Page 83 of Class Studies

Abe hmphed. “Teddy won’t report it. He’s used the chaos to break into my office. He’s as crooked as they come and slippery.” She glared at Vac. “You owe me, Aphrodite. But if you can’t figure yourself out, I won’t be able to call in your debt.” She jabbed a bony finger toward me. “Stop trying to fix yourself. You’re not broken. Your past was terrible, yes, but you’ve grown despite it.” Chalk covered her finger as she brushed the ground. “I saw the surprise on your face when you drew the infinity symbol. That, my girl, is what makes a mage. It felt right, and your magic worked.”

I blanched. “Worked?”

“Worked.” Abe nodded sharply. “It wasn’t your runes that failed. Your magic overloaded the spell. Think before you judge. Otherwise, you’ll never learn.”

When I didn’t respond, her shoulders dropped in disappointment.

I studied the chaotic mess on the floor, and my thoughts scattered.

“That figure-eight usually signifies the concept of limitlessness or eternity,” Abe added softly. “But some people also believe it means love.”

I grunted like someone punched me.

Abe scowled. “Disrespectful children. I said, some people.” She took a step back. “Now. Stop moping and start thinking. Every failure is a chance to learn. What did you learn?”

Although ten sarcastic responses came to mind, I held them back.

Tanwyn caught my attention and pointed to the floor under me. I blinked down at the pool of blood and stuffing. Guilt burned my stomach. I tried to catch Beryl’s eye, but he turned away.

I lied to Beryl. The one mage who always had my back.

My heart cracked in half. What had I done?

Tanwyn stepped to my side. “I need to clean. Here, I’ll help you up.” He reached down and hauled me up by my bicep. My death grip on the bowl made my hands shake. Vac pressed into my side. Despite my fear of the monster, I leaned against him as he led me toward the door.

Tanwyn’s efficient spell erased the last of my failure from Abe’s floor.

I squeezed my eyes shut before finding Abe’s lizard-like gaze. “What did I learn?”

Abe leaned toward me. “You learned your spell worked.” She pointed at the bowl, shaking in my grip. “But your vessel wasn’t strong enough to hold it.”

I shuddered. “Do you think there’s something out there that is?”

“I do.” Abe glanced at Beryl and Tanwyn. “The answer’s right in front of you. Stop trying to fix yourself and start living your life. Things work themselves out if you let them.”

I gritted my teeth. “But you’re stuck in here! How’s that living?”

Abe stomped her foot. “You can be so blind.” She scowled. “I lied to you. I lied to everyone. My sentence was up twenty years ago. Working here is living. Do you think they’d let me have all this food if they were still trying to keep my magic under wraps?”

I blinked. “But Officer Keres searched your office. He invaded your life!”

“Officer Keres’ boss called me and let me know they were coming.” Abe chuckled. “There’s always someone higher in the food chain. Never forget that. Now stop being an idiot and get out of my lab.”

Tanwyn and Beryl slid to the door. My clothing hung heavily off me. Although not as bad as Beryl’s, large tears and crusty blood covered me from head to toe. I looked like I’d been through hell.

“Try not to let anyone see you.” Abe snapped her fingers. “Oh, and Beryl, I need my robe back.”

Beryl frowned. “You want me leaving your lab in my birthday suit?”

“It wouldn’t be your first time.” Abe laughed twice before glaring at us. “Now get out and take your crap. I’ll not repeat it.”

Someone had repacked the now sagging cardboard box, stained with the dregs of my potions which hadn’t survived the tornado. Tanwyn gently removed the bowl from my hands and placed it on top.

Beryl handed the robe back to Abe before picking up the box so he could hold it in front of his hips. I swallowed, trying to catch his gaze, but he kept his eyes glued to a point above my head.

The floating peacock cat vanished with Tanwyn’s command, and the room plunged into darkness. I laced my fingers into Vac’s fur and pressed my forehead into his side. He vibrated under me and whined.

Light from the door opening outlined the frame, and Tanwyn peeked out before pushing it open. Although we exited as a unit, I’d never felt so alone. Beryl didn’t look at me. Our sadly comedic crew of monster, naked mage, and battered woman didn’t draw a single comment from his lips.