Page 35 of Revenge is a Witch

My mouth almost drops open as they start negotiating my life like it’s some sort of sports game. “Are you guysseriousright now?”

They don’t seem to hear me—or care, apparently. Derek scratches his chin thoughtfully. “So, what happens if she picks both of us?”

Sebastian’s smirk deepens, and he chuckles darkly. “Well, you know the bro code—‘thou shall not make eye contact with another bro during a devil’s three-way.’”

They both burst out laughing, clearly amused with themselves.

I, however, have hit my limit.

“I hate both of you equally right now,” I say, my voice a mix of exhaustion and pure exasperation. They finally stop laughing and look at me, guilt creeping back into their expressions.Oh, now you remember I exist.Crossing my arms, I shake my head. “If this is your version of being ‘civilized,’ I’m screwed.”

Sebastian can't help but grin, "Not for a while yet, I'm afraid."

I rub my temples, feeling a headache coming on.Focus, Zaria,I tell myself, mentally exhausted but not willing to let the situation spiral any further. With a sigh, I turn to Sebastian. “What are you even doing here?”

He shrugs, casual as ever. “Figured since Kyla’s on a minor warpath, I might as well come downstairs and wait it out.”

I blink a few times, my brain struggling to catch up. “Downstairs?”

Sebastian points upwards like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “Yeah, boys’ dorms on the fifth floor.”

My jaw practically unhinges. I had no idea Sebastian was staying so close this whole time. “You… live here?”

“Of course,” he says, like it’s the most normal thing ever. “It’s not like vampires need special permission to stay on campus.”Great,I think.Because that’s just what I needed—Sebastian living two floors up.I try to push that thought out of my mind for now. More pressing issues to deal with.

I suddenly remember something else he said, something that’s been gnawing at me since it left his lips. My heart clenches, and I hate that I even have to ask. “Were you serious? About Sam? About her swapping my grimoire?”

Sebastian’s expression softens—just slightly. He nods, crossing his arms as he leans back against my desk. “Yeah. Kyla swore me to secrecy, but since she can’t command me anymore, there’s nothing stopping me from telling you the truth now. I thought you already knew.”

I feel like someone’s punched me in the gut. Sam, my best friend, swapped out my grimoire? The person I trusted most? Derek looks just as stunned, his face paling. “I knew Sam was cheating, but a thief? No way. I never pegged her for that.”

I let out a long breath, trying to process it all.It can’t be true,I think. But I know I can’t ignore the possibility, either. “If it’strue,” I say slowly, trying to keep my voice steady, “I need proof. I can’t just believe this without something concrete.”

Sebastian shrugs again, nonchalant. “You can always confront her.”

I shake my head. “No. Not until I know for sure. Right now, the focus is still on Kyla. At least until I have more to go on with Sam.”

Derek nods, though he still looks shell-shocked. “Yeah. One problem at a time.”

One problem at a time. If only it were that simple.

As the afternoon fades into evening, the light in my dorm room shifts, casting long shadows across the walls. The boys are still here, bantering and throwing insults at each other like it’s their version of bonding. Oddly enough, it’s not as unbearable as I expected. Sure, they’re still at each other’s throats verbally, but somehow, they’re managing not to turn my room into a battlefield.

I sit at my desk, pretending to focus on my grimoire, but my attention keeps drifting back to them. Derek’s teasing Sebastian about his lack of reflection—real original—and Sebastian is countering with some joke about wolves shedding all over the place. They’re both insufferable, but the dynamic between them gives me an idea.

I tap my pen against the desk, a small grin creeping onto my face.Maybe they can’t stop sniping at each other, but what if I could channel that energy into something useful?I flip to a fresh page in my grimoire and start writing, the words flowing easily now.

Potion of Harmonious Rivalry

Ingredients:

One sprig of lavender (for calming)

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