Page 38 of The Lost Elemental

“Huh?” he asked with a blank expression.

“You said to come find you later.” Her lashes fluttered demurely.

My stomach cramped. Of course, he had. Her and likely half the school.

“Sorry, Drea. I’m busy.”

Heat hit her cheeks. “It’s Drue.”

“Okay.”

She flushed a deeper shade of crimson. I had to bite my cheek to keep from laughing. But Drue seemed to sense my urge anyway because her eyes flashed. “Well, maybe another time. I need to get back to my friends.” She turned and made an exaggerated tripping motion.

Then her tray was flying through the air. Right towards me.

21

Oatmeal dumped over my head, sliding through my hair and down my face. But it was more than that. There was sticky syrup Drue had obviously drizzled on top of her hot cereal. And I tasted orange juice in the mix too.

The entire dining hall went silent. So quiet you could hear the hum of the drink machines fifteen feet away. Then Kai exploded.

“Are you fucking kidding me with that?”

“I-I’m sorry. It was an accident. I tripped,” Drue simpered.

“Bullshit.” He launched to his feet. “You wanted to get back at Aura because she’s been invited to sit here, and you haven’t.”

Phoenix rose, stalking around the table like a jaguar stalking his prey. “I saw the look in your eyes. Calculating. You wanted to embarrass Aura. Hurt her.”

Kai’s blue-green eyes swirled as anger heated them. “We don’t stand for someone hurting one of ours.”

Phoenix towered over Drue. “There’s one thing you should’ve known before coming here. There’s hell to pay if you mess with us. Did you know that, Drue?”

He sneered her name and Drue trembled. The fear and apology had been fake at first, but it was nothing but real now. “B-but she’s not one of you. She’s half-human. A mutt.”

Flames flickered from Phoenix’s fingertips. “What did you just call her?”

The entire dining hall was riveted on us. Their gazes on Phoenix, Kai, and Drue, but also on me. So many eyes. It felt like they were on top of me. All of them. People crowded around. The walls closing in.

My lungs seized as I struggled to catch my breath. They wouldn’t cooperate. I squeezed my eyes closed. You’re fine. Just breathe.

Only as soon as darkness greeted me, I smelled smoke, felt flames. My eyes flew open. I had to get out. Away.

I bolted before anyone had a chance to stop me, the oatmeal sliding down my body as I ran. I couldn’t find it in me to be embarrassed or ashamed. All I could think about was breathing fresh air. Not the kind thick from a crowd or heavy with phantom smoke.

I tore out of the dining hall and towards the front doors. Slamming one open, I kept running, my lungs burning. That only sent the panic higher. I felt the ghostly heat. Heard the crackle of the flames. I couldn’t breathe.

“Aura.” Large hands gripped my shoulders.

I whirled, striking out. Everything was a blur, my fists landing on a hard chest in a feverish pace.

“Aura, it’s me.” Arms wrapped around me. “You’re safe.”

It should’ve sent my panic into hyperdrive, being completely surrounded and engulfed. But the opposite happened. Everything in me eased. That now familiar hum took flight in my muscles. And then I could breathe.

I inhaled deeply, the pain easing in my lungs. I smelled pine and the hint of spice.

“I’ve got you.”