Page 95 of Malcroix Bones Academy

I snorted.In your deluded daydreams.

You should be scared of me, you know.His gold eyes flashed.I’ll start thinking you’re a bit dim-witted if you continue to act like you aren’t?

Do you actually have something you wanted to talk to me about?I thought abruptly.Or is this just going to be another way I have to listen to your absolute nonsense, even when I’m minding my own business in class?

He snorted another laugh. Then, shaking his head, he gestured in a way I interpreted as him conceding my point.

Do you have time this weekend?he asked.To meet up. I’ve got an idea we could pursue.

An idea?

About your parents,he clarified.

My heart started beating harder in my chest. Thinking about the question, I nodded, my thoughts growing less wary.I have time. I have our practical Saturday afternoon. And studying, of course. But otherwise, I’m free.

What are you doing tonight?he thought at me.

Did you want to meet up tonight?I asked, surprised.

No.He shook his head.Not tonight. I can’t tonight. I just wondered what you were doing.

I frowned.What do you mean, what am I doing? It’s Friday.

He rolled his eyes.I’m aware it’s Friday, Shadow. I asked what you’re doing. You going to get pissed and carouse in Bonescastle with your pack of idiot friends? Do you have a secret gambling habit I don’t know about, that takes you to the dragon racing observatories every Friday? Will you sit in your room and read something light, likeThe Complete History of Magical Warfarein Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs while you daintily sip white wine?His jaw tightened.Do you have a date? What?

I stared at him, unsure if he was being serious. I couldn’t help but look for the trap.

I also didn’t really want to answer for some reason. My reasons for not answering weren’t exactly logical. Maybe I just didn’t want to admit to him that I didn’t have a date, or explain that Icouldhave a date if I’d wanted, but few mages asked for the right reasons and the one mage who had, I’d already turned down.

What are you doing tonight?I asked finally.

He gave me an exasperated look.Nothing.

What do you mean, nothing?I thought back, frowning.That doesn’t mean anything. Not unless you plan to cease to exist for the next twelve hours. Besides, you just said you can’t work tonight, which implies you actuallydohave plans?

I can’t go anywhere, Shadow,he cut in, his thoughts annoyed.

Can’t?I scoffed.Why? Does Elysia have you on that tight of a leash?

I’m not with Elysia.

That surprised me, I admit, but I managed to keep it off my face.

I rolled my eyes.Whatever. I didn’t ask.Thinking again, I frowned.What did you mean you can’t go anywhere? You can’t go to Bonescastle? Why not?

Never mind.

I stared at him warily.Never mind? You brought it up. You said it. The least you can do is explain it. What does that mean?

Forget it.He started to get up from the table.I guess we’re done here. I’ll contact you about getting together this weekend… maybe Saturday, if you’re not too hung over. And if you need to talk to me and we’re not in a place for it, try this. It seems your mongrel blood allows you to pick up telepathic communication as easily as every other form of magic.

He straightened over me. I noticed he avoided my eyes.

It should be a lot easier than flinging one another into closets,he added.And stop staring at me in class, by the way. I’ve already gotten questions about it. Unless you want half the nobility set to think you’re panting under my cock every night…

When I opened my mouth, caught somewhere between confusion and cold, furious outrage, he leaned over the table, a lip-curled smirk on his face.

I’m going to need you to slap me now,he thought at me through the flat-eyed smile. His eyes continued to avoid direct contact with mine.Make it convincing, Shadow. There are people watching, and neither of us can afford?