Awakened (Unbound, Book 3)

Chapter Thirty-Six

After Calin left, I went to the library to try to find more information about signatures, but it was useless, probably locked in a drawer that could only be opened with the key that Devland had used when he gave me my Book of Shadows. Everything else... While it was interesting, it wasn't what I wanted, so I went to bed.

I woke early the next morning in anticipation of the plan we'd concocted. Calin said Maible was all for going after Duvessa and being able to help even though she couldn't use magic—especially because she could help without using magic. I wished Maible could see how life was in Briarville and have the chance to meet Nancy. Then she'd know she didn't need to be able to use it.

That was a problem for another day, though.

Unfortunately, I had a list of those.

As I was finishing getting ready and putting my supplies in my bag, there was a knock at the door. I looked up from where I was sitting at my desk as Devland walked in without waiting for a response, making me glad I'd already put away my mother's Book of Shadows. He still made me uneasy and the last thing I wanted to share was my mom's words and thoughts. After all, I still didn't know why she'd left Wickenton in the first place or why she'd kept me from him for all these years.

It had to be more than the Larkins and Devland's sunny disposition.

"We'd better get going, Noreena," he said. "You have just enough time to eat breakfast before we leave. I have a lot of work to do today, and I don't intend on spending the entire day at Grimas High School."

"Fine by me." I grabbed my jacket and bag and followed Devland out of my room. One last time, I hoped our plan would work. I couldn't keep going this way. If it didn't succeed, I'd have to find another way. If I was going to get punished, I was damn well going to deserve it.

Mrs. Renaldi out-did herself for breakfast, just as she had for supper the night before. I think she was still trying to atone for the bake sale items that had been tampered with as she continuously asked if things were okay, if I was okay, and simply hovered, fretting over every bite I took. Secretly, I enjoyed it, not only the amazing food but the attention. I assured her it was all delicious before being rushed out of the house by Devland, who forced me to travel with him instead of driving separate cars.

At least if Calin couldn't drive me back, I could get in an extra run.

When we arrived at school, every student stopped in their tracks to watch as we made our way to the office, where we didn't bother with the waiting area. The secretary didn't ask Devland to wait until he'd been announced and, judging the murderous look plastered to his face, that was likely for the best. I'd never seen Devland so angry about a situation. At least I hoped it was the situation and not me. I didn't do anything wrong and seeing him like this made me question my chances of sticking up for myself, though I knew the stubborn part of me would most definitely try.

It all depended on whether Devland was playing father today or not.

"Devland." Mr. Corbin jumped up from his seat behind the overly-large desk in the middle of the room as we entered without knocking.

Devland turned and closed the door behind him without a word, cutting off the conversation within from prying ears in the main office. If our plan held up, Calin and Duvessa would be out there shortly, Maible close behind. I sat down and watched Devland cross his arms over his chest and demand answers with a look of expectation directed at Mr. Corbin. Composing himself, Mr. Corbin motioned for Devland to sit beside me and then sat back into his too-expensive, too-plush chair and cleared his throat.

Devland remained standing, unmoving, and obviously irritated at the interruption into his oh-so-packed day.

"I asked you to come in today regarding the incident at the bake sale yesterday," Mr. Corbin explained monotonously. "I believe that Noreena may know something about it."