“So, tell me what you did find out,” I order.
He sighs and nods his head, turning back to his phone.
“I translated everything into a document, but basically, I guess, if this is all real and the book explains what I really am,” his gaze moves to me for a moment before looking back at the phone, “I can either save people or take their lives.”
My eyes widen. “Oh.”
“Please don’t be scared of me,” he whispers, facing me again.
“I’m not scared of you,” I whisper back and slowly we both lean forward, like an invisible force is drawing us toward each other. Just before our lips touch, though, he jolts backwards into the corner of the sofa, his chest heaving.
“Shit!” he says wiping his hand over his face. “I..I.”
I stop him talking. I know he’s upset with himself. “Jacobi,” I automatically use his full name and watch as his jaw locks, “you’re obviously drawn to me. Whatever this is,” I say motioning between the two of us. “But, you don’t really feel it.” I sigh and offer him a sad smile. “You told me the other day I’m somehow a part of this because it only happens when we kiss.” My voice breaks on the last word as I realise the truth in what I’m saying. I have feelings for Jacobi, I always have, but his feelings before…and now, they aren’t real…they never were. “It stands to reason, whatever controls this transformation in you has engineered it so you feel compelled to kiss me; otherwise, you’d never transform. You don’t want to kiss me…” My voice breaks again. “You’re hardwired to kiss me. It’s not your fault. I’m not angry, but it’s probably best if we stay away from each other, at least until you’ve figured this out.”
He says nothing. He’s staring at me, his jaw still locked, but I can see it in his eyes, he agrees, and I feel like I can’t breathe. I need to get out of here.
“Email me the translated book, and I’ll have a look at it if you want me to, but I have to head out now, so please lock the doors behind you,” I tell him without giving him the chance to answer me, and grabbing my bag, I rush out of my own home, letting the tears fall silently.
I’m in school, but I’m not really here. Life is happening around me, but I’ve spent most of the day sitting in the same seat, staring at my mobile and the email account on it. I swipe it up and down every few minutes, hoping for a reply from Juniper about the translated book I sent her last night, but I’ve heard nothing.
Why is she the key? If I could understand that, then maybe I could control what’s happening to me. I’m never going to find out, though. She says she’s going to help me, but I bet she’s not even read what I sent her. That damn woman is so frustrating. I swear she’s been sent here solely to cause me as much trouble as possible. Damn it, I can’t go on like this. I’m the king of Caspian and in severe danger of losing my position. I need to re-establish my authority. I say what happens here, no one else, not even some little girl with plump, kissable lips.
Don’t think about her lips.
I’m screwed.
Peeling myself away from my chair, I make my way out into the hallway of the practical arts block of Caspian Academy. Lower school children run around, making their way between lessons, and I walk straight down the middle of the corridor, forcing them to move to the side before scurrying on. One of them doesn’t move quickly enough, though, and knocks my bag off my back. His eyes go wide when he realises what he’s done, and he rushes to pick it up and hand it to me, multiple apologies falling from his lips. I snatch it from him and fling it over my shoulder before stomping off without giving any acknowledgement to the boy.
I make my way to the common room for the seniors. At this time of the day, most of my contemporaries will be in there chatting away before heading off to prepare for dinner. I sometimes eat with them, only sometimes. It depends on my mood. Today I will. I’ll sit at the head of the senior table in the position of king. It’s a shame I’ll have Taya at my side. She’ll no doubt be complaining all the time about me ending our relationship, but I don’t have time for her, and if I’m being honest with myself, she’s boring and in no way a match for me magically. There’s only one person in this school who’s anywhere near my standard, Juniper. And right now, I hope she’s reading the translated book I sent her and is figuring out why she’s the key to my Guardian side.
My hopes are dashed when I walk into the common room and see her and Emmie deep in conversation. I want to rage and scream while they’re laughing and giggling together, probably about me and my predicament. She couldn’t care less about me. I take a step forwards to confront her, but I’m not quick enough. Taya and her cronies appear from out of nowhere and make a beeline for Juniper first.
“Get up, Flake.” Taya stands with her hands on her hips, and her head held high.
Juniper looks up at my now ex-girlfriend but doesn’t move.
“Go away, Taya. Emmie and I are busy.” Juniper looks back down and re-engages with her best friend.
“Don’t you ignore me, bitch. I said get up.” Taya steps forward and shoves Juniper on the shoulder.
This time Juniper gets to her feet.
“I don’t know what your problem is, Taya, but I’m not a part of it so leave me alone,”
I lean back against the wall behind me and watch events unfold. I cross my feet at the ankles and relax. I’m still angry with Juniper for treating my predicament like it’s not urgent, but I’m also enjoying seeing her stand up to Taya.
“My problem is you, Flake. You aren’t wanted here, and ever since you got back, you’ve caused nothing but trouble. You think you’re so fantastic because you can do all the spells, but you aren’t. You’re the lowest of the low, and I’m going to teach you a lesson.”
Juniper shakes her head like she’s bored of Taya and her constant bullying, and I agree. It’s a Thursday at four pm, and Taya has nothing better to do so she’s on the lookout for mischief to keep herself entertained. She’s obviously decided Juniper is going to be her target today.
“I’m not getting involved in this.” Juniper pushes past Taya with Emmie following closely behind. The pair don’t get far before Taya leaps at Juniper and starts to pull her hair.
“Don’t think you can just walk away from me. When I say I’m going to teach someone a lesson, I mean it. You think you’re above everyone else here, and I’m sick of it. I don’t know what you’ve done to Jacobi, but he’s going to lose his crown because of you. Is that what you want, to punish us all because of some spiteful vendetta? You’re crazy.” Taya pulls back a fist and sends it flying into Juniper’s face.
The grey haired girl, who’s the key to my misfortunes, screams and covers her face as blood starts to pour from her nose. I’ve seen enough. Taya is vicious, and this is getting out of hand. Stepping forwards, several of the other people in the room see me and instantly stand aside. They know better than to argue with me, especially in my current slightly dishevelled state.
I grab Taya by her long, blonde hair, which is pulled back into its usual high ponytail, and yank her away from Juniper.