Jace

“What?” I barked, annoyed at Maxim for spoiling my fun. We were just about to take the next step.

“Yo, don't snap at me just because I called you! What kind of a friend are you?!” he screeched, and I sighed, brushing a hand through my hair. I always did that when I was nervous. It was a nasty habit I had acquired from my father. His hair had always been long, and he had taken better care of it even than of me.

“What is it, Maxim? I'm busy.” I pursed my lips and looked at the girl next to the window.

She was curiously studying me, her...