Page 80 of Demon Found

Arms linked, we trail back to where the boys are waiting. Zephyr is straining up into Farrell’s face, his normally placid features contorted.

“She’s going to get caught up in it, Farrell. You can’t keep it from her forever.”

“No.”

“She’s allegiance! You’re going to have to tell her at some point. And what if your father has plans for her in the—”

Farrell growls, head swinging toward us. “Not now.”

He strides over, grabbing Naeve’s other arm and helps propel her toward the cafeteria. What was that about—Farrell’s father has plans for me somewhere? Naeve stumbles, and I clutch her more tightly before maneuvering her into a seat.

Mrs. Cocci bustles over, bearing a tray of hot chocolate and pastry nibbles from the back kitchen. The scent teases my nostrils like mana from the gods themselves.

“A little pick-me-up. No meat extract in anything.” She glances at me and winks.

“You have that woman wrapped around your finger,” Zephyr grumbles. “She never just brings me shit, not without being asked.”

I grin cheekily. “It’s my charming persona.”

Farrell, eyebrows raised, chokes on his drink.

Asshole.

“Are you jealous, Zephyr? Normally, it’s you women are all over, desperate to please.”

Zephyr laughs, looking only the tiniest bit ashamed, and I smile.

A pair of heels tip-tap toward us in angry staccato.

Just who I don’t need to see.

“Farrell, sweetie. There you are! I’ve been looking all over for you.” Camille pouts, before perching herself elegantly on the arm of his chair. Her hair is swept up in an immaculate chignon, showcasing a stunning emerald earring and necklace set.

Farrell shifts in his seat, patting her knee. My gaze burns into her leg where his hand lingers. I know he’s not interested in me. He didn’t even touch me when I was off my head on disinhibitor.Andif we want the allegiance to work, he’s off-limits. But seeing fucking Camille all over him makes me want to punch her in her smug little face. This is the bitch who made me fail Potions. This is the bitch who made me make a fool of myself in front of the whole damn academy. Then she tried to appeal to my better nature with her damn sob story.

Naeve nudges my arm. Fuck, I’m nearly on fire, again. With an effort I douse the glow lighting up my skin.

“We’ve been training. Professor Maggo wanted us to help Lori, and since she’s our allegiance and Fatherissponsoring her.” Farrell shrugs like he’s had his arm twisted.

Maybe I’m fooling myself to think he’s helping because he likes me, that he’s thawing out to me. Every time I think he’s a decent person,everydamn time, he proves what an asshole he is.

“It’s so unfair on you, darling,” Bitch-face croons, crooking a finger under his chin. “Come find me after my classes tonight? I’ve got a surprise. A thank you for this beautiful little present.” She twirls her fingers along the necklace, drawing his eyes to her boobs.

He got her jewelry worth more money than I’ve seen in my life, and she has the audacity to call it a little present? This girl who doesn’tactuallyhave a penny to her name. She’s as much a hobo as I am. A snigger escapes me, and Camille glares in my direction before rising and strutting off.

Is it necessary to wiggle your butt that much?

Sighing, I turn back to the gorgeous spread in front of me and focus on the one thing that always cheers me up: food.

At the sound of more angry footfalls and a loud harrumph, I pause my hot chocolate halfway to my mouth. Whatisit with being interrupted while snacking today? Professor Maximilian is standing, hands on hips, glaring at us. No, scratch that, glaring atme. He grasps my wrist and tugs, hard. Fuck. Hot liquid spills over the edge of my cup onto the table.

“What iswrongwith you?” I yelp.

“I should be asking you that question. The dean’s office, right now, young lady.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong.”At least not recently.

“I saw you using your earth! You haven’t even informed the academy you’ve gained your third element. You’re trying to avoid having another exam, aren’t you? You lazy little . . . ”

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