Writing

For my friend, who

sent me a letter in the mail even though

we see each other every day, just

so she could gift me a card and

a lovely little poem;

For my other friend, who

Now Kael was in it too. 

The hall doors slammed open again, and Professor Lenira Thale strode in, her green eyes flashing sharper than any spell.

I would feel -

relaxed if I were

on an island by myself.

I could forget about

my life

forget about overdue math

and whether I'm behind or not

doing the right thing is always wrong

My Luminor throbbed in my pocket, restless, flickering colors no one should see. 

The laughter and murmurs swelled until the doors at the end of the hall creaked open.

I pick at my face

on a daily basis.

Rub my fingers over

my acne scars and oily skin,

every unwanted mark

that supposedly makes 

me beautiful,

trying to convince myself

Her red eyes flicked toward Seraphina. “She saw it. When your stone shifted.”

My pulse quickened. I wanted to deny it, but Juniper’s gaze was steady.