My heart thuds in my ears. I’m going to kill Ed. “I don’t have a potions addiction, Brittany,” I say. Why was I so stupid to use that energy potion? Of course it came back to bite me. “And why would I even buy one of Ed’s potions? I’m a much better apothecary than he is. I could just make it myself.”

She frowns. “Well, Ed said you did.”

“Whatever. Tell everyone that I’m a potions addict,” I say, even though every fiber of my being tells me I’m ruining my future. “You can’t threaten me to stay quiet.”

“Well, you know you definitely won’t get the scholarship,” she says, like it’s some kind of trump card.

Listening to her speech earlier broke me a little. Is this what I was willing to do for the scholarship? Am I really okay with suffering through anything? Ignoring other people’s pain just to get a leg up in the world?

I lace my fingers together, taking my time to muster all my courage before answering. My phone buzzes again. I force myself to make eye contact with Brittany.

“I’m sorry, but I’m going to report Mr. B,” I say.

Hearing that come out of my mouth surprises me. It didn’t feel completely real until that moment, but that’s what I’m going to do. Even if the school doesn’t believe me. Even if Brittany spreads rumors about my “potions addiction.” Even if it ruins my chance at getting the scholarship and going to Willington.

“This image of him you have, it’s not real. He’s good at manipulating people. Even if he feels guilty for what happened with you, it doesn’t mean he didn’t do it.”

With that, I stand up. “I’m going to tell the school on Monday. Let me know if you want to do it with me.” I take a deep breath. “This is the right thing to do. But, um, I get that this is probably really shitty for you.” Brittany stands as well. She looks like someone just kicked her. I shove my feet into my sneakers and walk out of the room.

I’m going to make things hard for her if I come forward. But I have to. Otherwise, Mr. B will be free to keep manipulating his students.

My phone buzzes again. This time, I check it. I have several missed texts from Lex. I freeze, only a few feet down the hall from Brittany’s room, and stare at my screen in horror. My eyes lock on the first text she sent me.

LEX: MAYDAY!!! MR B IS HERE

Chapter 37

This year, the Brockton Scholarship celebrates ten years of helping young witches and wizards achieve new heights.

—The Brockton Foundation website

“You said he wasn’t talking to you.” I tap out a few choice words encapsulating my complete internal meltdown to Lex.