It all went downhill after I broke that damn amulet.
One second I was a hair-pulling hero, the next — I was slammed against a desk with enough force to rattle my molars.
"YOU'RE DEAD!" Lavinia shrieked, her voice hitting notes only bats could hear.
She lunged at me again, nails out like magical stilettos, but before she could claw my face off, someone roared:
"Enough!" — the door to the classroom slammed open — and in stepped another girl.
She was short, with chestnut hair neatly braided down her back and freckles scattered all over her face.
Oh, and did I mention the glowing dark crimson orb of pure magical menace swirling in her palm like liquid blood?
"WHAT is going on here?!"
We both froze.
Lavinia still had a fistful of my hair, the other hand raised mid-air, perfectly positioned to scratch my face. I, in turn, was gripping the collar of her dress — and judging by the ominous ripping sounds coming from the seams of her perfect black outfit, her couture moment was about to become a biggest fashion fail.
It was the world's least elegant standoff.
"E-Elvira…" Lavinia said, slowly letting go of me. "This isn't what it looks like."
"Oh really?" Elvira's voice was icy. She took a step closer, orb pulsing like a heartbeat. "Didn't I tell you to stay away from my lab-partner? What is it with you and harassing him every damn week?"
"It was just a joke…"
"One of your funny jokes?" Elvira interrupted.
One of Lavinia's cronies stepped forward, hands raised in peace. "Okay, hey—hey—no need to escalate. Just, like… slowly lower your hand, yeah? Let's all breathe."
"Yeah, Elv, let's chill," the other one added with a nervous smile. "I'm sure Lavinia will apologize. Right, Lav?"
Lavinia's eyes were locked on the glowing sphere of doom, her face twitching between fury and fear.
I inched back, panting, keeping a healthy distance from whatever infernal power Elvira was casually juggling. That orb looked like it could delete people.
"Sorry, Finn," Lavinia mumbled, eyes still on Elvira. "It was just a prank. Won't happen again. Swear."
Finn stood with arms crossed, looking like a wet, angry cat.
"A prank? Again? Seriously, Lavinia?"
Brunette's cheeks flushed, but she held on to her haughty expression like it was magical armor.
"Whatever. I'm done here," she huffed.
Then she turned to me, lips curling into a sweet little threat.
"And you, newbie… you'll pay for this. Watch your back."
She shot me one last death glare, spun on her heel, and stomped out. Her goons scrambled after her.
I exhaled.
Well. That escalated.
Day One, and I'd already managed to get into a full-blown catfight. And of all people — the local queen bee with a fan club.
Brilliant start, Malinka. Really nailed the whole "low profile" thing.