Chapter 20 20- Do Not Lick Anything In The Potions Lab
LEXI
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I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about the whole defence class conversation. A part of me wants to bristle, because I should be able to protect myself. Another part of me knows Blake’s kind of right. If someone handed me a list of classes, Defence Skills probably wouldn’t even make my top ten. I can admit that without feeling weak. Probably. And… Annoyingly… It IS kind of sweet that Blake is the one
advocating for some kind of teamwork approach. The same Blake who pretends he doesn’t need anyone and doesn’t care what everyone thinks of him. That Blake is the one saying it’s okay to not be alone. It’s a nice feeling. Which lasts until I reach my Potions class and immediately get slapped in the face with reality. I don’t know exactly what I expected, maybe cauldrons? bubbling beakers? something dramatic? But based on the shelves lining the walls, this is basically chemistry’s eccentric witchy cousin. There are odd–looking burners humming with faintly coloured flames, racks of glass vials that glint like they’re judging me for not knowing what they are, metal stirrers, engraved measuring spoons, and ingredients stored in jars that I’m pretty sure would get a regular lab condemned. The room is set up with two–person workstations. Partners. Of course. And somehow, either because the class number is uneven, or someone’s late, or the universe is just continuing its personal vendetta against me, I end up sitting dead–centre in the room at a two–person desk… Alone. Completely, painfully, obviously alone. Yay… It’s not like anyone says anything. They just… Don’t sit with me. Which sort of poses a question. Who here is judgmental, who here is scared, and who here just doesn’t want to risk becoming collateral damage in the social fallout of talking to me. Or to Blake, by extension. Or to the wolf pack’s newest favourite chew toy, apparently. Maybe they’re terrified of him. Maybe they’re terrified of the wolves. Maybe they’re terrified of ending up with the same reputation I apparently earned in less than a day. Whatever the reason, the result is the same. I end up alone, in this class at least. It stings more than I want to admit. The logical part of me says it’s fine, that I’ve done alone before, that I’m used to isolated seats and awkward distancing and people making snap judgements based on rumours they didn’t even bother to verify. But something about the empty chair beside me feels… Pointed. I straighten my spine, fold my hands neatly on the desk, and force myself to breathe. It is what it is. I’ll manage. I always do.
The class hasn’t technically started yet, the teacher’s nowhere in sight, but at least the desk has a textbook tucked inside. I pull it out and flip through it, trying to look busy, composed, unbothered. The usual basically. Someone clears their throat and I look up. Of course it’s Mallory. If the universe wanted to give me a moment of peace, apparently now is not the time. She’s standing there with an expression so
smug I’m shocked she can lift her own face.
“All dried off, huh? But now you’re sitting by yourself. I did warn you, you know.” She says pointedly. Wonderful. She’s decided to start the morning with a victory lap. I sigh and try the oldest coping skill known to mankind. Ignoring the problem until it goes away. Mallory does not go away. Damn it. She steps closer, right into my personal space, and closes my textbook with one finger. Right on my hand. I look up
and glare.
“Seriously? That’s just childish.” I grumble. And for some reason, I stand up. Maybe it’s instinct, maybe it’s pride, maybe it’s some leftover stubborn momentum from last night, but I am not letting her loom over me while she talks down to me. Something feels off. Huh, we’re almost the same height. Oh… The heels. Good job, magic closet, turns out you knew what you were doing. Mallory rolls her eyes like she’s
the one being inconvenienced here.
“I am TRYING to be nice. I warned you, but it’s like you have NO sense of self preservation. That dragon could KILL, you, you know!” She
lectures. I sigh. Loudly.
“Okay… And?” I ask. She blinks at me, thrown off by the complete lack of hysteria she was clearly expecting.
“And it’s stupid for you to hang around someone dangerous like that!” She insists, speaking slowly, like I’m a toddler eating dirt.
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10:15 Thu, Mar 26
Chapter 20 20- Do Not Lick Anything In The Potions Lab
“The idea of actually being able to cast a spell? With my own magic? That’s pretty amazing. Assuming I actually can…” I trail off. Blake
nods, amusement tugging at his mouth.
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“I figured you’d like this class.” He agrees, We walk together toward the next building, my mood lighter now that I have company for the
next subject. Despite how lonely my first class this morning was, this part, walking to class beside someone who actually wants to walk
with me, feels great. And spellcasting? Oh, this should be fun.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
