I sidle in opposite him. Musti, Rekku, and Kamu caw from the gutters and flap their wings to let me know they’re there, right outside. It’s weirdly comforting having three feathered shadows.

“Had any revelations since this morning?” he asks through a mouthful of spaghetti.

“Not really.” Honestly, I still have no idea where to start, despite spending the last two periods racking my brain. “But I’ve been thinking maybe we should check on all the kids who are supposedly sick. If they aren’t in their rooms and aren’t in the infirmary then that proves they’re missing.”

“I think we should get Sini to help,” he says and I almost choke. “Or not. I sensed some tension there. What’s up with you guys?”

“It’s a long story.” And not one I want to share. It might make him realize how useless I really am.

“I’m listening.” His eyes glitter in the ray of sunshine cutting across his face.

“You heard what Emmi said. I get picked on sometimes.”

“Bullied,” he says, but I hate that word and how small it makes me feel.

“Whatever.” I shrug, not wanting his pity. “Sini, Ekaterina, and Aysha have never liked me. Ekaterina shocked me so badly once, I still have the scar.” Slowly, I roll up the sleeve of my gray hoodie and show him the pale zigzag where Ekaterina branded my wrist. “She claimed it was an accident.”

“You don’t believe her?”

“I don’t know. I mean, it’s possible, but Aysha gave me an orange once only to turn it into a lemon when I took a bite so, it’s not like I trust any of them not to be jerks.”

“What about Natalie?” He looks up at me like he knows he might be picking at a scab. “She ever been a jerk to you?”

“No, never,” I say. “But she did take Ekaterina’s side, saying it was a mistake and I shouldn’t be so mean about it.” I’ve caught a glimpse of similar scars on Ekaterina’s arms, though she almost always wears long sleeves, even in warm weather.

“Accidents do happen,” Morgan says. “I’m not defending her, but not everyone has perfect control of their magic. It’s hard, especially when we’re first coming into it.”

“I guess.” I tug my sleeve back down. “It’s not like magic can really hurt me anyway. Spells never stick for long.”

“Can I try?” He holds out his hand across the table. “I won’t hurt you, promise. Just going to try to paint your nails.”

“Go for it.” I put my hand in his, even though my palms are a little sweaty. At least my nails aren’t the ragged mess they used to be.

“What color?”

“Purple,” I say, remembering the times Natalie and I did this, only with polish instead of magic.