Ace had been right about me needing rest. I slept for another five hours, not waking until a little before eleven, so we didn’t arrive at school until after the end of fourth period.

With a hand on the small of my back, Ace ushered me through the crowds of students in the hallways and toward my locker so I could grab my books for our English class.

I was nervous, with anxiety wrapped around my throat. Would I see Ben today?

Would he try to speak to me, or had Madoc made sure he learned his lesson?

“Stop worrying,” Ace whispered into my ear. “Ben isn’t here.”

I looked...