Page 91 of Revenge is a Witch

“Good,” Skylar adds, giggling. “I didn’t plan on doing anything but eating pizza and celebrating your total domination of Kyla.”

I take a bite of pizza, finally letting the tension of the day melt away. "Total domination? I mean, sure, if you count taking her wand and leaving her practically mute as total domination."

Derek scoffs again, this time with a playful smirk. "You kicked her ass, Zaria. Let's call it what it is."

"Yeah, we heard all about it," Hazel says, grinning as she sips from a suspiciously dark bottle. "And honestly, I’m mad Imissed it. But we’re here now, and we’ve got pizza, and we’re celebrating."

Skylar nudges her. “Please, we didn’t miss anything. I’m just impressed Zaria didn’t turn Kyla into a toad halfway through. Talk about restraint.”

I laugh, taking another bite of pizza. “Trust me, the thought crossed my mind.”

Derek snorts. “A toad would’ve been an improvement. Maybe then she wouldn’t have that god-awful screech when she talks.”

"Don't talk about screeches," Hazel says, rolling her eyes. "I’ve heardyouryelling when you're losing a game, and honestly, it’s worse.”

Derek leans back, grinning. "That’s not yelling, that’s tactical vocal encouragement. The volume is necessary."

“Right, because yelling ‘stupid game’ at a screen really boosts your skill level,” Sebastian says with a smirk, taking a slice of pizza.

"Oh, becauseyounever lose your temper," Derek shoots back. "You’ve literally broken three controllers in class." Oh right, temper control lessons for the monsters, that's what they're talking about.

"Correction," Sebastian says smoothly. "I’ve brokentwo. The third one was defective."

Skylar raises her hand, eyes wide with mock excitement. “Ooo, can I be around for the next destruction derby? I’ve been meaning to witness the legendary ‘Sebastian Smash’ in person.”

I chuckle, leaning back on my hands. “Honestly, you’d be disappointed. It’s more of a brooding stare and a single, well-placed punch.”

Hazel laughs, nearly choking on her drink. “Oh yeah, because that’ssomuch better. Mr. Broody McPunch.”

Sebastian rolls his eyes but doesn’t deny it. “I like to keep my rage focused. It’s more effective.”

“Focused? Please,” Derek scoffs, reaching for another slice. “If anything, you brood for so long, I’m waiting for you to start giving monologues about the darkness within.”

Skylar grins. “Oh my gods, yes. I bet he has a whole speech prepared. ‘I am the night. The shadows cling to me, for I am their master.’”

Sebastian shoots me a look as if to say‘This is your fault’but I just shrug. "Hey, youdidbrood for like weeks when you were trying to catch my attention."

"I did not," he protests, but there's a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

"Uh-huh," Hazel says, taking another sip from her bottle. "You definitely looked like someone who was about to write tragic poetry and stare out of rainy windows."

Derek leans toward Sebastian, raising his eyebrows. “Just say the word, I’ll buy you a turtleneck, and you can start your next brooding phase in style.”

Sebastian shakes his head, though he's clearly trying to suppress a laugh. “You’re all insufferable.”

“Deal with it. I'm loving this moment to chill by the way.” Skylar says with a wink, and Sebastian just sighs dramatically, though it’s clear he’s enjoying the banter.

Hazel gestures at the pizza. “Speaking of things we love—this is terrible, but I think I’m going to finish it off.”

I groan, reaching for the last slice. “Don’t even think about it. I battled an evil queen today, I deserve the last piece.”

Skylar mock-gasps, grabbing the pizza box protectively. “A queen? Don’t give Kyla that much credit.”

“Fine, evilcheer captain,” I correct, laughing. “Better?”

“Much better,” Skylar says, passing me the last slice with a playful bow. “For our reigning queen of destruction.”

I take the slice with a smirk, waving it like a royal scepter. “Damn right. And as your queen, I command you all to stop being so charming so I can eat in peace.”

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