Page 60 of Class Studies

I wrinkled my nose. “Maybe that was too forward.”

To my surprise, Arthur started laughing. As his laughter grew louder, we awkwardly joined him. Saffron released his death grip on my hand. I gulped down the last of my wine, suddenly fascinated by the tablecloth.

“Maybe that was too forward.” Arthur wiped his eyes. “My son has a way with words. And you’re not wrong, Aphrodite. His time here has honed them like I never could.”

I bit my lip and looked at Saffron, who sat rigid as if he couldn’t believe what his dad said.

Guilt burned in my stomach. I shouldn’t be here.

Livvy drew another rune and refilled my wine glass.

I took an embarrassingly large sip.

Livvy topped me up again with a knowing smile. “What’s your favorite class?”

I did better with her direct questions than her general ones, and when she started asking about Alchemy, I bounced in my seat.

“I love following recipes,” I answered, unsure why I couldn’t keep my mouth shut. “But I also enjoy experimentation. I’d no idea! My ma…ah, my old teacher never let me do anything outside his book, but I’m working on a way to isolate dynamic magic in my tower, and I’m finding it extremely satisfying, well, mostly.”

I thought of Abe’s blackmail and the MA and students with my magic controlling their free will. But I didn’t add any of that.

Arthur leaned forward, steepling his fingers. “In your tower?”

I nodded, never remembering enjoying talking this much before. “Yes. The MA issued me private accommodations because my magic is so powerful, and I’m struggling to control it…and honestly don’t get along with other students.”

Saffron’s parents both nodded at me with expectant eyes. With a start, I realized they wanted some sort of demonstration. I didn’t want to make a Bead of Will or transfer, but I let my magic edge toward Saffron so they could feel it.

The blood drained out of Arthur’s face.

Guilt ate at my stomach again. Maybe I shouldn’t have done that.

Saffron’s foot found mine under the table. I looked over at him. A soft, genuine smile played on his lips.

It vanished as fast as I saw it, and he turned back to his dad. “I know I’ve messed up your plans with the Howels,” Saffron said, finally pointing out the elephant in the room. He took out an envelope and handed it to his mother first. “Aphrodite will be worth it in the end. She’s miscarried our child already, proving fertility.”

I sat on my hands and looked down at my empty plate, feeling like a piece of meat.

Livvy’s eyes flew wide. She opened the envelope, looking at the papers.

Saffron locked gazes with his dad. “Although her bloodlines are unknown, we’re looking into it. The amount of power she wields doesn’t come from nowhere.”

Livvy slammed down the envelope, rattling every dish on the table.

I jumped, my eyes flying wide.

“Saffron, shut up.” She turned to me, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Boys, go get us dessert. And take your time.”

I didn’t dare look away from the woman, my heart racing.

Saffron and his dad quietly left. Livvy pushed the plates out of our way, sliding her hand toward me along the tablecloth. “Give me your hands.”

I started shaking. I had no idea what I did wrong, and now Saffron left me alone with someone I didn’t know.

“Please, I won’t hurt you,” Livvy said softly.

Slowly, I took her hands.

She squeezed my fingers and leaned toward me. “How are you feeling?”