28. Evelyn
28
Evelyn
T hursday night and I was sprawled on my bed, surrounded by cookie crumbs.
The grumpy, impossibly attractive teacher, who happened to be a master baker, had baked me mouth-watering apology cookies.
Although the apology letter was missing.
Whatever.
He still infuriated me.
Once it was past curfew, I grabbed a non-torn hoodie and opened my dorm window. The plan was to fly to Lia’s room and put on the hoodie to conceal my torn clothes. Hopefully, my wings would cooperate.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped out and let my wings unfurl. They caught the wind almost immediately, lifting me smoothly into the air. I stayed in the shadows, gliding silently until I reached Lia’s window.
Balancing on the ledge, I quickly folded my wings and pulled on the hoodie. The last thing I needed was for her to know about this new development.
Once I had my hoodie on, I knocked gently on her window and waited.
Lia opened it, her eyes widening in shock. “Evelyn? How did you scale the building?”
I forced a smile. “Tactical defense has its perks.”
She narrowed her eyes but stepped aside to let me in. The air between us felt thick with unspoken words as we sat down on her couch.
Lia began, her voice hesitant. “Evelyn, I’m sorry. When I first learned the truth…I was so mad.” She took a shaky breath. “I want you to know that I wasn’t responsible for what the witches did to you…but that doesn’t mean I didn’t condone it. I was just so mad.”
I crossed my arms. “Mad about what? You stole my magic willingly.”
Lia’s eyes flashed with anger before softening into guilt. “It was justice for everything done to us…But now…I’m sorry.”
I frowned, confusion knotting in my stomach.
Tears welled up in Lia’s eyes. “Mom has become obsessed with power…and Theo…” She swallowed hard.
My voice rose, fists clenched. “What happened to him?”
“They killed him,” she replied with a throaty voice. “Right in front of me.”
“What?” I asked, my heart twisting painfully. “Who? Lia…”
“I didn’t know what to do,” she continued, tears streaming down her face. “Rick is constantly with me; he’s their puppet.”
I leaned forward, trying to piece it all together. “What do you mean by ‘justice’? What are you saying?”
Lia looked at me, a mix of confusion and sorrow in her eyes. “You don’t know?”
“Don’t know what?” I asked.
Lia just stared at me, but before she could elaborate, a knock sounded at her door.
“Rick,” she whispered, paling visibly. “You need to go!”
I slipped out of Lia’s window, my heart pounding. The cool night air hit my face as I unfurled my wings, ready to make a quick escape. But I stayed there, listening as Rick’s voice came from within.
“Who are you talking to?” he barked.
“No one,” Lia said, sounding so small. “I was watching YouTube videos.” I could hear her walking to her bed. “I’m tired and need to sleep now. Are you staying?” she asked.
“Yes.” His answer was curt, and the lights went off.
Clearly, this was not a love match—more like a watchdog.
I flew back to my room, feeling more confused than ever.