Later that night, I sealed the letter and handed it over to Leon, who was hovering outside my dorm, with explicit instructions to give it to Aiden.
May I ask why youre passing notes to Aiden? He eyed the letter like it was a bomb.
Its a love note. Im asking him to circle yes or no if he likes me.
Leon pinned me with a bland look, but shoved the letter
and pulled the covers up to my chin. Seth laughed as he lay down. He threw an arm around my waist, snuggling close. His breathing was steady. Nothing like mine, which seemed to be racing my heartbeat. And he was smiling easily, as if we hadnt just argued.
Youre such a perv, I said for the hundredth time.
Youve called me worse.
And I had a feeling I probably would in the future, too.
CHAPTER 9
WOW. LOOK WHOS SMILING. THE WORLD IS GOING TO end. Two silvery eyes peeked out behind a mop of curly blond hair, and Deacon St. Delphi smirked as he dropped into the seat beside me. Hows it going, my favorite half-blood?
Good. I glanced down at my textbook, lips pursed. Sorry I havent been real chatty.
He leaned over, nudging me in the side. I understand.
Deacon did. Thats probably why he hadnt pressured me into talking with him since Id been back. Hed just sat beside me in class, not saying a word. I hadnt realized hed been waiting for me to come around.
I glanced at him again. Thats the thing about Deacon. Everyone, including Aiden, saw him as a lazy party-boy who didnt pay attention to anything, but he was far more observant than anyone gave him credit for. Hed had a real hard time growing up without his parents, and I think he was finally coming out of the party-boy who doesnt care about anything stage.
Are you doing anything for winter break?
He rolled his eyes. That would require Aiden taking time off, since he wont let me off this island without him. Hes been super-paranoid ever since the whole thing in the Catskills. I think hes expecting daimons or furies to drop in here any minute.
I cringed. Sorry.
Whatever, he replied. Its not your fault. So Im not going to be doing anything exciting. I hear my esteemed older brother is playing guard for you.
I rolled my eyes.
You know, I overheard him and the Dean talking when he visited the house.
What house? Aidens cabin?
Deacon arched a brow. No, like the house. He saw my dumbfounded look and took pity on me. Our parents house? Well, its really Aidens house now. Its on the other side of the Island, near Zaraks.
I had no idea that there was another house. Id just assumed that Aiden had the cabin and Deacon stayed in the dorm. Come to think of it, why in the hell was Aiden living in that tiny shack if he owned one of those huge, opulent houses on the main island?
As if he knew what I was thinking, Deacon sighed. Aiden doesnt like to stay at the house. Reminds him too much of our parents, and he hates the whole lavish lifestyle thing.
Oh, I whispered, glancing at the front of the classroom. Our teacher was always late.
Anyway, back to my story. I overheard them talking. Deacons chair and desk made a terrible scratching noise as he scooted closer to me. Want to know?
Luke, who had been sitting on Elenas desk, faced us. His brows rose when he saw us. Sure. Spill it, I said.
Theres something going on with the Councilthat has to do with the half-bloods.
Like what? I asked.
Dont know exactly. But I know it has something to do with the New York Council. Deacon looked away, focusing on the front of the class. I figured you might know, since you were just up there.
I shook my head. There was always something going on with the Council, and it probably had to do with the elixir. Then I realized Deacon was still staring at the front of the classroom. I followed his gaze. He was staring at Luke.
And Luke was staring back at him.
Like in the really intense way I sometimes stared at Aiden.
My eyes darted back to Deacon. I couldnt see his eyes, but the tips of his ears were pink. After several moments, like too long for one dude to be looking at another dude casually, Deacon leaned back. I thought about the phantom voice Id heard with Luke in the sensory room. It had sounded familiar but no way.
Anyway, Deacon cleared his throat. I think I might throw a party for those left behind during winter break. You think Aiden will be game?
Uh, probably not.
Deacon sighed. Its worth a try.
I glanced at Luke again. Yeah, I guess so.
Its not working.
Seth made an impatient sound in his throat. Try concentrating.
I am, I snapped, pushing the windblown hair out of my face.
Try harder, Alex. You can do it.
I hugged myself, shivering. It was freezing out by the marshes. The cold, damp wind beat against me and the heavy sweater was no help. Wed been at this for the better part of Saturday. When Seth had suggested I try to blow something up, Id assumed hed been joking.
Id been wrong.
Closing my eyes, I pictured the thick boulder in my mind. I already knew the texture, the sandy color, and its irregular shape. Id been staring at the damn thing for hours.