The Ravens (The Ravens #1) - Kass Morgan Page 0,93

again?” Scarlett asked, no longer sounding fragile.

“I . . . we weren’t thinking . . . it was an accident. Just one stupid kiss—”

“You accidentally kissed my boyfriend?” Scarlett’s voice was cold, but heat was radiating from her, charging the air with fury and magic.

“It was so stupid and I stopped it immediately. I’m really, really sorry.”

“Oh, so you stopped it,” Scarlett spat. “You’re saying that Mason couldn’t control himself around you?”

“No, of course not. I’m so sorry, Scarlett. I—”

“Cut the bullshit. You’ve had your eye on him since you got here. And you took advantage of him in a vulnerable moment, because, let’s be honest, you know there’s no way in hell he’d ever go for you otherwise.” She sneered and let out a forced, mocking laugh. “Socially awkward freshmen aren’t exactly Mason’s type.”

Although Vivi knew Scarlett was lashing out in anger—anger that was more than justified—it wasn’t enough to take the sting out of her words. Vivi knew that she wasn’t Mason’s type. It made absolutely no sense for him to go from someone as glamorous, sophisticated, and talented as Scarlett to someone like her. He was probably still reeling from the breakup and looking for an easy distraction. And who was easier than a naïve freshman so desperate for attention that being called beautiful made her lose all reason and self-control?

“Okay, Scarlett, that’s enough,” Dahlia said with a smirk, as if she was enjoying the proceedings. It seemed odd and out of character for the normally stern yet empathetic president, but perhaps the pressure was making everyone act strangely. “We have more important things to discuss.”

“I’m not discussing anything in front of her. It’s like I’ve been saying all along—a little bit of magic can make up for only so many shortcomings.” Scarlett gave Vivi a tight, cruel smile. “We both know that you don’t belong here, so why don’t you go back to telling fortunes at a strip mall in Reno?” Before Vivi could respond, Scarlett brushed past her and strode toward the door.

Vivi almost let her go. She couldn’t bear to be in the same room as Scarlett for one more second. All she wanted to do was curl up in a ball on her bed and try to drown out the words she knew would keep echoing in her skull: That she didn’t belong. That it was a huge mistake to make her a Raven. But she couldn’t let Scarlett leave without telling her what she’d discovered. “Hold on. I have to tell you something. My mom was a Raven. I found a photo of her with Evelyn Waters and I think—”

“Why don’t you tell Mason all about it instead?” Scarlett called over her shoulder. “Maybe he can help you. Or maybe you can just make out some more while my best friend is being held captive by a psychopath.”

Vivi flinched as Scarlett slammed the door shut behind her. How could she possibly make this better? Even if they found the talisman and rescued Tiffany, things would never return to normal. Vivi had spent her whole life wanting to belong, and after finally finding a group of amazing girls who offered her not only friendship but magic, she’d ruined it through an act of supreme stupidity and selfishness.

Dahlia’s hand landed on her shoulder. “She’ll cool off in a bit. Now, tell me what you learned about your mom.”

Vivi took a deep breath and tried to steel herself. She was only slightly less anxious about the fallout from this information than she’d been about kissing Mason. What would the Ravens say when they found out that Vivi’s mother had stolen the Henosis talisman? That she’d been a Raven herself and never told Vivi anything about it? It was all majorly shady and definitely would reflect about as well on Vivi as her kiss with Scarlett’s ex-boyfriend had.

“Holy shit,” Dahlia said, her eyes growing wide when Vivi finished her story. “Have you spoken to her about it yet? Does she have any idea where it might be now?”

Vivi shook her head. “I talked to her but she wouldn’t tell me anything about it. All she said was that I’m in danger and need to be careful.”

“Yeah, well, we know we’re in danger. Where does she live? Should we go pay her a little visit and search for the talisman?”

“I don’t even know what state she’s in right now. She refused to tell me.” Vivi felt a prickle of shame. Not only had her mother stolen a