Pures usually mingled with the halfs during this time, but today was different. Halfs took up one side of the cafeteria while the pures sat at the farthest tables possible. My gaze landed on Cody Hale and his cronies. Cody hung out with halfs sometimes, like when he had nothing better to do. There were many times during the summer when Id wanted to hit him, but hitting a pure meant expulsion, and that meant servitude.
Right now his group had their heads bent together. Every so often, Cody would run a hand over his neatly-cropped, brown hair, look at our table, and snicker. I wasnt the only one who noticed this.
Calebs silent anger simmered around our table. Since the whole incident in Gatlinburg, I hadnt seen much of Caleb. My spare time consisted of training sessions while his revolved around Olivia. Looking back, I kind of wished Id made time for him. Maybe then I wouldve noticed the subtle changes in him, the shade of darkness that seemed to surround him, how quickly he reacted with anger.
Just ignore them, babe. Olivia nodded toward Codys table, forcing a causal smile. Codys an idiot.
Its not just Cody. He gave a tight laugh. Havent you seen how the other pures have been looking at us? Like were all about to jump them?
Theyre just scared. Olivia squeezed his hand. Dont take it personally.
Calebs right. Luke leaned forward and lowered his voice. Today in class, a pure Ive known for years requested his seat to be changed. Sam didnt want to sit next to meor any half. Hades, he looked like he didnt want to be in the same room as us.
I rubbed my fingers over my temple as my appetite vanished. Theyre all scared. Theres never been a daimon on campus before.
Its not our fault. Lukes eyes met mine. And what do they have to be afraid of? The way the Minister talked today, it sounded like the daimon wasnt here anymore.
No one really knows that for sure. I picked up my soda, watching Caleb. He didnt speak for the rest of lunch. As we filed out of the cafeteria, I pulled Caleb aside. You doing okay?
He nodded. Yeah, Im fine.
I wrapped my arm around him, ignoring the way he stiffened. You dont seem like it. I get
You get that were already top suspects, Alex? Caleb pulled away. That none of this
is right or fair? I dont want them stripping you down, or Olivia, looking for some sign that were chomping on pures during our spare time. And with you He paused, glancing around the hallway outside the cafeteria. Luke and Olivia went on, but two Guards eyed usthe same two from yesterday. Lea was being a bitch yesterday, but people
People have been talking? Caleb, people have been talking about me since they found out my mom was a daimon. So what? Who cares? I squeezed his hand, just like Olivia had. Why dont you sneak over tonight and bring a movie?
Caleb pulled away again, shaking his head. I got things I need to do.
Like Olivia? I joked.
That brought a hint of a smile. Come on, youre going to be late for class. You have practice with Seth
I groaned loudly. Please dont say his name. He throws balls of energy at my head like its some kind of game.
He looked pretty pissed off during the assembly.
Yeah, he did. I thought about him arguing with Lucian. Only gods know about what. Anyway, sure you dont want to come by?
Not feeling it tonight. Besides, dodging the normal Guards is bad enough, but double the amount? Even I may have problems with that.
I pouted but relented as we parted ways. The rest of the afternoon crawled by, but I perked up when I saw Aiden enter the gym toward the end of Gutter Fighting. I tried and failed to contain my excitement.
Wheres Seth? I bounced up to Aiden.
Aidens eyes glittered with amusement. Hes with the Minister. Would you prefer him?
No! I said a bit too eagerly. Whats he doing with Lucian?
Shrugging, Aiden led me out to the center of the mats. Didnt ask. You ready?
I nodded, and Aiden handed me the dummy blades. Hed allowed me to practice with the real ones a week ago. Sadly, the thrill of finally getting to practice with them ended up overshadowed by the fact Id already used them for real. I knew the weight of the slender daggers in my palms, the feeling of them slicing through daimon flesh. Using them in battle had killed that naïve appeal.
Aiden coached me through several techniques wed learned in Silat training. We broke apart while he pulled out the dummies for me to stab. I twirled the plastic daggers like they were batons. The new rules they set up for us suck. You know that, right? Physical exams and dorm searches?
Aiden reached out, carefully tucking a strand of hair back behind my ear. He was always doing little things like that, things he shouldnt be doing. I dont agree with all of them, but something has to be done. We cant continue as if nothing has happened.
I know we cant continue as if nothing has happened, but that doesnt mean the pures have a right to punish every single half-blood.
We arent punishing the half-bloods. These rules were put into place to protect the half-bloods also.