Sophie Briggs and the Crystal Contraption (The School of Roots and Vines Book 2) by Martha Carr & Michael Anderle

Author:Martha Carr & Michael Anderle [Carr, Martha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LMBPN Publishing
Published: 2022-10-09T16:00:00+00:00

Marcus picked at his food after Sophie left. Unsurprisingly, everyone was quiet as they finished their meal, though Vince patted Marcus’ shoulder as he got up for more food.

“Pete’ll eventually come around.”

Marcus nodded, smiling halfheartedly. He picked up his fork to keep trying to eat but realized it was pointless. Sighing, he stood and shrugged on his jacket.

“I guess I’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

“See ya,” Janet and Leslie chorused. Bri saluted, and Simon and Luke nodded.

As he walked toward the exit, he rubbed the raw spot near his collarbone where Peter had lifted him. He knew it was none of his business. Sophie could handle herself.

However, he was genuinely worried for her safety. A guy willing to not only toss a boulder at Olivia but also knock Sophie down with a dodgeball and attack Marcus in front of the entire cafeteria was not a guy who had his temper under control.

Not like he was much better. Marcus scowled as he followed the stone path around the front gardens. He’d had to use every ounce of self-control he possessed not to lash out at Peter when he’d put that ultimatum to Sophie. Not only was the kid violent when angry, but he was also a manipulator. It made Marcus’ insides writhe just thinking about it.

He was glad Sophie hadn’t caved to the pressure. She’d looked so strong, standing there with her eyes glowing and brows furrowed, her life energy forming a glowing lasso holding Peter’s fist away from Marcus’ face.

He only hoped he could be as strong if Sophie’s answer to his dance offer turned out to be negative. She’d said yes at dinner, but had she meant it?

As the path turned toward Thicket Hall before doubling back on itself, Marcus heard a gasp, followed by a sniffle. It had come from the back of Thicket Hall, the place he’d often visited last semester to see the damage he’d wreaked.

His heart plummeted. He’d bet anything it was Sophie.

Tentatively, he kept going down the path, following the sounds of weeping. Then, in the fading daylight, he glimpsed Sophie’s hunter-green windbreaker against the tree's bark, her dark-brown waves cascading over her shoulders and around her face. She had been leaning against the tree but was straightening up, wiping the smeared makeup from her eyes with her sleeve.

“Sophie?”

She jerked and glanced around wildly until her eyes locked with his. “Oh!” She smiled and wiped her eyes more frantically. “Sorry. I didn’t know you were there.”

Marcus closed the distance between them, stepping through the grass.

“No need to be sorry.” He stood beside her, hugging his arms. “I thought I heard you crying. I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I’m fine. At least, I will be.” She gave a short laugh, then pulled a tissue out of her pocket and dabbed at her face.

Marcus grimaced. Her cheeks were red and splotchy, and though she’d done her best to get rid of them, black smudges outlined her eyes. She’d been distraught.

“You, uh, have a little...” He pointed at his eyes.

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