Page 50 of Class Studies

Saffron narrowed his eyes.

Greek God: are you in trouble?

My phone chimed as a box I’d never seen before came up. “You’ve been added to a group chat.”

I clicked on it.

Beryl the Boyfriend: So, Tanwyn too? Summoners are rare. We’re making a powerhouse!

Ashe: Fuck no, A, why are you lying there?

PG: Do you need an ice water bath?

Ashe: Not a bad idea. She’s got somewhere she needs to be after class.

Beryl the Boyfriend: Bro, you’ve got to learn to share.

Ashe: I’m not the ‘where,’ fucking chill.

Beryl the Boyfriend: so, what’s happening after class?

Beryl the Boyfriend: I saw that.

I didn’t see whatever he’d seen. Another message from Beryl, not in the group chat, popped up on my screen.

Beryl the Boyfriend: Why are Ashe and Professor Garnet exchanging glances?

I looked up, but the glancing must already be over. The Professor’s phone wasn’t in sight as he continued to talk to Officer Keres.

Saffron glared at me and motioned to my phone. I’d thought this texting thing would make things simpler. Obviously not.

I texted Saffron first.

A: I’m not in trouble.

Then Beryl.

A: Abe’s supplies came in this morning. I need to collect a few more things, that’s all.

Beryl narrowed his eyes, and I looked away before he could see the lie on my face.

Officer Keres loudly cleared his throat. “As much as I enjoy watching the five of you sit around and play with your phones, I was hoping for more.”

The door opened, and two agents marched in and stood behind Beryl.

Officer Keres stepped toward me. “Ashe, take Aphrodite to her tower and see her needs are met.”

“I’ve been relieved of duty, sir,” Ashe said lowly. “You can’t give me orders anymore.”

Officer Keres gave Ashe a tight smile. “But it’s what you would’ve done, anyway.”

I groaned and hit my head against the pillow. There were like three levels of pissing contests going on—way too much testosterone. I looked toward the professor for help, but he grinned, enjoying the show.

“I’ll take her,” Saffron said, standing and offering me a hand.

I needed to diffuse this. I slowly sat up and looked at Saffron. “Ashe has ah, something I need.”

Saffron narrowed his eyes. “I doubt it’s anything I can’t give you better.”