Page 36 of Theirs to Rule

“Wait. Are you saying I already look like a witch? Because rude.” I smirked, shaking my head.

“No! You’d be, like, the hottest witch in CU history,” she said, laughing. “You could hang herbs, label jars of 'spell ingredients,' and make it all atmospheric.”

I grinned despite myself. “Okay, I’m in. Maybe I’ll add a corner where people can write their own spells—might come in handy for all the jerks around here.”

“Oh, like acursecorner? Genius.”

There were a few spells I wish I could cast on some of the men in my life right now – turning Ty into a frog and turning Kage into something far worse came to mind.

As we walked and chatted, it was a coincidence that Simone’s next class led me past Bianca’s dorm, and when we separated, Istared at Bianca's building. Pulling out my new phone, I sent her a text.

Have you heard of the Halloween progressive party? Simone and I are decorating our own rooms. Do you want to attend with us?

I held my breath when I saw three dots appear on the screen.

A chance to dress up? Wouldn’t miss it, Cami.

I smiled at her response. She played it off that the costumes were what she was excited about, but I knew she saw the invitation for what it was: my attempt to put the past aside and connect as sisters again.

I hearted her response and left it at that.

* * *

A few hours later, I found myself in art class. Professor Augustus was explaining our midterm project, his voice dripping with that“you’ll thank me someday”tone.

“You’ll be paired for a live nude drawing assignment,” he announced, pausing for effect.

Cue the awkward murmurs and stifled giggles. Great. Of course, he had to spice things up this year. My stomach knotted as he started calling out names, assigning partners. I held my breath until?—

“Camille and Stephen.”

I glanced toward the guy in question. Stephen was cute, with messy dark hair and glasses that gave off an artsy vibe. He smiled nervously, and I managed a polite nod.

“Hey,” he said, sliding into the seat beside me.

“Hey,” I replied, shaking his hand. “Looks like we’re stuck together.”

“Guess so,” he said, his grin a mix of relief and nerves. “First time doing something like this?”

“First time,” I confirmed.

Before I could say another word, the door to the classroom swung open. My heart dropped.

Ty.

What the hell was he doing here?

"Can I help you?" Professor Augustus asked.

"I was told by Professor Chan to come here to participate in the mid-term assignment," Ty said, his eyes roving the room before landing on me. "They’re covering stuff I’ve already done.”

"Well, this is highly unusual," the professor said.

Ty shrugged.

Augustus scowled. “Tell Professor Chan that students have already paired up for the mid-term assignment and there’s no one left to–”

"I’ll figure something out," Ty replied before he turned his back on the professor and moved through the tables toward me.

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