Page 127 of Storm of Shadows

“If he’s made a move on you,” she adopts a concerned expression, “if he’s said anything inappropriate to you–”

I shake my head. “I don’t know where you’d get such an idea, but he hasn’t.”

She leans back, peers over her shoulder and then back at me.

“He is a very good looking man and charming. You won’t be the first student at the academy to have developed a crush on the professor.”

I frown. Hang on – is she accusing him of making a move or me?

“I don’t have any feelings for the professor,” I say with irritation.

“It’s perfectly natural to feel that way about an older man with–”

“I don’t. Professor Tudor and I have barely spoken since I started at the academy. I’m not interested in him – or anyone else for that matter.”

Is that true? The way Beaufort kissed me this morning has me thinking I’d like him to do that again.

“Well, that is a relief, Miss Storm,” she says, that forced smile returning once again to her mouth. “We could do without those kinds of … complications.” She beckons for me to stand and walks me to her office door. “Of course,” she says, holding the door open, “if anything did happen. If the professor were to … be sure to come and tell me immediately.”

I mutter something indistinct and duck out of the room. If I did have any secret to tell, any concerns about the behavior of any of the faculty, Madame would be the last person in the realm I’d choose to confide in.

The very last.

Chapter Fifty-Four

Fox

The students filter into the classroom one by one, and I scan my gaze among them. Anticipation races through my body, making my fingers tingle and my magic hiss.

But it’s all for nothing. The girl is not among them.

Again.

For the second time, she has chosen to skip my lesson.

A storm of emotions erupts in my stomach. Disappointment. Rage. Irritation. Fear.

Is it because she knows the truth?

I close my eyes and battle the storm into submission.

I will not lose control. I will not betray the way I feel. I will not make the mistake of hunting her down again.

I wait until all the students are settled and then I ask calmly, hoping the strain in my voice does not give me away, “Miss Storm is not here.”

“Thank goodness,” one of the Smyte twins mutters under her breath. It’s pathetically transparent how jealous so many ofthe other students are of her – just because she’s caught the attention of the Princes. A bunch of spoiled, arrogant brats.

“Has she chosen to skip my class yet again?”

I direct my question towards her friend, who, despite my calm tone and calm demeanor, quakes on his seat.

“N-n-n-n-no,” he stutters, swallowing hard. “I think she’ll be along soon. She had to–”

“I’m not interested in hearing excuses!” I snap.

“But–” he protests feebly.

“Quiet!” I thunder. “You all have a duty to attend my class. But that duty does not just extend to yourselves. I expect all my students to be present and if they are not, that reflects on all of you.” I glare at the students sitting in front of me, although I doubt they can see me hidden away in the shadows. “Therefore, you will all be punished for Miss Storm’s tardiness.”