than you are.”

He laughs, and damn it, there’s something about the way his whole face lights up when he does. The sound of it, deep and rough, is the kind of laugh that hits you in the gut—annoying and… well,distracting. My brain, which usually functions at a normal pace, suddenly stalls for a second. Despite the fact that I’m dripping wet and just got shoved into the rain by a guy I can’t stand, I can’t help but notice how infuriatingly attractive he looks when he’s not playing the perfect half-vampire boyfriend.

I hate myself for that thought. And Kyla. I definitely hate Kyla.

Sebastian notices me staring and raises an eyebrow, a slow grin spreading across his face. “What? Speechless, Zaria? That’s new.”

I snap out of it and roll my eyes. “Hardly. Just contemplating whether it’s worth hexing you now or waiting until you’re more off guard.”

“Hex away.” He smirks again, stepping closer, like he’s daring me. His shirt is soaked, clinging to him in a way that’s… distracting. “You might even make me melt this time.”

I glare at him, refusing to let him see how his presence is making my pulse race. Before I can come up with a snappy retort, I hear Kyla’s voice calling out in the distance. “Sebastian! Seb, where are you?”

He rolls his eyes, the amusement draining from his face. It’s subtle, but I don’t miss the flicker of annoyance in his expression. “Great. Just what I needed.”

I chuckle softly, crossing my arms. “Trouble in paradise?”

He glances at me, and for a moment, his usual cocky demeanor falters. “You could say that.”

Before I can ask anything more, he turns and steps out into the rain, walking away without a second glance. His figure quickly disappears into the downpour, leaving me standing there, drenched and more than a little confused.

I watch him go, a small grin tugging at my lips. “Well, well, well,” I mutter to myself. “Looks like Mr. Perfect isn’t so perfect after all.”

With a final glance at the rain, I take a deep breath and head back toward my dorm. I'm already drenched—might as well keep going.

The evening is already shaping up to be just as gloomy as my microwaved dinner—a lump of something pretending to be lasagna that I managed to choke down, only to feel immediate regret afterward. I toss the plastic tray into the trash and grab my umbrella before heading out into the damp night air. The rain hasn’t let up, but this time I’m prepared. No more spontaneous soakings for me.

As I make my way across campus, the darkness is broken only by the faint glow of lampposts lining the paths. The sound of raindrops tapping against my umbrella provides a sort of rhythmic backdrop, one that’s oddly soothing in contrast to the chaos of the day. The campus is quieter now, with only a few students hurrying from building to building, most of them seeking shelter from the relentless rain.

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