Angie scoffs, fixing me a cup of iced coffee. “That’s what I said. You should pay more attention.”
“Any who…” Not giving her comment a second thought, I continue, “If I had to choose a House, I’d pick Death, with some type of magic draining ability. You know, in case someone wants to kill me. I can drain their power before they have a chance.” I’m thinking about Alise while hinting at Ethan, but Angie is only half paying attention.
I messaged Alise this morning with thanks for last night, but she hasn’t responded yet. Raine, on the other hand, texted back with a flower emoji and the words;‘Since you’re breathing better, stop and smell the roses. Or do you need help finding them as well?’I’ve been smiling ever since.
“Just yesterday you were going on about the Earth order, why switch to Death now?”Damn, yesterday was long on account of everything I did, and I’ve yet to adjust to their timeframe.
She hands over my mug and watches me take a sip for approval.
“I still don’t know how you make these, but it’s good. Thank you.” I smile. “And the name, Death, alone sounds badass. Like, ‘hey, don’t mess with me, I’m part of House Death.’ They’d run scared and leave me the hell alone.” There is much more to it, but right now is not the time for disclosing my plans.
“Kyra, that’s ridiculous. Not a single fay would run. If anything,they’d laugh and proceed to battle you.” Angie frowns, huffing, and crosses her arms. “Your House and order doesn’t define whose magic is stronger or better. Take House Fire for example. You’d think a fay with scorch magic could beat a House Earth fay who uses plant magic, right? Wrong. If their sole ability is shooting fireballs, which is such a pathetic ability, they’ll lose against a fay wielding plant magic who creates clouds of toxic poison. The fire fay will die.”
Here we are, back to death and destruction with her. “Why does everyone perish in your analogies?”
“Why not?” She shrugs.
We share a few giggles and drink our iced coffee over discussing what it’ll be like if I stay past tonight. Her excitement paints a colorful picture, and I sit, listening whilst thinking about later endeavors, thankful we’re not sparring.
Before long, the sun takes a rest behind a large, sparkling, white building in the distance. Rays of orange, red, and gold dance across my walls in a peaceful ambience, before a knock interrupts our tranquility.
“Expecting someone?” she asks with a raised brow.
I yawn, “Not at all,” but scurry to check the peephole. “There’s no one out there. Maybe they had the wrong door?”
She nudges me aside with white energy flowing around her hands. “It could be rock guy,” she adds, opening the door and shifting her head in both directions.
“I–Is it him?”
“Nope,” she chuckles, picking up a package laying by her feet. With a wide smile, she kicks the door closed and skips to my desk, swinging her thin white dress. “It reads,‘To Kyra. Good luck tonight.’Ohhh, someone here likes you,” Angie taunts.
“Now I know you’ve gone insane. There isn’t a single person here wholikesme, besides you, of course,” I too chuckle.
It takes half a second for my cheeriness to fade due to her tense demeanor.
“Kyra, remember we’re fay, not people. The terms mortal,human, person, mankind, child, and yes…people, are terms we as fays do not use. Others despise being addressed as such. Males, females, guys, girls, men, and women are fine. Or a safe bet, fay. Just keep it in mind if you want to avoid fights around campus,” she warns, without directly implying I’m pissing her off. Yet it still stings, and my lips thin as a mix of foolishness and shame intertwines within my stomach. She befriended me, and I’ve been insulting her this entire time.
“You’re right, I’ll be more mindful.”
Her shoulders relax with a warm smile as she changes the topic.
“Who do you think sent you this?” Angie reverts to the package. “Or maybe it’s not a happy one. There’s been tales of students receiving transformation gifts.”
“Come again? Transformation as in a shifter like Celine? Because I’d like one of those.”
“Nope. When opened, it triggers a spell, transforming you into something animal-like. But it lasts for seven moons.”
“Oh, hell no. You mean like a dog or cat?” I choke, distancing myself from her and it. Not like Celine at all.
“Of course not. Those animals are adorable. I’m hinting at the lesser ones. We should open it and see.” Angie rattles it, and my retreat grows vast. Two steps back–four steps–continuing until my back presses against the wall.
“What if I’m turned into a worm, or worse, a damn frog?” Shuddering at my own disastrous thoughts, I add, “We can kiss the Awakening goodbye.” No pun intended.
“Pish-posh. Don’t worry your curly little head. You’ll be fine. Plus, I can always freeze time before you fully transform. Now open it.” She waves me over.Why do I even listen to her horrid ideas? The wrapping appears neat at least, matted silver donning a shimmering black bow. My hands twitch as I pluck it from her itchy fingers, careful not to make any sudden moves. “Open it. The suspense is killing me.”
I flinch at her sudden outburst, rolling my eyes and stationingthe gift on my desk. With a deep sigh, I remove the bow and wrapping, then lurch back in preparation.
“What are you doing?” Angie scrunches her face as though I’m being dramatic. Whatever.
