Chapter 12

Valerie's expression darkened. "That old man has been missing for over a year. I made this medicine myself." Philip flicked her forehead a few times. "Watch your manners. If Magnus knew that you called him an old man, he'd skin you alive." Her expression became colder. "Don't mention him. He just gets on my nerves." "Come on. There's no grudge a father and daughter can't mend. Back then—" Before he could finish, she shoved the rest of the medicine into her pocket. "I'm heading out, Philip." "Hold on!" he called after her. "School officially starts tomorrow. You skipped the whole year last year. At least show up for roll call on the first day this year." He paused before adding pitifully, "I'm not asking you to show up every day. Just show your face once in a while." "I'll show up if I feel like it." With that, Valerie left. … News of Valerie's release eventually reached Skyler. He figured Lucius must have let her go out of regard for Sonia. Perhaps Sonia would eventually use