“I may possibly consider going to the tournament. Maybe.” I flip my finger back and forth between her eyes. “But I need to talk to my friend Cissy and not envy-demon girl.”

Cissy inhales a long breath, her eyes slowly turning back to their original tawny brown.

Good. Now we’re getting somewhere.

She shakes her head from side to side. “That’s better, now.” She lets out a few breaths. “I think my envy demon got a little out of control there.”

I plant my fists on my hips. Now it’s time to let loose. “A little out of control? You didn’t talk to me for two weeks. You’ve been a bitch on wheels. And about what? Some guy.” I waggle my finger at her. “I’ve been totally patient with you through the whole Zekie-poo lovey-dovey boyfriend festival. All I do is get into a few fights with a guy and you LOSE IT. For the record, you totally and completely suck as a friend right now.”

Her hands pop over her mouth. “Oh my goodness. I do suck.”

“Completely.”

“I don’t know what to say, Myla.” Her eyes are lined with tears. “I lost control.” She wags her head. “You don’t have to go to the tournament if you don’t want to.”

I scratch my neck and frown. “No, I’ll go to the stupid tournament.”

Cissy grins, bouncing on her heels. “Thank you, Myla, thank you!” She wraps me in a big hug.

I stand stone-still, allowing her to hug me but not returning the motion. “On one condition.”

“Name it.”

“I want some serious apologizing for this totally unreasonable fit of extended jealousy.”

Cissy nods sagely. “You’re right. Way over the top.” She wags her eyebrows up and down. “How many, then? Two? Three?”

“Five.” I fold my arms over my chest. “You make me five pans of brownies. Different flavors. And no conning your Mom into doing it.”

“You got it. Thank you. So. Much.” She moves to give me another hug; I raise my palm, stopping her.

“And one last thing. If I’m going, I’ll do it my way.”

I slip out of my room and tiptoe to the front door of my house, the keys to Betsy in the pocket of my hoodie. Holding my breath, I wrap my fingers around the door handle.

Mom pops her head out of the kitchen. I’m so snagged.

“Where are you sneaking off to?” She steps toward me, her shoulders slumping. “Are you going to meet other top Arena fighters?” Her tail wraps around her hand. “I know they’re all part Furor demon too.”

Meeting Furor fighters on the sly? Where does she come up with this cockamamie stuff to worry about?

“I’ve met the other Arena fighters.” I shrug. “They’re fine.”

She sets her hand on her hip. “So, you’re not sneaking off to meet them?”