Page 91 of Class Studies
Why was Abe so complicated?
Beryl charged out of the washroom, dressed, and rushed off to do whatever he did in the mornings. Two MA agents cursed, running after him down the stairs. I shook my head and let the craziness of my guys distract me from my failure. If I dwelled on it, I’d start crying, and I had too much on my plate to do that now.
Saffron finished drying my bowl and put it in one of the cupboards. “Are you joining us for Yoga?”
I shook my head. “Next time, I think I can get into The Nest early.”
Saffron’s usual scowl returned to his face, and he looked between Ashe and me. Instead of leaving, the Greek God sank onto the couch and opened up his dimensional pocket to fish out some homework.
Ashe let out a frustrated grunt and disappeared into the washroom.
I rolled my eyes but had no idea how to make all my boyfriends get along. A giggle escaped my lips. Boyfriends, five of them though I don’t think any of us had said anything official yet.
What was I doing? Maybe if I just gave them space, they’d work it out on their own. The cat’s outside my window had, sort of.
Letting out an exasperated breath, I focused on modifying Abe’s test after Operation DUMP’s spectacular failure. I sat in front of my workstation and opened a book on the power structure of Natural Mages. Despite my goal, my gaze kept wandering back to my very rough sketch of the early version of my socket.
Ashe returned from the washroom to take his usual seat. The two mages ignored each other.
Understanding my magic would explain so much, including why my spell failed last night. I found myself drawing the infinity symbol repeatedly as I looked at the faces of the people I’d taken control of. I’d put a green piece of paper around Alrick’s picture to symbolize his freedom. Had Tederwinkle seen that and guessed what it meant?
“Ashe, where do you go while I’m in class?” I asked.
“I’ve got a few projects,” Ashe said vaguely.
I still didn’t look away from my board. “But you don’t hang out here?”
“Fuck no, do you need me to?”
I stopped tracing the same symbol over and over. “Tederwinkle has access to my room. He came in and got my stuff last night, apparently, and I’m concerned he’ll mess with my potions.” I moved my gaze to Ashe. “I know he’s supposed to be my neutral judge, but I’m really uncomfortable with him—”
“He has access to your room?” Ashe interrupted me, standing.
I nodded. “The Director gave it to him.”
Ashe narrowed his eyes. “And the Director told you that?”
I shook my head.
Ashe pulled on his beard. “Officer Keres?”
“Ah, no, Tederwinkle told me the director gave him access.” I bit my lower lip.
Ashe grunted and reluctantly turned to Saffron. “Where’s Tanwyn this morning?”
I couldn’t see Saffron’s face from his spot on the couch, but his shoulders stiffened. “Maybe you should add us to the group chat. Then you could ask him.”
Ashe raised an eyebrow. “Really, you’re using your fucking gimp leg to stand up for Tanwyn now?”
Saffron didn’t answer, and I raised my voice. “He’s standing up for us as a team. We’re growing together.” I wrinkled my nose, feeling odd using Beryl’s words. “All of us.” I looked hard at Ashe. “Tanwyn even left his bear dog lion snake monster.”
Vac snorted and gave me a dirty look.
I gave him an apologetic wave. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what you are.”
Ashe shook his head.
I took a step toward the Gentle Giant. “No one likes us.” I flared out my fingers. “No one liked me from the start, and the MA only made things worse.” I pointed at Ashe. “You’re the MA. Saffron’s the devil incarnate, according to Mêler. And the MA hates Beryl, who’s the only person the student body tolerates.” I pulled on my braid. “All the authority figures here want something from me—not to mention they also all hate me to varying degrees. All we’ve got is each other.”