Callum I left Zane's side without saying much , just a muttered " right " and a nod that probably looked more annoyed than I meant it to . The truth was , his words , him , there seeming relationship ; it was pissing me off more then usual . I needed air . Space . Quiet . Not that this place ever offered me any of that . I hadn't meant to look for her , to peer in on her test . Or maybe I did . But my feet ... well . They had their own ideas . It was stupid . After everything , the last thing I should've been thinking about was her - especially not after how Bianca and I kissed infront of her . And definitely not after she hit me with constant death stares since then . And yet , there I was , loitering outside the faculty lounge like a socially confused freshman waiting to ask a girl to prom . I'm not sure when I decided it , but I was going to talk to her . Just ... talk . No motives , no assumptions , no sarcastic digs this time . Just figure out what was going on with her . Maybe understand what that look was in her eyes earlier , the one that didn't match her status . I didn't get the chance . " Callum . " That one word cut like a collar snapping around my neck . It was from a voice I knew well , sharp , high , and far too polished . It came from my mother . She was flanked by my father , who looked like he'd just been crowned king , and our principal , Mr. Alder , whose smile reeked of a secret I'm not sure I wanted to know . All three of them looking far too pleased with themselves . " There you are , " my mother said sweetly , in that tone that meant I was already in trouble for something I hadn't done yet . " Sorry . I was just- " " We were just talking about the girl , " Alder interrupted , patting my shoulder with all the sincerity of a used chariot salesman . " Quite the mess she's made for herself . " I stiffened . " Liora ? " She was mid - test , no ? Why where they discussing her now ? Chapter 32 +15 BONUS My father scoffed . " Please . That girl isn't passing . She'll be gone by next week . You can finally get back to focusing on your real responsibilities . " He turned toward Alder . " You've already started the paperwork , yes ? " " Of course , " Alder said , smoothing his tie . " We had every reason to expel her after this win , her test inperticular was made more ... complicated . Besides , her presence is disruptive , her lineage questionable . Frankly , it's a mercy she was allowed to come here at all . " I blinked . Once . Twice . " Wait - you tried to expel her ? " I asked . My father gave me a look like I'd just asked if the moon was made of cheese . " Obviously . You didn't think we'd let het get between you and Bianca , did you ? " That was when I bristled . See , I could deal with a lot ; snide comments , power games , nobles playing puppet masters behind my back . But this ? This was different . They had already made up their minds before I ever had a say . I opened my mouth , about to say something - probably something I'd regret - but then the door creaked open behind them . And there she was . Liora . Leaning against the frame like she'd been listening the whole time . Her braid was a little messy , her skirt a bit crooked , and her arms were crossed like she wasn't the least bit intimidated by the people in front of her . " Such confidence , " my mother muttered under her breath , venomously . " For someone who clearly didn't pass . " Liora smiled . Not a soft smile . Not one of those fake polite ones either . This one was all teeth and trouble . " Just wanted to drop by and say thanks , " she said , tilting her head at Alder . " Your little plan didn't work . I totally passed . " Alder's fake grin cracked like a mask in heat . " Excuse me ? " She pulled something from her pocket . A tiny recorder . I was squinting , confused , but both my parent and the principal stiffened . She smirked . " I thought we agreed to play fair in our last little meeting together . Or , heaven forbird , a certan conversation gets out and a family loses there reputation . Well , more of there reputation . " My mother raised a hand . " You little- " " Ah , " Liora raised the recorder with a little wave , stoping her cold . " You might want to be more careful Chapter 32 +15 BONUS about what you say . " My mother's face went pale , her hand lowering . My father's ears turned a delightful shade of red . I stood there , stunned , slowly trying to piece it all together . My parents ... had planned to get Liora expelled ... because of me ? Liora eyes flicked smuggly off my parents to me and I stiffened . I wasn't sure why , but I felt my face begin to heat . She blinked , her eyes reminding me of the forest in the sun . What kind of girl records school officials mid - sabotage , beats them at their own game , and then uses it for blackmail with a smile ? Liora did a little wave - at me , I think ? -then turned on her heel and sauntered off down the hall like she didn't just nuke their entire plan with one hand and a smirk .