Page 127 of How to Flirt with a Witch

“Thanks for explaining things to me,” I say.

Sky nods, not meeting my eye.

As I back away, she extends a palm toward a green foam block. It lifts into the air, and she brings her arm back like a baseball pitcher. With a grunt, she throws, and the block whizzes across the room in a blink. Itslams into a red X on the opposite wall with athwapthat makes my ears ring.

What a long way magic has come—from being a weapon of war to this controlled exercise in a gym. CSAMM has done a thorough job.

But the bloody memory of war hovers thickly throughout this building, guiding the actions of everyone in it… and I can’t help wondering if history is doomed to repeat itself.

My stomach churns as I leave my room in the morning, heading toward the courtyard to study. More likely, I’m about to stare blankly at my textbook while my mind races and my knee bounces.

How many witches believe CSAMM is doing the right thing by locking up biological magic? How many have tried to take some for themselves—or at least considered it? Andwhatwas Freddie on about when he said a plan was in motion?

My thoughts are such a whirlwind as I round a corner that I nearly smack into someone. I let out a little scream and jump back.

Natalie stands there like a wall, scowling down at me. “Who told you about bio magic?”

I hug my laptop to my chest like it’s a shield.

Shit.Sky must have mentioned I was asking questions.

A little spark of anger ignites, then fizzles and dies. It isn’t like I asked her not to tell Natalie about our conversation.

“What do you care?” I snap, a little sharper than intended.

She looks down at me, fury twisting her beautiful features. She opens her palm to reveal a crumpled piece of paper.

I stare at it for a second before it dawns on me. Freddie’s business card.

The brick walls on either side of us seem to close in,suffocating.

“You’re damn lucky Elizabeth likes me,” Natalie growls. “She found this while cleaning your room and decided to bring it to me instead of straight to Fiona.”

My blood runs cold. “It’s—it’s not what you—”

Natalie steps closer, closing her fist around the card. “I’m going to ask you plainly, and I need you to be honest. Are you in contact with Freddie Madsen?”

“Wh-what do you mean,in contact with? I’m not a spy or some…” I wave a hand, searching for the right word. “Turncoat.”

“Katie, if you’re withholding critical information about the Madsens’ whereabouts, do you realize how serious this is? You could face a trial by jury. You could be imprisoned.”

My chest constricts at the harsh warning. I splutter. “It’s not like that!”

Natalie takes another step in, and my back hits the brick wall.

“What’s it like, then?” she growls. “Why do you have his contact info?”

Footsteps approach, and I turn, my hair getting caught in a fern on the wall. Amir, the Director, walks by.

I bat away the fern and wait until he’s out of earshot before continuing in a low voice. “I did talk to Freddie. But it was only once, and it was only because I had no idea what was going on or what sort of danger any of us were in!”

Natalie rubs her face, walking in a little agitated circle. “Jesus. Sometimes you need to let a subject drop! There are things you can’t know about.”

My fingers tremble as I clutch the laptop to my chest. “You just want me to shut up and be a lamb? Go along on assignments without understanding what I’m actually doing?”

“This isn’t only about following rules, and you know it.” Her nostrils flare as she struggles to control her anger. “I want you to stay safe, and I want both of us to keep ouroath so we don’t get in shit!”

“Theoath,” I spit. “I thought you were letting me be a part of something by bringing me to CSAMM, but Freddie was right. You’re making me do your dirty work while keeping me on the outskirts.”