Page 80 of The Lost Elemental

42

I blinked a few times as I stared at the coffee maker, waiting for it to deposit sweet, sweet caffeinated goodness. It beeped and I grabbed the pot, pouring two mugs. I poured enough cream and sugar into mine to basically turn it into a milkshake, then put two sugars in Kerry’s. Turning, I handed her the second mug.

She took it, studying me carefully. “You look rough.”

I sent her a wan smile. “Gee, thanks.”

Kerry stifled a laugh. “At least you know I’ll always be honest with you.”

“My eyelids feel like they’re made of sandpaper.”

The humor fled her expression. “Didn’t sleep well last night?”

I shook my head. I’d barely slept at all. After Riven’s refusal to help me, the scene had devolved. For a moment, I’d thought the guys would come to blows. I couldn’t believe that Riven despised me that much. I’d never done a thing to him. And after learning what the guys were up against at all times, I couldn’t imagine that me being in their lives would make that big of a difference.

I’d made the excuse of needing to get back to my dorm for homework, but really, I couldn’t stand hearing them fight. Not when I knew I was the cause.

“Maybe you can take a nap during lunch,” Kerry offered.

That wasn’t a bad idea. The last thing I wanted to do was brave the dining hall. “Do you have any of those granola bar things left?”

She pulled open a drawer in her desk and tossed a bar at me.

“Thanks.”

“No problem. Help yourself anytime.”

I bit off a bite and then chugged the rest of my coffee.

Kerry’s eyes widened. “Don’t burn yourself.”

“Worth it,” I mumbled, grabbing my bag. “I’m going to head to the library before class. Want to come?”

“I think I’m going to get some hot breakfast.”

“Okay.”

A knock sounded on the door.

Everything in me stiffened. All yesterday evening, there had been yells of psycho or mutt thrown at our room. I wasn’t sure if I opened the door that I wouldn’t be greeted with a face full of acid.

Kerry hurried to open it. “Dean Sinclair.”

“Hello, Callie.”

“It’s Kerry.”

“Oh, yes, of course, Kerry.” Her gaze traveled to me, lips thinning. “Aura, the headmaster would like a word with you in his office. I’ll escort you there.”

The color drained from my face and the world around me swam. This was it. You didn’t get an escort to the headmaster’s office for good things.

I set my cup down. “Sure.” I shot a quick look at Kerry. “Will you tell the guys I can’t meet them for breakfast?”

I could only hope that she’d catch the true meaning of my words. Go find the royals and scream EMERGENCY.

Kerry bobbed her head in a nod. “Sure. No problem.”

Dean Sinclair nodded as she led me out of the room and down the hall. “And what guys would those be?”