Page 64 of Demon Found

Ihavetopass.I have to pass. I have to pass.

The mantra has been running around my head, jamming my thoughts, for two damn weeks. I donotwant to fight in the ten percent battle to keep my place at Fates Academy. It’s too risky.

I jiggle my knee, trying to focus on the book in front of me.

Only one more exam, and it’s Potions. I won’t flunk that. Divination was a disaster and Air wasn’t much damn better, but the rest went smoothly. I’m quietly hopeful. It was a big freaking ask to catch up, especially when my magic is so unpredictable. But maybe I’ve done it. Maybe. So long as I keep the rest of my coursework grades up . . .

My fingers tippy-tappy on the desk and my foot bounces along. The constant need to move is driving me nuts. It’s like I suddenly developed attention deficit disorder. Sitting still is killing me. Shrugging restlessly, I give up. I fling my books onto my desk and pull on my running gear. There’s only one solution when my skin is crawling like this—run until I’m exhausted. And I hate running.

The cold air hits my face the instant I step outside. My nose hairs crinkle, freezing instantly. Dammit, it’s too cold to be out for long. I set off, avoiding the icy patches and heading for the snow-cleared paths toward the academy boundary. My feet pound and my stiff muscles complain, but I can’t shake the creeping sensation. It’s like I’m trying to burst out my own skin. I need to keep moving.

A trickle of sweat beads and runs down my back, and I force myself into a sprint toward the perimeter. A solitary figure makes its way in the opposite direction. Shit. I’m not capable of crappy small talk right now. I almost turn, but something about the way the person moves is achingly familiar.

Seth.

I’ve barely seen him recently, andneveralone. My legs power the last few meters toward him, and I slow to a halt, jogging on the spot, heaving in breaths and wheezing them out.

“Hey, sis, shouldn’t you be studying? Can’t have you failing and bringing the family name into disrepute.”

The cheeky fucker. “Why would you care? It’s not like we’re actually related.”

He takes a step back, and I move into his space.

“Easy, Lorelei. What do you mean? Put your damn fire out. You’re far too volatile. What’s wrong with you?”

Shit. My skin’s glowing. Small purple flames lick along my arms, reaching out toward Seth. I focus on pulling my magic back before I take another step toward him.

“You arenotmy brother.”

Seth’s eyes narrow. “How do you know that?”

He’s not denying it. My heart sinks. I’ve been holding onto a tiny hope that Chano was wrong. That the conversation was misheard. That Seth really is related to me.

“Who told you that?” he demands.

Shit, why did I open my mouth? What if he tells the Virrey?

“I just—” I flounder. “Those mean girls in my year said Dad was a manwhore and Shelly was no better. That it’s why we look nothing alike. We’re not related at all.” My lower lip pouts.

Please let him believe it. Please.

He sighs, passing a hand over his face, but I don’t miss the relief there. He slings an arm awkwardly around my shoulders, forcing me to stop moving. Instantly I start to cool down.

“Lorelei, it’s a possibility. But it doesn’t really matter, does it? What my mom and your dad did or didn’t do? Even if it’s true, and I doubt it, I’m still family where it counts. In our hearts, hmm? We should stick together, show those bullies their words don’t mean anything.”

His speech would have melted me only weeks ago. I needed a connection with Seth, and here he is now telling me hewantsto be my brother. That it’s us against the world. But he’s lying.

He’s waiting for my reaction, and I have only an instant to convince him. Forcing a bright smile, I fling my arms around his neck.

“Family,” I agree, and he shifts uncomfortably before I back up. “I’m getting cold, Seth, I’m going to keep going. What are you doing out here, anyway?”

“Just clearing my head. Go get warm, Lorelei, and don’t forget your pastry this morning!”

I flash him another smile and turn, bolting away. An uneasy sensation creeps up my spine and I know he watches me until I’m out of sight. Maybe I overdid it with the hug. I hope he bought it.

My insides are shattered glass. The last chance of family, gone. I’ve been hit with the cold, hard truth and fuck, it hurts. I don’t like Seth. I don’t trust him. And worse, I don’t know what he or the Virrey wants from me. I turn and slip toward Chano’s dorm, automatically seeking him out.

“Fucking idiota,” Chano bellows, dragging me inside. “You’re frozen, Lorelei. Your hair has actual icicles.”

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