Page 101 of Class Studies
Tanwyn checked the time on his phone. “It’s class time.” He lowered his voice. “I’ll show you the pictures after Metaphysics. I know Yordle scared you, but he has a fascinating theory about your magic.”
I ducked my head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have been so scared.”
Tanwyn kissed me again. “Stop. I honestly forgot how terrifying he looks. I should’ve warned you.” He put a hand on my knee, rubbed up and down my leg. “Live your emotions, don’t apologize for them. You can talk to him again when you’re not lying on your back waiting for someone to dig into your socket, assuming we get the chance.”
A low wail I’d never made before ripped out of my throat. I threw my hands around Tanwyn and started bawling. I don’t know if it was the way he phrased it. Or the fact that Tanwyn’s best friend was the evilest looking spider monster I’d ever seen. But he understood my fear was the situation, not me being afraid.
Something broke in my heart in a good way.
“Jesus Christ, what is it now?” Officer Keres' voice came through the crack.
“Aphy?” Professor Garnet yelled again, his voice thick with worry.
Tanwyn gave me a confused look, and I buried my face in his chest.
He wrapped his arms around me. “Is it OK if I let people in?”
“Yeah,” I said, controlling my outburst.
He whistled, and Vac padded over to us. The door flew open, and Professor Garnet strode toward me. Officer Keres and the rest of the class filed in behind.
Vac growled and cut off the professor before he got to me.
“Aphy.” Professor Garnet clenched his jaw. “Talk to me.”
I pulled away from Tanwyn and stood, my tears already drying. “Yeah, sorry. I’m fine.”
Saffron, Beryl, and Ashe all looked at Tanwyn with murder in their eyes. The summoner stood as well, holding his hands up innocently.
“Ah…” I stuttered, with no idea how to verbalize my intense emotions. “I, um, stubbed my toe.”
The stupidity of the words hit me, and I rolled my eyes. I pointed to my foot for God knows what reason and wiggled all five toes in my shoe—proving nothing.
Vac’s bark sounded a lot like a laugh.
My guys relaxed. Professor Garnet gave me a final glance before standing next to Saffron.
Officer Keres narrowed his eyes. “Right, well, do you need to go to the medical wing?”
I shook my head. “Tanwyn, ah, fixed them.”
Officer Keres grunted. “I’m choosing to believe that’s not a euphemism.” He straightened his shoulders. “Tanwyn, I’ve cleared your transgressions with the administration, and your summons can stay out. You’ll be receiving an email with your restrictions, but the Director assured me you’re a model student.” He glanced at me before focusing on Tanwyn again. “I was about to excuse you from class, but I’ve been informed your situation with Aphrodite has changed.”
I narrowed my eyes suspiciously.
Officer Keres straightened and took a step toward me.
Vac growled, and the officer held up his hands. “I thought about what you said, Aphrodite. You need training, but with mages willing to train you.” He gritted his teeth, pain compressing his features. “You are right. Lost causes or not, everyone here has basic rights. I’m a big enough man to admit my oversight.” He puffed out his chest. “Ghalen has been assigned an independent study with Magnus Terra and will no longer be in class. Tanwyn, Professor Garnet matches your skillset as much as anyone can.” He narrowed his eyes. “The same offer has been extended to you. This time is now reserved for Aphrodite to practice her magic on the willing, and only the willing.”
My jaw dropped.
Officer Keres scowled and bit his lips shut.
Tanwyn grinned. “I’ll stay and help train Dot.” He kissed the side of my head while I fought to recover my wits.
Vac howled and trotted to my side, his snake tail wagging happily.
Officer Keres’s eyebrow twitched, but he nodded and turned to the rest of the room. “Circle up, please. Aphrodite in the middle.”