“Thanks, Mom.” I slink back to my room, blast Taylor Swift, and change into the rattiest sweats and t-shirt I can find. Ghouls are some of the grouchiest, most overbearing pains in this astral plane. And they are my people. A gloomy weight settles over me.

I walk back to the kitchen. Every step’s an effort, like my limbs are loaded down with rocks. My mind’s sluggish too. I barely notice breakfast, the long drive to school, or walking through the front doors to Purgatory High. I meander through the sea of students.

It’s official. I’m in the midst of an epic self-pity-fest.

From down the crowded hallway, Cissy spies me and waves. “Hey, Myla!”

I step up to her locker, my brain still a blur. “Morning.” I’m pretty sure Cissy gabs on about some change to gym class. I can’t process her words, so I do my best to smile and look interested. Then, I hear something that sounds like blah-blah-blah Ryder library blah-blah-blah.

I blink and shake my head. “What did you say, Cis?”

“You’re going to the Ryder library after school today, right?”

“Yup.” Maybe I can read up on being a half-ghoul. Yay.

“Great. See you later!” She steps into the crowd. I start the long slog over to History class. Looking up, I half-expect a little black storm-cloud to hover over my head.

I reach my classroom and settle into a chair in the last row. Zeke slides into the seat across the aisle from mine. Blech.

“Hey, Myla.”

“Hi.”

A genuine grin warms his chiseled features. “Did I tell you what Cissy did the other day?”

“No.” I’m pretty sure he starts talking about Cissy, but I’m having issues with my attention span today. I can’t understand a word. Instead, I focus on his cheery face and animated hand gestures. It’s like watching a kitten chase a ball of string. He’s so happy; I can’t help but smile. After a while, his words become clear.

“My parents really like her.” Zeke tosses his mop of golden hair. “They’re showing her the ropes of diplomacy; she’s a natural. Like at this political dinner, she smiled and made small talk with some of the most boring losers ever. It was great.”

Miss Thing claps her hands. “Your attention, class!” She strides across the front of the room, her long robes swaying with each step. Unfortunately, she’s decided to wear her hood down today, and the combination of her bright red lips and bald gray head is downright spooky.

“I’ve a very important lesson for you today.” Miss Thing stalks back and forth before her desk, her red heels click-clacking with each step. “You may have heard terrible rumors about demons.” She laces her long red fingernails under her chin. “I won’t mince words. Some say the demons may one day attack us, their beloved ghoul allies.”