I almost believed her. But there was no trusting Jett. I learned that lesson the hard way. A lesson I didn’t care to repeat.
“No thanks.”
I hoped she would get the hint and leave me alone. She didn’t.
“I know what I did was wrong—”
“Wrong isn’t a strong enough a word.” I straightened my spine, every muscle in my body growing tense. “You nearly got me killed, Jett.”
“Believe me, I’m paying for it. This is harder than I ever expected. Hearing the voices of the dead—it never stops. I can’t escape it or shut them out. The last few weeks have been a living hell.”
What an ironic twist of fate. She had her biggest wish granted, but she was suffering because of it. “I don’t feel sorry for you.”
Her cool gray eyes tightened. “I suppose I deserve that.”
“That and more.”
“So do you think we can be friends again?”
“Try reading my mind.”
Screw you.
Jett rolled her eyes, sighing. “Look, I genuinely feel bad about what happened, but what’s done is done.”
You can shove your fake apology right up your—
“It’s not fake, but believe what you want. Anyway, I have something for you. A gift from your mom.”
“Oh, the two of you still keep in contact. How nice.” That, at least, made sense. They were peas in a pod, both evil as sin.
Jett slid a brown box wrapped in twine across my desk. “She said if you ever need her, all you have to do is ask.”
“Isn’t she a peach.”
Jett frowned. “I really am sorry, Thorny.”
“Why should you be? You got what you wanted.”
“True. I don’t know if I regret it…but I am sorry I hurt you. I really enjoyed being your friend. You know, if—”
“Class is starting.” I refused to listen to any more of this. She could be sorry all she wanted. What was the saying? Fool me once, shame on you—I was done being the fool mage.
I took the box though, shoving it into my bag. For better or worse, Petra might eventually prove useful. And unlike Jett, she would never try to kill me. If I ever managed to convince Riley to go to the Underworld, Mommy Dearest’s help would be crucial.
And if I couldn’t convince Riley? Well, I was liking the idea of destroying her more and more.
8
The day passed in a series of droll lectures and busy work. My riding instructor, Master Barnes, hadn’t given our class permission to ride the Pegasus descendants yet, insisting we dedicate the first semester to textbook instruction. We poured over the differences between breeds, all while I stared wistfully toward the stables. Students who owned their own winged horses were allotted riding time in the evenings, Ione being one of those students, and I was green with envy.
I tried talking to Xander in Weaponry, but he cut me off before I had the chance. Throughout class, he avoided eye contact and barely spoke two words to me. I didn’t analyze it, too concerned with my sister’s calculated gaze. When it was time to choose a sparring partner, she came for me. My blood turned cold as she marched across the field, laser focused.
I grabbed hold of the person nearest to me, Lev Lemons, and quickly partnered up with him. Riley’s hazel eyes flashed as she approached. “Really, Sher? Lev is the scrawniest kid here.”
Lev scowled at the blatant insult. He wasn’t scrawny by normal standards, only compared to other Ares students.
“He’ll do fine.”
I stayed locked on her, like she was a snake about to strike at any second. After the mermaids, I trusted her even less than before. Even worse, I didn’t trust myself. I wasn’t sure I could be near Riley without losing my temper. Sparring would no doubt send me over the edge, and I promised myself I wouldn’t go to that dark place again, no matter how hard she pushed.
The back of my neck tingled, and I looked behind me. Xander was watching the two of us, every muscle in his body stiff. He would be worried, and I didn’t want to worry him anymore than I already had.
Riley coughed to regain my attention. “Wouldn’t you like to actually hone your skills, Sheridan?”
Lev sputtered. “Now see here—”
“Don’t bother, Lev,” I said, keeping my gaze focused on Riley. “This isn’t about you. She’s baiting me.”
One corner of her mouth curved. “Not at all. What kind of sister would I be if I didn’t have your back?”
“Don’t you mean, stab me in the back?”
She shrugged. “In this family, what’s the difference?”
Sensing the