Chapter 5
Amity POV:
You have got to be kidding me.
I was dreading her being in my class, let alone in the seat right next to me. My pen taps furiously on the page as I try to pay attention to what the professor is saying.
Seven basic principles of magic. I write them down as the teacher says them, my signature loopy handwriting marking the page.
Palm, ditch, steal,
She’s staring at me. Why is she staring at me? I rest my head on my free hand, trying to concentrate on what I’m writing. Okay, so
simulation, load,
“What?” I hiss, unable to take it anymore. She jumps slightly, dropping her pen onto the table.
“Nothing.” is her response.
I roll my eyes, turning my attention back to the class.
misdirection, and switch
I glance up again. She isn’t looking at me anymore and is instead listening to the professor. Her tongue hangs partially out of her mouth as she scribbles into her book. Her hazel eyes squint with concentration as she pushes a strand of hair out of her face. When she’s done, she lets out a quiet sigh, leaning back in her chair. I look away quickly as her eyes meet mine. Out of the corner of my eye, I see her grin a little, keeping her eyes on me for a moment before looking away.
The bell brings me instant relief, and I slam my book shut. I know she’s watching me walk away, but I don’t care, as I’m the first out of the classroom.
The rest of the day goes by pretty quickly, and when the final bell rings signaling the end of the school day, I’m relieved to meet with Lilith for more training. On my way to my locker, the halls clear up until I’m the only one left in sight. I allow my locker to swallow my books from today, pulling a large blue book from its jaws. Etched neatly into the cover are the words ‘Coven Training’. With a smile, I turn on my heels towards the school doors. My smile disappears just as the grip on my book does as I collide with the person in front of me.
“Hey! Watch where you’re going!” I snarl as a hand pulls me up from the floor. Luz stands before me, a look of worry painted across her face. She holds out my book to me as her other hand is still latched onto mine. I push away from her quickly, snatching the book out of her hands.
She looks down at me apologetically. “I’m so sorry. Are you alright?”
I nod quickly, ignoring the blush that stains my cheeks red. Her smile warms me, my cold exterior melting away. “Yeah, thanks.” I look down at the book in my hands, then back up to Luz. “I assume Willow already told you.” I say, indicating to the rounded letters carved into my book. She nods, a sad smile on her face.
“I’m happy for you.” she tells me, unconvincingly. “I know joining the Coven is what you’ve always wanted.”
I nod slowly, unsure what to say. I thought Luz would be upset with me. Perhaps she doesn’t care at all. Perhaps she doesn’t know about the Coven’s plans.
“They’re looking for you, you know.” Luz looks up quickly, her eyes wide with surprise. “I should hand you over right now.” She takes a step away from me, her hands forming fists at her side. It hurts to know she’d think I’d be so heartless. I don’t care if it’s my duty, I could never knowingly hurt her. “I won’t, Luz. I could never.”
Her expression melts, but she still keeps her distance, her hands held out in front of her as defense. “I know you’re mad at me for leaving.” she starts, and I immediately want to be anywhere but here. “I’m sorry, but I’m back now. Can’t we just be friends?”
I shake my head, clutching the book to my chest. “No, Luz. The Coven stands for order.” She tilts her head, her hands lowering down to her sides. “The Coven stands against you.” A sigh escapes my lips. “If there’s ever a choice between our people, I will choose mine.”
Her eyes meet mine, a galaxy of stars I will never be able to explore. She reaches out to me, her hand resting on my shoulder as I watch her with wide eyes. “Then let’s hope it won’t come to that.”
She offers me a smile, which I return, her fingers still lingering. After a moment, she breaks away from my gaze, bringing her hand away from me. With a soft sigh, she turns away from me, her feet leading her away down the corridor. I want to call after her, I want to say something, but I’m not sure what.
“I don’t even know you,” the sound of my own voice echoing off the lockers surprises me. She turns to listen. “But I feel like I understand you.”
She smiles, a genuine smile that makes my heart do a cartwheel inside my chest. With a nod of her head, she’s gone, disappearing around the corner.
I stand for a moment, processing the interaction. The warmth of her fingers on my shoulder still lingers, and her smile is all I can think about. I shake my head quickly, guilt swiftly replacing whatever else I was feeling. As I turn to leave, what I don’t see is Serena peering around the corner, watching me walk away. What I don’t see is the scowl she wears, or the cogs turning in her brain as she plans her next move.