Page 52 of Echoes of the Banshee

“We both know the only reason you flirt with me is because I’m forgettable. Low stakes. I’m not exactly the kind of girl you’d actually date.”

“That’s not — wait, what? That’s not true,” he stutters. Looking like I’ve kicked the floor out from under him.

“Don’t worry about it, Zair. I’m not fishing. Just stating facts.”

I take the last bite of waffle and wave it off like it’s nothing.

He looks like he wants to argue. Maybe even protest.

But he doesn’t.

The walk back is quieter than usual. Not cold, just… quieter.

He knows about Anita. It’s not like I could hide from her forever.

And if he’s still around tomorrow,

That’s already more than I expect.

I fall asleep staring at the thirteen tally marks on my wall. It seems like time really does have a sense of humor.

Anita

Daddy’s Little Manipulator

Iskip the party. What’s the point if Zair won’t be there? Instead, I decide to fuck Ethan. He’s lackluster at best, but I do enjoy screwing with him. He’s so easy to manipulate. I’d convinced him he wanted to date Adora. Made her fall for him. Then tore it all apart. Great way to spend a summer. Maybe I’ll do it again. I kick him out of my room before he’s even come down from his high.

How did Adora get one over on me? Everything was perfect. I was so close to sealing Zair: his looks, the popularity boost, the magic. Sure, he’s not the most powerful witch, but please. Put him next to the pale little blood-cursed toad Vero and it’s no contest.

Mother told me that this was normal, a phase. That Adora pushing against the bonds means she’s almost ready. I’m months away from the power boost and extended life her soul will give me, and I refuse to let her win.

I need to visit Daddy. I don’t think Adora’s bracelet is repressing enough to obscure her and her magic. My Burberry jacket hugs my body as I head toward the staff cabins behind Otherfell. I walk to Daddy’s side door and knock twice. When he doesn’t respond I slip inside. He isn’t in his office but I hear voices coming from the living area. I sneak forward and listen at the door.

“This reflects poorly on the entire magical community,” a deep voice echoes. “This is the second time I’ve warned you about using your little toys on nightblinds. If I have to cover up another body, I’ll have to take it to the Ringed Hand. And believe me, I don’t want anything interfering with your award.”

I smile at that. I’m proud Daddy’s finally getting honored for something.

“I told you, Dean,” Daddy says smoothly. “Someone must have broken in and stolen the prototypes.”

“You never reported them stolen,” the dean says. “And anyways, what’s your reason for inventing a hat that stops all brain activity?”

I hear Daddy mumble something before the dean speaks again. “Last warning, Gideon.” And the door slams shut.

Daddy hurls a glass at the wall, and it shatters. I jump, and he spins toward me, his red-faced fury melting the instant he sees me.

“My little nightingale, what brings you here?” he asks, pulling me into a hug.

“Can’t I just miss my father?” I ask, playing innocent.

“Yes. But we both know that isn’t true,” he says. Stepping back so he can examine me. “You look more like your mother each day.”

“And you look more like a mad inventor each day. What games are you playing with the nightblind?” I ask.

His smile turns wicked. “A helmet you can program to remove certain events. Not sloppy like memory potions that remove all recent events.”

“That sounds like a very important invention. Why would the dean threaten to turn you into the Ringed Hand for it?”

“I may have fried a few brains,” Daddy says with a smile. “Now tell me, what’s the real reason you’re here?”