The metallic taste of blood pools in my mouth, and I gag, spitting frantically to get it out.
“A fair warning, little pup,” the girl snarls, dumping the bucket beside our feet. “Next time, you’ll be bathing in your own blood.”
“You’re crazy,” I cough, dropping my backpack. “Why?”
“A message from the queen.” With that, she flips her long, honey-blonde hair over her shoulder and stalks away.
“Valerie?” I echo. “Crazy b—”
“Hailey?” Celeste rushes out of the library. “Sorry, I just finished—what the hell?”
“Valerie. She’s insane.”
“Tell me something I don’t know.” Celeste pulls out a tissue from the side pocket of her bag and starts to wipe my face. “Did she say why she did this?”
“No. She sent someone to pass me a message, but I have a good idea why.” I scowl at a group of students pa
