Page 99 of A Legacy Witch

My eyes shot to the puncture marks on her neck. Shouldn’t she be sleeping to heal from the attack?

“I was wondering if we could talk, Odette?”

Diana Wake wanted to talk to me? Almost immediately, my heart rate kicked up. Was she mad that I’d gotten head spymaster?

“Diana, I—”

“It’s not what you think,” Diana said, hurriedly. “Eva can even stay, I don’t care. I just wanted to . . . thank you.”

My jaw dropped.

“Thank me?”

Theoretically, I understood why. I had saved her from the vampire, and pulled her back to safety. But the shock that she acknowledged that was great.

“Well . . . you’re welcome. The trial was a hard one, and we both performed well. I probably wouldn’t have even gotten into the bowels of that bar without you.”

Diana shifted from side to side. “It’s not only that.” Her voice broke as she came a few steps closer. “I wanted to thank you . . .andcongratulate you on becoming head spymaster.”

“No way,” Eva breathed, and Diana glared at her before resuming a more humble expression.

“Yes way,” Diana said, and Eva blushed. “I have to say, Legacy, I didn’t think you had it in you. But . . . what you did the night of Beltane was remarkable. It was something a true leader and spy would do, and I respect that.” She gulped loudly, and I realized how much this was costing her pride.

“Thank you, Diana. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m happy we’ll be working together to lead our class next year. We’ll do an excellent job.”

I caught the slightest upward tick of Diana’s lips before she nodded, wiping the movement away. “See you next year, Dane.” She walked past me and was nearly out of sight when she turned and cleared her throat.

“Oh . . . and one more thing.”

I tilted my head.

“That thing I said about Alex and I kissing . . . it was nothing. Just a stupid crush really. I wanted to make someone else jealous, and then it seemed opportune to do the same to you during the party. Sorry I was such a shit all year.” And with that she spun and disappeared down the dark hallway.

Damn, when Diana decides to make amends she doesn’t mess around. Then again, when does she ever?

I watched her go, and the immensity of how much had changed washed over me. My first year at Spellcasters was over. The next day, we’d choose our summer internships, and as head female spymaster, I’d get first pick.

I already had an idea what I’d choose, too.

A grin bloomed on my lips. I’d survived the Culling and found my tribe. If I could survive this year, I was sure I could survive anything.

Even the Grind.