Page 72 of Faerie Trials

That’s when I sensed something off in the air.

That’s when she began to scream.

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Icouldn’t risk Coral seeing me transform. It was time to be smart.

Taking a moment to breathe, I called my magic, forcing my body back into normal form and bolting through the forest after her. Listening to the screams get louder and louder.

I slammed my body into the boy trying to drag the stone from her pocket and sent him sprawling. He hit hard on his tailbone, wincing, then scrambled up to face me. He stared at me angrily with his hands curled into fists at his sides.

“Tavi!” Coral didn’t sound grateful. “What the hell are you doing here?”

I growled at the boy and his eyes went wide before he took off in the opposite direction. A first-year. One I hadn’t seen much before but I recognized his face. I turned to Coral and saw her hands on her hips. Oh yeah, she definitely didn’t appreciate my intervention.

“What? I’ll take a thank you,” I told her. “He was trying to steal from you instead of doing the work himself.”

Good jobplaying it off.

Except the longer she stared at me, the more my gut began to squirm.

“And you’re the one following me.” Coral pointed a red-painted fingernail in my direction. “Why are you here? Tell me. Are you trying to copy me and get credit for passing this Trial?” She clucked her tongue. “Off of my hard work. It figures.”

I had no good excuse to offer her and frankly I doubted Coral would accept anything less than the truth.

Sighing, I adjusted my backpack. “Well, it’s a funny story. Why I’m here, I mean.”

She shook her head, her eyes squinting and her lips pinched, finding me absolutely ridiculous. “Well, hurry up and tell me. I’m a little busy here. Actually, you know what? Whatever. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing becauseyoudon’t matter. Getting to the finish line matters,” she said.

“Wait!” I reached out to grab her arm to keep her from running off. Might as well tell her. “You’re in danger.”

She stared down at my hand until I practically felt the burn and released her. “In danger of being seen associating with you.”

And there was the snooty tone. The one she always reserved for me or anyone else she saw as beneath her.

I wanted to really let her have it then. I wanted to tell her everything I’d kept inside about how hard I’d tried and none of it mattered to people like her.

Just like I knew anything I said wouldn’t matter now.

When I spoke again, it was harsh, matter of fact, and through my gritted teeth. “Listen. I’m sure you’ve heard by now about the student found during the last Trial. The one ripped apart by a shifter? Or so the authorities are saying.”

It wasn’t enough to keep her still. Coral began to walk away from me. “Get real, Tavi. I know you’re trying to distract me. What, are you trying to steal the piece of Magnasterium from me, too? If you weren’t so far up the prince’s behind, then maybe you’d be able to conjure enough magic to find a piece for yourself.”

“It’s not about the Magnasterium. And besides, I already have my piece, thank you very much. You’re in danger because the shifter has been attacking redheads.” I jogged after her and tugged at the nearest braid, listening to her outraged yelp. “Redheads like us. In fact, every single Fae girl who’s died has looked weirdly like us. Do you understand what I’m trying to tell you?”

Coral waited for me to get to the point.

“You’re in danger, Coral. You might be the next to die.”

“I’m sure if anyone is going to die, Tavi, it will be you. I don’t trust you to tie your shoes, let alone escape a madman.”

At least she wasn’t doubting the existence of said madman.

“Yes, and I’m sure I’m on his list as well,” I replied.

“Then why don’t you stay away from me? That way, I’ll be safe, and you can do…” She paused. “Whatever it is you do. I’m sure I don’t want to know.”

“Coral, stop being yourself for a second and listen. One way or another, you’re going to get hurt. The shifter won’t stop. It’s the only reason I’m here right now. Otherwise I’m sure you know I wouldn’t be.”

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