Page 6 of How To Summon A Memory
“I’ll answer if you do. You don’t look much older than me.”
I shrug. What harm could it do for him to know? “I’m fifteen. And you?”
“Twelve.”
Twelve?! “What does a twelve-year-old need to summon a demon for?”
“That’s none of—” He cuts himself off before finishing with none of my business. His face goes red, and he picks at the gravel by his hands.
I smile, letting my fangs show. My tail whips around behind me. He’s scared and brave all at once. “Why did you summon me?”
“I want out of my arranged marriage.”
I choke on my own saliva. “What now? You’retwelve. Why are you getting married?”
“I’m not getting married until I’m older. I have to graduate college first and establish myself as a Hex citizen in good standing. But my father and grandmother planned out my entire life. I like Florence, but…” He nibbles his bottom lip and doesn’t look at me. “Can you keep a secret?”
“Cross my heart.” I plop to the ground, crossing my legs.
Ethan scoots closer. He’s right on the edge of the summoning circle that keeps us separated. “I’m gay,” he whispers.
“I can see why you don’t wanna marry them, then.”
He shakes his head. “It’s the principle of the thing and Flo doesn’t wanna marry me either. She doesn’t want to marry anyone. She thinks the idea of kissing is gross and just wants a dog and to live in the country teaching people magic. At least that’s what she’s told me.”
“What did you bring for a sacrifice?”
“My magic. Memaw says I’m the strongest Speller in centuries. I just started college at Hex University and I love it so far, but if I don’t have magic, Florence’s family won’t want them to marry me. I can save us both.”
“You’re already in college?” It’s hard to wrap my brain around. I never even finished Crossroads School, but that wasn’t my fault.
“Yep.” Ethan throws his shoulders back. “I’m taking a duel program where I’m working through my bachelor’s and doctorate at the same time. I should be teaching by the time I’m seventeen if everything pans out.”
My mouth falls open. “What?” This child’s life is already planned out for him and I don’t blame him for not wanting what someone else decided for him.
“Memaw insisted.”
I rub my chin as if I’m thinking before pushing to my feet. “I’d love to help you, but can’t.” I’m not sure I’ve spoken any truer words in my life.
“What? Why not?” His slim shoulders slump.
“You’retwelveand there are rules against making a deal with someone under eighteen. You have to be a legal adult to enter a contract unless you have your parent’s permission.” I made up the bit about parents, but it’s not like he’s going to know.
“You’reunder eighteen!”
“I’mallowed to be under eighteen.”
“Why?” Ethan fists his hands and I swear he’s about to cry. I don’t like the idea of him being so upset, though.
“Because I’m being punished for my brother being… well, himself. I shouldn’t even be here for another five years, yet here I am. So trust me, I understand disappointments.”
“I’m sorry. Please forgive me for being such a brat.” Ethan pushes to his feet and dusts his shirt off. “But I don’t give up easily. I’ll wear you down.”
“Come back in six years and I’ll make you the deal of a lifetime.”
“I’m already so mature and adulty I think you should make the deal.” Ethan nods, determined, and holds out his hand.
“Sorry, no can do.”
