JASON
The next day, I left class with my bag slung half-open and my mind chewing on the same bullshit the Council had dropped in my lap. Their words still crawled around in my skull like termites, and all I wanted was fresh air and maybe Lori’s smile to burn the aftertaste off me. Of course, the universe had other plans. Mara blocked the doorway, her glossy hair catching every ounce of sunlight, her lips stretched in some practiced pout.
“Jason,” she cooed, tilting her head so her earrings sparkled, “heading anywhere… important?” Her fingers grazed the strap of my bag.
I sighed loud enough to make a couple kids glance our way. “Yeah. Away from you.”
Her laugh was this high-pitched chime that probably worked on idiots who hadn’t grown up dodging knives. She leaned closer, brushing agai
