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Rudder lifts the spell, scaring the other band members when we reappear. I race out to the hall then head for the dorm.

Halfway there, Mrs. Middlebrooks stops me. “We need to talk.”

“I have to study.”

“After we talk.”

“About what?” I snap.

She lifts a brow. “You shouldn’t take that tone with me as either your dean or stepmother.”

“You aren’t my stepmother. Not yet.”

Middlebrooks moves closer and speaks softer. “No, but I am going to marry your father. So you may as well get used to the idea. And keep in mind that as dean, I can make your life here at the academy either easy or difficult.”

“Not even you could make my life here easy. Is that what you wanted to tell me, or is there more?”

“You don’t think I could pull the strings to turn things around for you?”

I hesitate. “Have things been hard here because of you?”

“That’s going a little far.”

“A little? Explain yourself.”

She straightens her back. “Watch the tone, child.”

“Have you been making my life difficult?”

“All I’m saying is I can help you or not. Your choice.”

Bash comes around the corner. “There you are! I’ve been looking all over.” His gaze lands on Middlebrooks. “What’s going on? Is everything okay?”

She gives him a totally fake smile. “We’re just having a little chat. You can go now.”

He puts his arm around me. “What are you ladies talking about?”

Her smile droops to a near-scowl. “It’s none of your concern, Bash. Did you ever finish your community service?”

He rakes his fingers through his hair. “My last act of service was showing the new princess around. Thanks for that, by the way.”

Middlebrooks’s mouth twists in disgust. “You’re blaming your little fling on me?”

My mouth drops. “This is no ‘little fling!’”

Bash’s grasp around my shoulder tightens. “Are you two done talking? Marra and I have plans.”

Middlebrooks tilts her head at me. “Thought you had to study.”

“Exactly,” Bash says. “We’re going to study.”

She turns her nose up. “Really? You don’t have any classes together.”

“As it turns out, I rather enjoy helping the princess.”

Middlebrooks snorts. “She could probably help you more than you could help her.” She turns to me. “We’ll talk soon. Remember what I said.” Then she swims away like she owns the place.

Bash turns to me. “What does that sea cow want you to remember?”