“So, do fairies have any other forms?” I whisper in class. My grades are already good in Swedish and I’m more curious about Azriel, who gives a lazy smile.
“Some fairies have what you would call a true form, but I don’t. I have too many forms.”
“Many forms?” I repeat.
“I can turn into any creature made out of nightmares,” his violet eyes crinkle by the corners. “What? Are you bored that I can’t turn into a fluffy wolf? Or do you perhaps want to see me use some of my powers?”
I blush and look down at the table. “I…I guess that I’m a bit curious. I’m powerless myself and don’t even know what kind of magic fairies have. I know that you can seize a person’s movements and bend their body parts to your will…” Which is really frightening.
“Not every single fairy has magic,” Azriet smirks, leaning close enough to whisper in my ear, “But I’m a high–fae and the prince of the Nightmare court. My powers are amazing. If you’d like to be the judge of that yourself, I don’t mind giving you a demonstration at lunch break.”
The bell rings before I can answer, but his offer lingers in my mind as we gather our books. A demonstration of fairy magic? Part of me is terrified, but another part of my brain that is growing more reckless by the day is curious.
“Meet me behind the science building at lunch,” Azriel murmurs as we exit the classroom. His fingers brush against mine on purpose, as if he already knows it will send electricity up my spine. Which it does. “Unless you’re afraid.”
“I’m not afraid,” lie, lifting my chin despite the butterflies rioting in my stomach
His smile is predatory. “We’ll see.”
The morning drags by, each minute a hassle to survive as I try to focus on my classes. But all I can think about is Azriel and his magic. By the time lunch
arrives my nerves are so frayed I can barely hold my pencil.
Instead of walking to the cafeteria I head for the science building, drawn by curiosity.
Though it isn’t Azriel, I find. It’s Elvira and she is hanging out with Paris and Hilda…?
I immediately press myself to the corner of the wall, spying on what they are doing.
I freeze when I see what they’re doing. They’re in a small clearing behind the science building, and Elvira is about to shape–shift. Logan said she could, but I didn’t believe him. Not because I think my Alpha is a liar, but because I would expect my best friend to tell me.
Apparently, I’m not worth knowing because Elvira takes off her jacket to show off a body that’s more fit than I remember. Then it contorts and changes until she transforms into a sleek blonde wolf. The process is smooth, practiced, like she’s done this many times before.
Paris claps her hands, beaming. “That was amazing! You’re getting faster every time.”
Hilda nods approvingly. “Soon, you’ll be able to do it as quickly as the guys.”
My heart sinks to my stomach. How long has Elvira been able to shift? And why didn’t she tell me? We’re supposed to be best friends. We tell each other everything!
“Thanks,” Elvira says, shifting back to human form with impressive speed. She’s naked for a moment before pulling on a robe Paris hands her. “I couldn’t have done it without you guys.”
“She–wolves have to stick together,” Paris says, and I feel like I’ve been slapped. Since when is Elvira part of her group?
“Speaking of she–wolves,” Hilda says, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “What’s the deal with Eden and all these guys suddenly?”
1/2
15:32 Tue, 24 Jun
Chapter 28
I should leave. I should walk away right now. But I’m frozen in place, unable to move, as my best friend answers.
“I know, right?” Elvira laughs, and the sound cuts through me like a knife. “First Logan starts acting all protective, then Axel, and now the fairy princer is like she thinks she’s special or something.”
Paris tosses her blonde hair. “Such a pick–me girl. But you know what? Logan doesn’t like her. We shared the same bed yesterday. Not sex. Like, he wants to wait or something, but he still lets me touch his abs. He wouldn’t let that little she–wolf slut do that. He just feels sorry for her.”
“I know,” Elvira sighs, lowering her voice. “And honestly? I’m kind of tired of pretending to care about her problems. It’s exhausting being friends with someone so needy and pathetic all the time.”
My heart shatters. Is that really what she thinks of me?
“Right?” Paris laughs. “Always whining about her mom, her acne, how no one likes her…”
“God, the acne thing,” Elvira rolls her eyes dramatically. “Like, just wash your face? It’s not that hard.”
“So you’re not actually friends with her?” Hilda asks, sounding genuinely curious.
Elvira hesitates, then shrugs. “I mean, I felt sorry for her at first. No one else would talk to her. But now that I can shift and hang with you guys…” She smiles. “I don’t need her anymore.”
I can’t listen to this. My heart is hurting. My head is throbbing, and ugly tears are stinging my eyes. Fuck this shit. I’ve spent years defending Elvira against people who called her weird. I’ve helped her with homework, stayed up all night when she was upset about boys, shared my lunch when she forgot hers. And this is what she really thinks of me?
I back away, my foot catching on a twig. The snap seems as loud as a gunshot to my ears. All three heads whip in my direction, and I see the shock on Elvira’s face when she realizes I’ve been standing here, listening to every word.
“Eden?” she starts, taking a step toward me. “Wait, I didn’t—”
I don’t wait to hear her lies.
I turn and run.
