Synopsis: Isabel’s been cursed since the Middle Ages.
“You’re such a good girl—even studying on our lunch break,” a whispering voice says as Sitri settles into the seat across from me. Speak of the devil.
I ignore my surprise at seeing him, forcing my heart rate to steady by drawing in slow breaths. I can’t concentrate anymore, but I pretend to read. Why is he here?
“Isabel?” Dominic’s voice floats into the library as he enters. Oh, God. Oh, God.
I stand. A wave of nausea sweeps over me. I wish Dominic would go away. Or better yet, Sitri. But that’s not going to happen, because Sitri is studying my face with a keen eye and drinking in Dominic’s presence, no doubt wondering who he is to me.
“I’m in the middle of something right now,” I say to Dominic. “I’ll see you later in class.” I mentally plead for him to leave, even as my heart aches for having to push him away.
Sitri stands. “No, no, I’ll leave you two alone.” His eyes suddenly glow like hot black coals, and he smiles again. But this time, there’s nothing close to warmth in his face. It chills my blood. “I’ll see you later, Isabel.” With that, he moves by Dominic, brushing oh-so slightly against his arm, and leaves the room.
I exhale sharply, not realizing I’d been holding my breath. My head spins from dizziness and fear. This is a mess. I can’t do this. I can’t let Dominic get in the middle of something he can’t ever possibly understand. Sitri would tear him up in ways even I can’t imagine.
“Who was that?” Dominic asks. His face is unreadable, his voice a little tighter than usual.
I shake my head, unable to speak. If I do, I know I will cry. And I’m barely holding on to myself right now as it is.