Around me, the other students shifted uncomfortably.
I heard Lucas whisper, "Holy s**t," under his breath. Even Jax had gone completely quiet, as he stared between Caius and I with alarm.
Birch cleared his throat. "I’m aware there have been some... tensions between you two, but Caius has agreed to set that all aside and even personally volunteered to mentor you."
My stomach dropped.
He gave Caius a meaningful look that carried clear warning. "I expect there to be no foul play of any kind, son."
"Of course," Caius's voice was smooth, but the dark smirk that accompanied his words made my blood run cold.
He crossed the field toward me with unhurried confidence. When he stopped directly in front of me, close enough that I had to crane my neck back to meet his eyes, I saw it clearly.
Wh
