Page 129 of Malcroix Bones Academy

A kitten, really.

It was deep black, with thick, curled fur and bright green eyes.

I felt my stomach twist.

“Where…” I managed, and swallowed. “Where did it come from?”

“Someone left it as a present for you,” Jolie said, beaming.

“A present?” I echoed numbly.

It hit me suddenly, what day it was. I’d known that, of course, but I hadn’t really let myself think about it this year, even though it was sort of a milestone, being my twentieth.

Gods. I hadn’t told anyone it was my birthday, had I?

No, because Iwouldn’thave done that, would I? It wasn’t something I’d advertised even in Overworld. Given it was also the day my parents died, to say this particular day brought up confused feelings in me would be a ridiculous understatement. I hadn’t gotten an actualbirthdaypresent from anyone but Archie since before my parents died.

“Isn’t she lovely?” Jolie cooed. “I think she’s absolutely gorgeous.” She held the kitten sideways, so her face aimed at me. “She looks like you! Do you see?” Jolie beamed. A large green bow was tied around the kitten’s neck. “She’s got your eyes. And your hair.”

“But where… where did she come from?” I stammered.

Jolie gave me a sly look. “They didn’t sign the card. I figuredyou’dknow, given what was written there. Whoever it’s from, they left the box outside the door.” She winked at me. “I think you have a secret admirer, Leda.”

I made myself move.

I walked towards my bed, but before I reached Jolie and the cat, I stopped to stare at the box, which had been wrapped pristinely in black and silver and green silk wrapping paper. The lid had been wrapped separately, and round holes punched all over the top. An open card was attached to the side of the box.

My name was written on top of the card. I lifted the flap, and felt my stomach flip when I recognized the inhumanly perfect script.

Reminded me of you. She’s a good girl, too.

Such a lovely, sweet purr.

My jaw slowly clenched.

I stared at the perfect lines until they blurred.

I read it again. Then again. My stomach twisted in hard knots.

That absolute piece of bloodydragonexcrement?

“Who do you think it’s from?” Jolie asked, not hiding the curiosity in her voice. She was still stroking the small black cat, cooing to it. “I don’t think it was Draken,” she added. “Mir and Drake were with me when I first came in, and Draken seemedpretty bent out of shape about it. Especially after he read the card.” She watched my face. “Do you know who gave it to you, Leda?”

I slowly shook my head.

“No,” I lied.

Jolie opened her mouth, her eyes skeptical.

She closed it again.

“Well, you’d better take her,” Jolie said, matter-of-fact, holding out the tiny ball of black fluff. “I’ve got a group study session tonight at Frumpy’s. I’m already late. I didn’t want to leave her alone in an unfamiliar place.” She pointed at the floor, where two small bowls were already sitting out. “She’s had water, and I brought her up some tuna and milk, but she’ll likely need a few things tomorrow.”

I took the cat carefully from Jolie’s hands, and cuddled the small creature against my chest. As furious as I was at the gift-giver, a part of me couldn’t help but melt at the little thing now that it purred against my skin, kneading my sweater with its tiny claws.

It infuriated me even more when I realized I already wanted to keep it.

I’d never had a pet. As a kid, I’d always wanted one.