Chapter 85

OPHELIA Malachi and Xavier have their heads close together and are engaged in a conversation that I’m too far away to hear. I am vaguely aware of Dr. Underwood telling me I’m capable of better grades, but I’m too distracted, wondering what the boys are up to. They appear way too conspiratorial for my liking. “I don’t want to see you waste your potential, Ophelia.” Dr. Underwood raises his voice an octave, dragging my focus back to him. I nod my appreciation. “I won’t, Professor. I’ll study harder. Promise.” The corner of his mouth lifts like he doesn’t entirely believe me, but he dismisses me with a wave of his hand, and I head immediately for the boys standing in the corner of the classroom. “Hey.” I bump my arm against Xavier’s. “What are you doing here?” Malachi is my designated chaperone today. “I thought you and Axl had some super important Ruby Dragon recruit business to take care of?” Xavier flashes me a smirk, his deep-blue eyes raking over my body in a way that makes me squirm