I didnt start that fight, I muttered. He was the one who swung at me.
Oh? You were just minding your own business, then? The principals sallow lips curled in a faint smile. He swung at you out of nowhere?
I met his gaze. He and his football buddy were about to stick some kids head down a toilet. I stepped in before they could. Jock-boy didnt appreciate me ruining his fun, so he tried smashing my face in. I shrugged. Sorry if I like my face as it is.
Your attitude does you no credit, Mr. Chase, Hill said, frowning at me. And you should have gotten a teacher to take care of it. Youre on very thin ice as it is. He folded pale, spiderlike hands on his desk and leaned forward. Since it is your first day here, Ill let you go with a warning this time. But I will be watching you, Mr. Chase. Step out of line again, and I wont be so lenient. Do you understand?
I shrugged. Whatever.
His eyes glinted. Do you think youre special, Mr. Chase? A note of contempt had entered his voice now. Do you think youre the only troubled youth to sit in this office? Ive seen your kind before, and they all go the same waystraight to prison, or the streets, or dead in the gutter somewhere. If thats the path you want, then, by all means, keep going down this road. Drop out. Get a dead-end job somewhere. But dont waste this schools time trying to educate you. And dont drag those who are going somewhere down with you. He jerked his head at the door. Now get out of my office. And dont let me see you here again.
Fuming, I pulled myself upright and slid out the door.
The hallways were empty; everyone was back in their classrooms, well into postlunch stupor, counting down the minutes to the final bell. For a moment, I considered going home, leaving this sorry excuse of a new school and a clean start, and just accepting the fact that I would never fit in and be normal. No one would ever give me the chance.
But I couldnt go home, because Mom would be there. She wouldnt say anything, but she would look at me with that sad, guilty, disappointed expression, because she wanted so badly for me to succeed, to be normal. She was hoping that this time, things would work out. If I went home early, no matter the reason, Mom would tell me I could try again tomorrow, and then she would probably lock herself in her room and cry a little.
I couldnt face that. It would be worse than the lecture Dad would give me if he found out I skipped class. Plus, hed been very fond of groundings lately, and I didnt want to risk another one.
Its just a couple more hours, I told myself and reluctantly started back to class, which would be the middle of trig by now, joy of joys. Why did every curriculum decide to teach math right after lunch when everyone was half-asleep? You can survive a couple more hours. What else can happen, anyway?
I shouldve known better.
As I turned a corner, I got that cold, prickly sensation on the back of my neck, the one that always told me I was being watched. Normally, I wouldve ignored it, but right then, I was angry and less focused than usual. I turned, glancing behind me.
The half-breed stood at the end of the hall next to the bathroom entrance, watching me in the frame. His eyes glowed orange, and the tips of his furry ears twitched in my direction.
Something hovered beside him, something small and humanoid, with buzzing dragonfly wings and dark green skin. It blinked huge black eyes at me, bared its teeth in a razor grin, then zipped into the air, flying up toward the ceiling tiles.
Before I could stop myself, my gaze followed it. The piskie blinked, startled, and I realized my slip-up.
Furious, I wrenched my stare down, but it was too late. Dammit. Stupid, stupid mistake, Ethan. The half-breeds eyes widened as he stared from me to the piskie, mouth gaping open. He knew. He knew I could see Them.
And now, They were aware, as well.
I managed to avoid the half-breed by going to class. When the last bell rang, I snatched up my backpack and hurried out the door, keeping my head down and hoping for a quick escape.
Unfortunately, he trailed me to the parking lot.
Hey, he said, falling into step beside me as we crossed the lot. I ignored him and continued on, keeping my gaze straight ahead. He trotted doggedly to keep up. Listen, I wanted to thank you. For what you did back there. Thanks for stepping in, I owe you. He paused, as if expecting me to say something. When I didnt, he added, Im Todd, by the way.
Whatever, I muttered, not looking directly at him. He frowned as if taken aback by the reaction, and I kept my expression blank and unfriendly. Just because I rescued you from the jock and his goon doesnt mean were buds now. I saw your little friend. Youre playing with fire, and I want nothing to do with it. Go away. Todd hesitated, then followed me in silence for a few steps, but he didnt leave.
Uh, so, he continued, lowering his voice as we approached the end of the lot. I had parked my truck as far as I could from the Mustangs and Camaros of my fellow students, wanting it to avoid notice, as well. When did you become able to see Them?
My gut twisted. At least he didnt say faeries or the fey, because voicing their name out loud was a surefire way to attract their attention. Whether that was deliberate or ignorant on his part, I wasnt sure. I dont know what youre talking about, I said coolly.
Yes, you do! He stepped in front of me, brow furrowed, and I had to stop. You know what I am, he insisted, all subtlety gone. There was a hint of desperation in his eyes as he leaned forward, pleading. I saw you, and Thistle caught you looking, too. You can see Them, and you can see what I really look like. So dont play dumb, okay? I know. We both do.
All right, this kid was pissing me off. Worse, the more I talked to him, the more attention I would draw from Them. His little friends were probably watching us right now, and that scared me. Whatever this half-breed wanted from me, it needed to end.
I sneered at him, my voice ugly. Wow, you are a freak. No wonder Kingston picks on you. Did you not take your happy pills this morning? Anger and betrayal flashed in Todds orange eyes, making me feel like an ass, but I kept my voice mocking. Yeah, Id love to stay and chat with you and your imaginary friends, but I have real-world things to do. Why dont you go see if you can find a unicorn or something?
His face darkened even more. I shoved past him and continued on, hoping he wouldnt follow. This time, he did not. But I hadnt gone three steps when his next words stopped me in my tracks.
Thistle knows about your sister.
I froze, every muscle in my body coiling tight as my stomach turned inside out.
Yeah, I thought you might be interested in that. Todds voice held a note of quiet triumph. Shes seen her, in the Nevernever. Meghan Chase, the Iron Queen
I spun and grabbed the front of his shirt, jerking him forward off his feet. Who else knows? I hissed as Todd cringed, flattening his ears. Who else has heard of me? Who knows Im here?
I dont know! Todd held up his hands, and short claws flashed in the sunlight. Thistle is hard to understand sometimes, ya know? All she said was that she knew who you werethe brother of the Iron Queen.
I dont know! Todd held up his hands, and short claws flashed in the sunlight. Thistle is hard to understand sometimes, ya know? All she said was that she knew who you werethe brother of the Iron Queen.
If you tell anyone I balled my fist, resisting the urge to shake him. If you tell any of Them, I swear
I wont! Todd cried, and I realized then how I must have looked, teeth bared, eyes wild and crazy. Taking a deep breath, I forced myself to calm down. Todd relaxed, shaking his head. Jeez, take it easy, man. So They know who you areits not the end of the world.
I sneered and shoved him backward. You must be very sheltered, then.
I was adopted, Todd shot back, catching himself. How easy do you think its been, pretending to be human when my own parents dont know what I am? No one here gets me, no one has any idea what I can do. They keep stepping on me, and I keep pushing back.
So you did put a snake in Kingstons car. I shook my head in disgust. I shouldve let him stick your head down a toilet this afternoon.
Todd sniffed and straightened the front of his shirt. Kingstons a dick, he said, as if that justified everything. He thinks he owns the school and has the teachers and the principal in his pocket. He believes hes untouchable. He smirked, orange eyes glittering. Sometimes I like to remind him that hes not.
I sighed. Well, it serves you right, Ethan. This is what happens when you get involved with Them. Even the half-fey cant keep themselves from pranking humans every chance they get.
The Invisible Folk are the only ones who understand me, Todd went on, as if trying to convince me. They know what Im going through. Theyre only too happy to help. His smirk grew wider, more threatening. In fact, Thistle and her friends are making that jocks life very unpleasant right now.
A chill slid up my back. What did you promise them?
He blinked. What?
They never do anything for free. I took a step forward, and he shrank back. What did you promise them? What did they take?
What does it matter? The half-breed shrugged. The jerk had it coming. Besides, how much harm can two piskies and a boggart do?
I closed my eyes. Oh, man, you have no idea what youve gotten yourself into. Listen, I said, opening my eyes, whatever bargains youve made, whatever contracts youve agreed to, stop. You cant trust them. Theyll use you, because its their nature. Its what they do. Todd raised a disbelieving eyebrow, and I scrubbed my scalp at his ignorance. How had he survived this long and not learned anything? Never make a contract with Them. Thats the first and most important rule. It doesnt ever go how you imagine, and once youve agreed to something, youre stuck. You cant ever get out of it, no matter what they ask for in return.
Todd still looked unconvinced. Who made you the expert on all things faery? he challenged, and I winced as he finally said the word. Youre humanyou dont understand what its like. So I made a few deals, promised a few things. Whats that to you?
Nothing. I stepped back. Just dont drag me into whatever mess youre creating. I want nothing to do with Them, or you, got it? Id be happy if I never saw them again. And without waiting for an answer, I turned, opened my car door, and slammed it shut behind me. Gunning the engine, I squealed out of the parking lot, ignoring the half-breeds desolate figure as he grew smaller and smaller in my rearview mirror.
How was school? Mom asked as I banged through the screen door and tossed my backpack on the table.
Fine, I mumbled, making a beeline for the fridge. She stepped out of the way with a sigh, knowing it was useless to talk to me when I was starving. I found the leftover pizza from last night and shoved two slices in the microwave while chewing on a cold third. Thirty seconds later, I was about to take my plate up to my room when Mom stepped in front of me.
I got a call from the principals office this afternoon.
My shoulders sank. Yeah?
Mom gestured firmly to the table, and I slumped into one of the chairs, my appetite gone. She sat down across from me, her eyes hooded and troubled. Anything you want to tell me?
I rubbed my eyes. No use trying to hide it, she probably already knewor at least she knew what Hill told her. I got into a fight.
Oh, Ethan. The disappointment in her voice stabbed me like tiny needles. On your first day?
It wasnt my fault, I wanted to say. But Id used that excuse so many times before, it seemed empty. Any excuse seemed empty now. I just shrugged and slouched farther in my seat, not meeting her eyes.
Was it was it Them?
That shocked me. Mom almost never spoke of the fey, for probably the same reasons as me; she thought it might attract their attention. She would rather close her eyes and pretend they didnt exist, that they werent still out there, watching us. It was one of the reasons I never talked openly to her about my problems. It just made her too frightened.
I hesitated, wondering if I should tell her about the half-breed and his invisible friends, lurking in the halls. But if Mom found out about them, she might pull me out of school. And as much as I hated going to class, I did not want to go through the whole starting over thing one more time.
No, I said, fiddling with the edge of my plate. Just these two dicks that needed a lesson in manners.
Mom gave one of her frustrated, disapproving groans. Ethan, she said in a sharper voice. Its not your place. Weve gone over this.
I know.
If you keep this up, youll be kicked out again. And I dont know where we can send you after that. I dont know Mom took a shaky breath, and covered her eyes with her hand.
Now I felt like a complete ass. Im sorry, I offered in a quiet voice. Ill try harder.
She nodded without looking up. I wont tell your father, not this time, she murmured in a weary voice. Dont eat too much pizza or youll spoil your appetite for dinner.
Standing, I hooked my backpack over one shoulder and took it and the plate into my room, kicking the door shut behind me.
Slumping to my desk, I ate my pizza while halfheartedly jiggling my laptop to life. The episode with Kingston, not to mention the talk with the half-breed, had made me edgy. I went to YouTube and watched videos of students practicing kali, trying to pick out the weaknesses in their attacks, poking holes in their defenses. Then, to keep myself occupied, I grabbed my rattan sticks from the wall and practiced a few patterns in the middle of my room, smacking imaginary targets with Brian Kingstons face, being careful not to hit the walls or ceiling. Id put a couple of holes in the drywall already, by accident of course, before Dad made the rule that all practice must be done outside or in the dojo. But I was much better now, and what he didnt know wouldnt hurt him.
As I was finishing a pattern, I caught a flash of movement from the corner of my eye and turned. Something black and spindly, like a giant spider with huge ears, crouched on the windowsill outside, watching me. Its eyes glowed electric green in the coming darkness.