Page 44 of A Drop of Anguish
“Really?” I was unaware of that part of their relationship. I mean, I knew they were platonically bonded, but I didn’t realize that meant they couldn’t hurt each other.
“Yeah. Their magic is linked. They can fight, and it can cause pain, but it’s never serious. Honestly, when Laithe said those things, it’s likely Jarron knew he was trying to bait him into leaving the area.”
“But he still went,” I say.
Janet nods.
Interesting. “I’m still having a hard time wrapping my mind around all of this. I don’t understand his reaction.”
Janet shrugs, but her expression is soft, almost pitying. “He has feelings for you, babe.”
My gut twists.
“You never did tell us the full reason you guys broke up.”
I bite the inside of my lip. “It’s complicated.”
“Yeah, you said that before. But clearly, he adores you.”
“And he’s crazy hot and powerful,” Lola says. “So, unless he did something really bad—”
“Please stop.” I hold up a hand. “I don’t have to explain it. But he and I are not getting back together.”
Even if that thought physically pains me.
Lola sighs.
“I think you’re crazy. But you’re right; it’s your choice.” Janet shrugs.
“Your choice, even if it’s the wrong one.”
20
DEAR CANDICE
The games are beginning again, and I can’t wait to see your face when you uncover what’s in store for you next.
Good luck
The Jinn
21
Do You Like It? Or Does It Scare you?
The still-healing bite on my neck itches, but I try my best not to scratch it as I stir my potions. Today, I need to bottle my new set of nullifiers.
“Your brew house almost looks like a normal student’s lab,” Thompson comments, flipping through a textbook in the corner. Even though you’d think I have the plague with how much space literally everyone in school is giving me today, he still insisted he come to my potions lab this afternoon.
“Yeah. I’m almost through with this set.”
“You’re not starting up any new ones?”
“Yes, on Monday, but they’re going to be a cold set, so I have to finish this one before the potions department complete the temperature shift. It’s scheduled for Sunday.”
Many potions have a very delicate temperature requirement—just a few degrees off can alter the outcome dramatically. The nullifier requires a warm environment, and that has always been my priority. I couldn’t fight a powerful magic user without it. So, I’ve had the room spelled to eighty degrees since I started. Now, with my new double batch of nullifiers, I’m content to try some new things.
One of the witch instructors is going to alter the spell to cold for next week.
