Page 64 of Strength of Desire

17

CORY

“You can’t be serious,” Min said. She took another bite of the lamb-shaped sugar cookie she was eating, staring at me like I was nuts. “You’re going on the hunt?”

“Yeah,” I said. “And I don’t know why—” I paused as two sophomores jostled past our group on their way to the bonfire “—why it’s such a big deal.”

We were standing in a little circle to the side of the fire in the center of the ballroom, Ash, Felix and I on one side, Erika, Min, and Keelan on the other. We’d eaten our fill and were watching the dancers now as the crowd swirled around us. Keelan had a cookie too, and Ash was drinking a glass of rosemary lemonade that I was pretty sure was mostly vodka.

“Because you were attacked by moraghin?” Min said. “And we still don’t know how they got through the wards, or who sent them, or if they’re going to come back?”

“Not to mention the tenelkiri,” Felix said under his breath—but not so quietly that I didn’t hear it.

“The moraghin attacked our whole class,” I objected.

“Yeah, but they singled you out,” Min said.

“That was just because I was already standing on my own.”

That was what I’d been telling myself, anyway.

Ash made a face. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Min and Felix might have a point. Someone tried to hurt you.”

“Twice now,” Felix said, even louder this time.

“And they might try it again if you give them a chance,” Ash continued. “Usually, I’m a big supporter of bad decisions, but it probably wouldn’t be the worst idea to give this one a miss.”

I looked around the circle. Min and Felix were nodding emphatically. Keelan looked like he was on the fence. Erika stood on my right side, and she hadn’t chimed in to say this was the dumbest plan she’d ever heard, but she hadn’t exactly defended me either.

Actually, she’d been a little quiet all evening. Her eyes were staring off into the distance as I looked at her. I hoped she was feeling okay. Maybe she was just a little overwhelmed with all the noise and bustle around us.

I tried to follow her gaze, and for a second, I caught sight of Noah. Our eyes met across the sea of people between us. He froze, his body coming to a standstill in the middle of the crowd surging to and fro. My insides twisted. He held my gaze for a long moment, then looked away, letting himself be dragged off by the crowd.

My stomach sank. It was stupid, aching every time I looked at him. I didn’twantto want him, and he was never going to want me, so the whole thing was pointless.

I’d thought we had a moment up there on the roof. But then, there had been so many almost-moments with Noah, and none of them ever meant anything. He still stared at me as coldly as ever.

Unfortunately, as soon as Noah moved on, I could see Sean standing with Rekha and Tim on the far side of the room. Sean caught me looking and smirked. If I’d been having any second thoughts about my decision tonight, they were gone now. I wasn’t backing down, not after I’d told Sean my plans.

“Well, I’m doing it,” I said to my friends. “Maybe it is dumb, but I’m doing it anyway. No one has to come with me, though.”

Ash laughed. “But that’s exactly why we have to come with you. I’ve done so much stupid stuff since coming to Vesperwood, and Felix has always stuck by me. It’s time for me to pay some of that back.”

“You’re not paying it back if I’m still getting dragged along,” Felix objected.

“Paying it forward, then.”

“You don’thaveto get dragged along, though,” I insisted. “None of you do.”

Min snorted. “Yeah, thanks. I wasn’t planning on it. Someone has to be here when this all goes pear-shaped, and if Felix is going out with you, it looks like that has to be me.” She looked at Keelan and Erika. “If you two are smart, you’ll stay behind too.”

Keelan looked torn. “On the one hand, I know this is an objectively stupid idea. I’m the only one of us who actually celebrates Imbolc, and evenIdon’t think the spring exists. On the other hand…all responsibility and no hijinks makes for a terribly boring life.”

Min rolled her eyes. “I should have known better. At least Erika can keep me company. Right, Erika?”

Erika didn’t respond that time, or the second time Min said her name. It wasn’t until Min reached out and poked her that she seemed to remember where she was, and realized that someone was talking to her.

“Where were you, Mars?” Min asked.

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