Page 26 of Monster's Delight

I caught the simple broadcloth in one hand, not spilling a drop of my drink in the other. “I don’t really know what I’m supposed to do with these,” I said. “I’m not in Tailoring like you.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll guide you. Start by growing the fabric and shaping it into the piece that you want...”

Several steps later, I felt like I had gone through a crash course in tailoring. I was also extremely impressed by my friend’s control over her magic. She’d adjusted my seams for me, and where mine had rippled in an uncomfortable wavy line, hers were neat, tidy, and smooth. She’d shown me how to separate the fabric with an imaginary line and make one side a silky satin and the other sheer lace.

The end result was a delicate teddy and shorts with satin only covering enough to be discreet. Everywhere else was lace.

The girls applauded the end result as I modeled the lingerie and I blushed. “I couldn’t possibly wear these to sleep.”

“They’re not meant to be worn tosleep,” Una teased. “Come on, sit down. Get used to it. It’s your turn.”

“Rhiannon, truth or dare?” I asked the tall quiet girl.

“Truth.”

“Are you happy with the decisions you’ve made that led you to Blackthorn Academy?”

“I...” Rhiannon bit her lip before ducking her head, blocking her face from view with her long black hair. “I’m not sure.”

The other girls had shocked expressions on their faces. I reached over and touched Rhiannon’s shoulder. “Do you want to talk about it?”

She shuddered but didn’t pull away. “There was a boy in my class, in high school. He wasn’t magical. But I fell in love with him anyway. My parents forbade me to see him. They sent me here to get me away from him. Last I heard, he was getting married to another girl in our class.” She sniffled. “That could have been me.”

“Choosing him would have meant turning your back on your parents,” Una said, her hands over her mouth. “Would you have been able to do that?”

“I’m here, aren’t I?” Rhiannon glared through her hair before ruining the effect by wiping her nose. “Not that it would have mattered. He never knew about my affections. I was too shy. Besides, what was the point? My parents are magical snobs.”

“That’s horrible. I’m sorry.” Hazel crawled over and hugged her.

“I had no idea that you had to deal with that on your own. I wouldn’t have asked that,” I said apologetically. “Shall we move on to the next person?”

Rhiannon cleared her throat. “Yes. Moving on. Una, truth or dare?”

They played a few more rounds before it was Hazel’s turn. “Siobhan, truth or dare?”

“Dare.”

“I dare you to complete one of your grandfather’s pranks that he didn’t have a chance to do when he went here.” Hazel grinned at me. “I heard you on your mirror the other day, after you told him about our win in Herbology. He told you some really fun ones.”

“He did. Let me think.” I discarded the ones that would involve going down to the lower levels. It was nearing midnight at this point, and I didn’t want to be discovered on the stairs. We’d escaped notice returning after curfew last weekend, but our luck couldn’t possibly hold two weekends in a row. “I’ve got just the one.” I stood up unsteadily. “Is anyone coming with me?”

“I will,” Hazel said. “To make sure you complete the dare.”

“As if I would lie.” I walked to the door.

“You probably want a robe, in case you get caught,” Rhiannon said.

I looked down at the skimpy lingerie I’d forgotten I was wearing. “Yeah, okay. Good call.” I summoned my robe and slipped it on, tying the sash at the waist. “Better?”

“Much.”

“Let’s go do some mischief!” Hazel said, taking my arm. After our door closed behind us, she lowered her voice to a whisper. “Where are we going?”

I nodded to the right, and we headed for the foyer. “I’m going to modify the floor in one of the boy’s wings.”

Hazel’s eyes widened. “I thought the building itself couldn’t be modified!”

“Well, it isn’t a modification, exactly. You’ll see.”

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