Page 10 of Revenge is a Witch

I raise an eyebrow, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Only that it’s terrible. I mean, Kyla? Really? If I had to pick the most self-absorbed, backstabbing witch in this entire school, she’d be at the top of the list.”

He chuckles softly, but it’s the kind of laugh that makes me think he’s hiding something. “You think you know what I like, huh?”

I roll my eyes. “It’s not that hard to figure out. Beautiful on the outside, hollow on the inside. You’ve got a type.”

He steps closer again, and I realize just how narrow this aisle is. My back is almost up against the bookshelf now, and he’sstanding entirely too close for my comfort. There’s something in his gaze—something that throws me off, makes my pulse quicken, though I refuse to show it.

“You have no idea what my taste is, Zaria,” he says quietly, his voice low, almost dangerous.

I blink, surprised at the intensity of his words, but I don’t let him see that. “Right, because you’re just dying to defend Kyla’s honor. Spare me.”

He takes another step, and now he’s right in front of me, his presence practically suffocating. My heart speeds up, but I refuse to back down. I meet his gaze, my voice steady. “What are you doing?” Before he can answer, we hear it. Kyla’s voice, shrill and unmistakable, echoing through the library.

“Sebastian!” Sebastian tenses, his eyes flicking in the direction of her voice. He looks back at me, a flicker of something—panic?—in his expression. Without warning, he grabs my arm, yanking me to the other side of the bookshelf.

“What the hell?” I start, but before I can finish, he shoves me up against the stack of books, his body pressing into mine. My protest dies on my lips as his hand clamps over my mouth, silencing me.

“Shhh,” he whispers, his face so close I can feel his breath against my skin. My heart is pounding in my chest, and not entirely from anger.

I hear Kyla’s voice again, closer now. “Sebastian? Are you in here?”

A few students grumble nearby, and one of them pipes up. “There’s no shouting in the library.”

Kyla huffs loudly. “Whatever.”

A moment later, the sound of her heels clacking fades away as she storms off, clearly in a mood. I try to move, but Sebastian’s still holding me against the bookshelf, his hand still over my mouth.

He finally lets go, stepping back just enough for me to breathe, though he’s still entirely too close for comfort. I shove him off me, smoothing out my clothes as I glare at him. “What the hell was that? Hiding from your girlfriend now?”

He rubs the back of his neck, looking irritated. “Just shut up, Zaria. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I roll my eyes, stepping past him. “Right. Well, from where I’m standing, your paradise doesn’t just seem like trouble. If you’re willing to literally hide from her, you might want to rethink your choices.” He glares at me, but there’s something deeper behind his expression, something he’s not saying. I don’t care enough to figure it out. “Anyway,” I say, flipping my hair back. “I’ve got better things to do than be felt up by a half-breed.” With one last withering glance, I turn and walk out of the aisle, leaving him standing there.

I can still feel the heat of his body against mine, and I hate myself a little for how it affected me. But I push the thought aside. I have more important things to focus on—like finding that damn book.

Mermaids & Selkies

The first class of the day is one of those classes that always seems mundane on the surface, but somehow, our eccentric teacher, Professor Bellamy, makes it more tolerable. The room itself is a bizarre mix of glittering lights and soft, velvety shadows—because why settle for regular lighting when you can enchant it to feel like you’re walking into some kind of magical nightclub? The classroom is circular, with desks arranged in a semi-circle facing the front, where Professor Bellamy—a witch with an affinity for dramatic flair—stands by a large crystal orb that pulses with soft, glowing light.

Today’s topic? TheSubtle Art of Magical Influence. Basically, a course on how not to use your powers to manipulate people unless it’s absolutely necessary. You know, basic ethics but with a dash of "please don't start a war by charming someone into giving you the keys to the kingdom."

I walk in and take my seat, my eyes scanning the room. Skyler and Hazel are already seated near the front, chatting quietly with each other. Skyler’s long, shimmering mermaidhair is braided into intricate knots that glitter like the ocean at sunset. She’s twirling a pen in her fingers, her eyes occasionally darting toward the front of the room, where Mr. Whitlock—the student teacher and wolf shifter—leans casually against the desk, flipping through some papers. Skyler’s obsession with him is borderline ridiculous, but it’s also kind of hilarious. She’s got it bad for wolf shifters…or anything else with fur, for that matter.

Hazel, on the other hand, is more understated. As a selkie, she’s always got that aura of mystery about her, like she could slip away into the sea at any moment. Her boyfriend—some gargoyle a year older who’s already off at college—keeps her grounded. She’s texting him obsessively, like usual, her fingers flying across the screen as if she’s warding off anyone who might think of stealing him away.

I slide into my seat next to them, leaning back with a grin. “Morning, ladies. What’s the topic of the day? Persuading men to do your bidding, or holding back for the sake of your pristine reputations?”

Skyler laughs, the sound like musical bubbles rising to the surface. “Please, Zaria. We could easily persuade any man we wanted, but that’s child’s play. Besides, it’d be bad for business if people started thinking we used our powers forthat.”

Hazel glances up from her phone, rolling her eyes playfully. “Not that it’s hard. Have you seen men? One compliment and they’re practically putty. Why would weneedto use our powers?”

I chuckle. “Oh, I believe it.”

Skyler leans forward, her voice dropping to a whisper. “But speaking of men…” She nods her head toward Mr. Whitlock, the werewolf student teacher, who’s now explaining something to Professor Bellamy. “I mean, just look at him. He’s all… tall and broody. You know what they say about werewolves, right?”

I raise an eyebrow. “That they’re more trouble than they’re worth? I’ve heard.”

Skyler waves a hand dismissively. “No, no. That they lose control.” Her eyes sparkle mischievously. “And let’s be honest, I like the idea of a man who could lose control in me.”

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