Page 146 of Spark of Sorcery

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“Ahem,” Fly jabs his finger at me, “I saw them carrying you around the assault course this afternoon.”

“Yeah, but what am I going to do about it?”

“About four hot dudes wanting you. Hmm,” Fly taps his finger against his mouth, “let me think.”

“I’m serious. I need some advice guys.”

“I’d start by talking to them about all this,” Clare suggests.

“Boring!” Fly says.

“But practical.” Clare slides her glasses up her nose and gives Fly a look that reminds me so much of a teacher I think I almost see a glimpse of Clare’s future.

“Okay,” I say, squaring my shoulders. “Talk to them. I can do that.”

After all, how hard can it be?

Chapter Fifty-Five

Fox

Am I sure?

It’s a question I’ve asked myself over and over again, countless, countless times.

Because she’d been sure, hadn’t she? So very sure.

We were destined to be together. Bound together by fate.

It was written in our stars.

It’s how she convinced me.

Then again, I didn’t need that much convincing.

I was stupid back then – and vain and careless. Seduced by the idea of power and magic. Immortality and, yes, her.

What a fool!

Because it was all a lie. All an elaborate trick.

Am I surprised Briony is more cautious? Less eager to believe me?

I shouldn’t be. She has more sense than I ever did.

I skim around the edges of the academy, my cloak swishing in the violent wind, wisps of snowflakes spinning in the air tonight, the clouds thick and suffocating, the night more black than usual.

Her face spins in my mind like the crystalized flakes. Had that been shock on her face? Or was it disgust?

Or worse, pity?

What the hell is she thinking?

I can’t stand it! I have to know.

I have to see her – even if it’s foolish and stupid.

I will not torture myself any longer.

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