Spell Me Once by Cherie Marks

Author:Cherie Marks
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cherie Marks
Published: 2020-05-27T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

Being back inside the walls of the Assassin’s Academy felt like putting on a striped, wool sweater from your childhood. It was itchy and uncomfortable, yet familiar and definitely where some very awkward moments took place. And, yes, there was photographic evidence. Yet, Gemma had perspective now that only came from leaving behind unhealthy people and places. As she slipped through the shadows of the building, passing places where she’d lived, fought, and cried, she felt the sting of the memories, but she knew they couldn’t harm her any longer. Not unless she let them.

Peto’s betrayal hadn’t ended with the capture the flag drill. He had revealed so much more to the other students. Confidences she’d told him in secret with the idea that he was her friend and wouldn’t hurt her. Unfortunately, she hadn’t realized the truth until it was too late. Peto was training to be an assassin, and he wanted to be the best. The minute Gemma started showing promise, Peto had befriended her. However, it wasn’t out of the goodness of his heart. It was so that he could keep his competition close, gather intelligence on her, and then use it to rise above her.

The reality had nearly broken her spirit, but she’d managed not to let it show. Nevertheless, she withdrew from all activities other than her academics and learned not to trust anyone but herself. Now, as she eased around the corridors, Jeff at her side, she stealthily made her way to her old dorm room. Though, she wasn’t entirely certain she was on the right path, her mother’s note had said she would find what she was looking for where her new life began. Her new life had to be the day she was sent to the Academy. Everything changed then. She only saw her parents on holidays, and she never felt safe. Her first day as an assassin had been the worst day of her young life and not too many more good ones followed after that.

Outside of her dorm room, she paused, hand on the doorknob. This was her one sanctuary in the entire school. She hoped the book was here, and the room saved her once more.

“I don’t know quite why we’re just standing here. Do you plan to go inside anytime soon?”

She glared down at Jeff’s scrunched-up face. She could tell he was proud of his smartassery. She wanted to conjure a mass of fleas for him to wear from now until eternity, but she stuck out her tongue at him and twisted the doorknob instead. She had expected it to be locked from the inside, but, surprisingly, it opened immediately. As a student, she’d been sure to lock her door every night. The consequence, otherwise, was usually a late-night prank by the other students.

Yet, as she slowly peeked through the crack in the door, she realized why the door had been unsecured. The room was empty. As she swung the door wide, she saw a skeletal layout of furniture—two unmade beds, two desks, two dressers, and one bedside table.

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