Casters Book Two: Shadow Caster

Chapter Four

"Emery," Cyrene calls my name.

"Hmm?" I look up from the book I was reading.

"We have to talk about this. What happened last night was—"

"I have to study for my test." I cut her off and continued reading.

She sighs and eyes me.

According to this book, sometimes it takes years for Casters to develop powers after their birth, and their marks are shaped by the magical energy in their body. Scientists believe a Caster's mark is made by their brain, the reason Caster marks take distinct shapes is still unknown. Interesting.

"If you won't talk to me, will you at least talk about it with Dr. Ross in your session today?" Cyrene says.

"Shh!" I hush her.

She frowns.

"Morning," Lorelei walks in.

"That's it, I can't study in these conditions." I quickly get up to leave.

"Emery! Emery!" Cyrene calls after me.

I make my way to breakfast, skipping my midweek morning session with Cyrene. Vega stayed with me last night, after what happened. She wants me to talk about it, but I just can't even think about that right now. I have a million and one other things to think about, including passing these tests so I can move up with the rest of my class.

"And then she just shut down, didn't want to talk about it at all," Vega says as I approach her from behind.

Everyone at the table is giving her the shut-up sign. Dariyah kicks her under the table. She turns and we lock eyes, I raise an eyebrow.

"Hey! What are you doing here?" she laughs nervously.

"Couldn't focus in Cyrene's office, decided just to skip it." I sit next to her.

"Oh."

I sigh and pull out my book again.

Everyone is quiet.

I frown and look up, they all quickly look away from me.

"Stop being weird," I grumble before going back to reading.

"So, anyone want to come to our showcase?" Bastion changes the subject.

"When is it?" Ro asks.

"This Sunday, we are performing it before the final sermon of the semester, before everyone goes out on break. Sort of like a preview before the competition starts."

"Yeah, sounds fun."

"Count me in," Darko says.

They all agree to go.

"Emery?" Vega asks me.

"I'll be busy," I say without looking up from my book.

"With?" Nerissa pushes.

"Stuff." I turn the page.

"What kind of stuff?" Dariyah challenges.

I sigh and look, everyone is eyeing me.

"Stuff, taskforce stuff," I say.

"Oh," Bastion says in disappointment.

I frown.

"You okay?" Darko asks me.

"I'm fine!" I snap at him as the lights flicker.

Everyone eyes me.