Compounding Traumas (Artemis University #6) - Erin R Flynn Page 0,28
I nodded towards her wrist. “The first group wanted to show me they had the same tat you got along with the guards.”
“I didn’t tell them you were coming,” she blurted.
Which meant she knew who had given them the heads up. Probably Mel or any of the hobgoblins. I couldn’t even be mad. It was better to get the confrontation over without more eyes around, or they were trying to help me heal after being so heartbroken this summer.
I mentally snorted. That made it sound like I wasn’t anymore, and I knew I was.
Anyone who could see my aura knew I was.
I let it go since Izzy shouldn’t have been put in the middle of my crap and was too often. She wanted me happy, and her heart was pure, so I wouldn’t be mad at her even if she had told them.
“I got you your packet,” she told me, handing it over as we walked into the building. We were still on the second floor, but on the other side where the sophomores were.
I thanked her and pulled everything out, wanting to confirm my schedule. I almost tripped over my feet when I saw a glaring mistake… That I had a sinking feeling wasn’t a mistake. “I’m in Runes 201.”
She glanced back at me with a frown. “I thought you placed out of that? Didn’t White and Pillay test you?”
“I did, and they did,” I growled. “I need to have a chat with someone. I’ll catch up with you.”
“Hey, it could be a mistake,” she said before I stormed off, shaking her head when I opened my mouth. “Even if it’s not, pick your battles, Tams. You can’t battle everything constantly. It’s just not possible.”
I nodded. That was fair, but I was still steaming as someone should have had a conversation with me before changing shit. Not telling me was maybe pissing me off more than anything. I wasn’t this school’s pet fairy or pawn to wield as they wanted.
It wasn’t even five minutes later I arrived at Dean White’s office. I was pretty sure everyone walked faster when pissed.
“Come in,” she called out when I went to knock. She gave me a tired look when I entered. “Whatever has you so upset your aura is brimming with it probably wasn’t my fault, so I’d ask you remember that and take a bit of pity on me, as I’ve had a very rough day as well.”
Fair enough. I took a couple of deep breaths before closing her door, putting up a barrier, and sitting in the chair she had for guests. “My schedule has me in Runes 201. I have a feeling that’s not a mistake, and it should be. That’s why I’m so peeved.”
“It’s not,” she muttered, studying me carefully. She groaned when steam about came out of my ears. “I’m—men are trying to kill me.”
“My thoughts exactly,” I growled. “What did he do? How did he manage to get me in his class when I placed out? And why did no one fucking tell me?”
She sighed. Heavily. “When Craftsman learned you placed out, he wouldn’t sign off on it—”
“Yes, I know why he wouldn’t sign off. You know this is about us and—”
She rolled her neck and gave me a look not to insult her intelligence. “Yes, I’m fully aware why he would fight for this.” She held up a hand to hold me off. “However, he’s not wrong either. I was talking about Edelman being the man trying to kill me this time, as he was supposed to talk to you, not just change your schedule and set you off.”
“He still acts like he’s the boss of me in ways I don’t like, as if I’m his pet fairy,” I grumbled. I still chilled, knowing she was on my side.
“Not this time.” She shook her head. “We’re dealing with a lot, and while good for the school and students, it’s all on him and the deans. Please cut us a break too. We’re fighting because we agree with you, but they—it’s been bad.”
“Yeah, okay,” I sighed, letting the rest of my anger go. “What bullshit reasons did Craftsman give not to let me place out?”
“They really are valid,” she argued, waiting until I nodded before continuing. “One of the biggest problems unknowns face is stability. You know this. You had problems all last year. No one will believe, as an unknown, you should be placing out of magical classes your second year without raising all the