The Familiar by Tatiana G. Roces

Author:Tatiana G. Roces [Roces, Tatiana G.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pants On Fire Press
Published: 2015-07-21T05:00:00+00:00

19

I feel immensely better after a few slices of pizza and a huge milkshake. I’m on my fourth slice and as I nibble on the slightly charred crust, I can’t help but think of Andy and how I wish I could share this experience with him. I must have been lost in thought because I flinch when I hear Louise’s voice in my ear, “Hello? Haaazzeel?”

I take the last bite and frown at her. “Sorry, just spaced out for a minute… That class just sucked the life out of me.”

Akiko sighs. “Tell me about it. I just can’t seem to get a break. Everyone here is like a super-shifter or something.”

Samir leans his head on his hand looking forlorn. “It’s only the first week. There’s plenty of time to catch up...”

“I’m still completely in awe of our little Hazel annihilating Khari like that though. That guy is beyond intimidating,” says Louise, ruffling my hair playfully.

I chuckle. “I can hardly believe it myself, but Samir’s right, it’s just the first week so I’m not going to whip out the champagne just yet.”

“So, who are you picking for your private session anyway?” she asks, winking at me obnoxiously.

I scowl at her, knowing what she’s insinuating.

“Hmmm… I guess it’s a toss-up between Alicia and Jared. I think those two classes will definitely be the toughest.”

“Pick Jared, please! Samir can give you flying lessons anytime you want,” says Akiko dreamily, as Louise giggles at her girlish antics.

“So, I was wondering about something, guys,” I say, trying to change the subject. “Do you think it’s even possible that… well… Rufus White still might be alive?” I say in a hushed voice.

Louise eyes me suspiciously, placing her hand on my forehead dramatically. “Are you still high from that Training Accelerator? Because you’re sounding kind of delirious right now.”

I roll my eyes, annoyed that I’m not being taken seriously. “No, really. I mean, isn’t it remotely possible that he somehow tricked everyone into thinking he’s dead?”

There is a moment of silence as everyone ponders my question.

Samir looks at me thoughtfully, his eyebrow raised as if he’s solving a complex mathematical equation. “Hmmm… Well, theoretically it is possible. I mean when it comes to sorcery, nothing’s out of the question. Though I would have to assume that the matter was thoroughly investigated by the Council… They wouldn’t have declared him dead unless that was really the case.”

Akiko nods her head in agreement. “That’s true. Anytime there’s a high profile death, the Council’s lead investigators are always on the case, and those guys wouldn’t make a mistake like that.”

“So, why are you asking about this anyway?” asks Louise dubiously.

I focus on my hands, twiddling my fingers nervously. Somehow, this doesn’t seem to be the right time or place to reveal the truth to them. “Nothing in particular. I was just reading those library books and wondered. That’s all.”

Akiko seems satisfied with my response, too distracted by her own woes to give it a second thought. “Anyway, there’s nothing to worry about while we’re here.

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