Page 115 of Shattered Stars

“No, probably because he is actually concerned about security here at the academy.”

Winnie scoffs. “The academy is one of the safest places in Los Magicos, in the republic.”

“And yet a werebeast got in and–” I halt my words and glance up at my friend. She peers up from her own phone.

“And?”

“What?”

“You said a werebeast had broken inand…”

“Did I?” I say, feeling horrible for hiding this from Winnie. So guilty, I think I might actually be sick. This girl has done so much for me – including risking her life. Shit, she nearly died following me on one of my stupid adventures. Don’t I owe her more than secrets and lies? I clear my throat. “Renzo Barone.”

“You think he was the one that nailed that …” she swallows, morphing a sickly green, “to the bed? I always suspected that was Andrew. I don’t see how someone like Barone would be able to infiltrate the academy’s security.”

“He did. He has.”

Winnie brows crinkle together. “How do you know?”

“I … I saw him. I spoke to him.”

“Rhi, what the–”

“It was his fault,” I say, pointing to Pip, snoozing in the corner.

“Pip’s?” Winnie looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “I’m so confused.”

“He was waiting for me in the forest. Pip led me straight to him.”

“Pip would never do anything to put you in danger.”

Pip lifts his head and snorts in agreement. “Well, I’m telling you–”

“He probably didn’t know he was there.” Winnie’s eyes widen in horror. “Or maybe he bewitched him.”

“Maybe,” I say, not believing either of those explanations to be true but not wanting to argue with Winnie about it.

“But did Barone attack you again? Did he hurt you? I can’t believe you haven’t told anyone!”

“Because he didn’t want to hurt me, or kill me, or whatever, he wanted to talk. Which was … pretty confusing.”

“Talk!” Winnie snorts. “What the hell about? How he’d like to chop you into lots of tiny little pieces? How he plans to slit your throat?”

“I don’t think he wants to hurt me.” In fact, deep in my gut, I know he doesn’t want to.

“He works for the Wolves of Night. He’s Marcus Lowsky’s assassin. There’s a price on your head. A vendetta. Of course he wants to hurt you.”

“This is why I didn’t tell you, because I knew you wouldn’t understand,” I say in frustration.

Winnie’s face falls, hurt shining in her eyes, and almost immediately I wish I could take back those words. Winnie has put up with so much of my shit. She’s been understanding through all my craziness. She’s been there by my side, encouraging me and helping me.

“I’m sorry, Winnie, I didn’t–”

“No, you’re right,” Winnie says, shaking her head. “I don’t understand this, Rhi. You need to be careful. He’s a clever man, a cunning one. He’s murdered a lot of people. You cannot trust him.”

I nod, but only because once again I don’t want to argue with her. But I think she’s wrong. I trust him. And maybe that’s really fucked up, but I do.

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