35. Zeina
ZEINA
If Zeina could have followed the Bats, she would have, simply to learn more about them. But she kept to her routine, visiting the Hydra each morning, before attending Alchemy as Ahmina.
She trailed a group of students up the pathway to the door of the Apothecary where Hashiluna stood, redirecting people on arrival. “Alchemy is cancelled today; we need to deal with the aftermath of what happened this morning.”
The Bat break in had only been days prior, and already there was word of another creature breeching the wall.
This time, it was an unknown creature under the cover of the night.
If Zeina had been here last night, as she normally was, she would have seen them.
Instead, she spent the evening trying to read The Creature Encyclopedia.
Disappointed, she mirrored the group of students as they turned and walked away—until Hashiluna stopped her. “Ori,” she said, and Zeina turned. “Stay a moment; I need to speak with you.”
Zeina stepped closer, so that she was only two feet in front of Hashiluna.
“I was fine with you taking this course twice for extra practice. It’s no secret that you’ve had your challenges.
” Zeina nodded. Ahmina was failing, and it made complete sense for her to double up on a course—so why the sudden concern?
Hashiluna’s deep brown eyes barreled into her, making her nervous.
“Explain to me why in this lecture you perform excellently, and in my other class, you’re barely hanging on by a thread.
” Hashiluna was lethally precise. With her words, with her actions, with her eyes.
And Zeina felt like she had a bullseye right in the center of her forehead.
“I mean, your mind sharpening aid was pristine on your first try. When you completed the same potion later that day, it was an abominable failure.”
Zeina froze. Hashiluna knew. She was onto her, and Zeina had nowhere to go. She backed away slowly, hoping to make a run for it, when she bumped into a warm body.
“Is our lecture cancelled today, Professor?” Lennox said, steadying Zeina by the shoulders but ignoring her otherwise.
“Yes.” Hashiluna’s eyes narrowed, her straight black hair draping her shoulders like an ominous cloak. “Since you’re here, maybe you can help us clarify something Ahmina was just about to explain.”
Zeina kept as quiet and still as possible.
“In this lecture, she always performs very well on her potions, however, she continues to miss the mark in her afternoon lecture. I’m not sure if you’re aware, but she is taking the lecture twice to help her improve. Alchemy is clearly a weak spot for her, except for when it’s not.”
Lennox looked at Zeina briefly. “She’s mentioned it, yes.”
Zeina’s eyes shot to Lennox. They hadn’t discussed it once.
“So?” Hashiluna crossed her arms, as if preparing for a lie. “What’s the reason for such a large discrepancy?”
Zeina couldn’t speak. If she said the wrong thing, it was all over for her. She would be executed.
“In this lecture, she has me.” Lennox smiled. “Alchemy is just one of my many talents.”
“Is it?” Hashiluna challenged.
“I know, last year was bad,” he explained, showing some humility. “But once I applied myself, I realized I’m actually quite good. And since Ahmina has been my partner…” He threw his arm around her shoulder, pulling her in, and she grimaced, her body stiff. “She’s benefited from my improvement.”
Hashiluna looked unimpressed. “Yes, you two always sit together, I’ve noticed.”
Her gaze swept over Zeina, who exhaled through an awkward chuckle. “It’s all him,” she said quickly. “He helps me.”
Hashiluna’s attention drifted to the group of students that had arrived behind them, her attention wavering. “Alchemy will resume tomorrow,” she called over to the students before returning her attention to them. “I’ll see you both then.”
Zeina got out of there as fast as she could, without a word to Lennox.