The Stars Said Hello [1]

C H A P T E R - 1 4

Sharing a room with Iggy was kind of like having a congested warthog for a roommate, but Sophie didn't mind. She was warm and snuggly with the feeling of home, and even a sleepless night couldn't spoil it. Meredith had already come over and declared that Iggy was the cutest creature she had met and Iggy also seemed to like her.

Grady and Edaline promised to check on Iggy during the day to make sure he was okay, and Sophie left for Foxfire not even caring that it was a Thursday, and she had another humiliating PE session ahead of her.

"Who's ready for the Ultimate Splotching Championship?" Sir Caton asked as the Mentors strode into the amphitheater carrying huge sacks of tiny, brightly colored balls.

Everyone cheered.

"What's the Ultimate Splotching Championship?" Sophie asked Dex.

"Telekinesis," he grumbled. "I suck at telekinesis."

She tried to look sympathetic, but secretly she was celebrating. Finally—something she knew how to do! Well, sort of—but that was better than nothing. "How does this work?" she asked as everyone partnered up. Naturally, she teamed with Dex.

"We push the splotcher at each other with our minds," he explained, "and whoever gets splattered loses. The winners play each other until there's only one left, and that person wins."

"Everyone, on your marks," Sir Caton ordered, as Lady Alexine handed Dex a bright pink splotcher. "Get set!"

Dex tossed the splotcher toward Sophie. "Catch."

It very nearly splattered the floor, but at the last second she managed to catch it with her mind.

"Sorry, I forgot you're worse at this stuff than me," Dex said smugly. "At least I'll win one match this time."

She rolled her eyes. He shouldn't count her out yet.

She took a deep breath, focusing on the power she knew was deep within her core. She could almost feel it swirling around, like a warm buzzing in her stomach.

"Splotch!"

Sophie pushed the warmth out through her fingers and sent it toward the splotcher.

Splat!

A stunned Dex stared at Sophie with bright pink slime running down his chin. She'd nailed him right on his smug little grin.

"Sorry," she said, not quite able to hide the smile in the corners of her mouth.

"It's okay," he said through a sigh. "I guess I deserved it."

"Well done, Sophie!" Sir Caton interrupted, sounding more surprised than she would've liked. "Go ahead and move up to the winners. Dex can join those colorful prodigies over there." He pointed to a group forming on their left.

Dex scowled.

"So what's the prize for this contest, anyway?" Sophie asked before Dex wandered away.

"Usually a pardon from one punishment—but don't get your hopes up. Fitz or Meredith always wins—not that Wonderboy ever does anything to need a pardon. Though Meredith does sometimes causes trouble." He mimed gagging. "Anyway, I hope you win a few more rounds."

"Thanks."

Marella made it to the winners. So did Biana and Maruca. Even Jensi. Unfortunately, so did Stina.

"Even a muskog could beat Dex," Stina sneered. "Let's see how you do against a real opponent." She tossed a bright blue splotcher at Sophie's head.

Sophie caught it with her mind, floating it in the space between them. She ignored the knots in her stomach. She wasn't backing down.

"I'm going to enjoy this," Stina sneered. "I'll aim for your eyes—finally turn them blue."