Chapter 96

"Move faster, Sage. You're holding up the line."

Someone snapped behind her and Talia clutched her lunch tray tighter, quickening her pace through the cafeteria. Students moved aside as she passed, whispering and pointing. 

But Derek stayed right behind her, close enough that she felt his presence like a shadow. She found an empty table in the corner and sat down.

Derek sat directly across from her and she held back a groan. She was starting to get tired of this.

Talia picked at her food without appetite. "Derek-"

"Eat," he interrupted in a clipped tone. "You need your strength for afternoon classes."

She set down her fork....