What was it with people in this school and their obsession with spying? Daphne Elizabeth seemed liable to break Jaya in half and throw the pieces into the bushes, however, so Jaya spoke hurriedly. “No, I wasn’t, I promise. I was sitting here when you both began your… conversation, and then it was too late to say anything. I didn’t want to embarrass you.”

Daphne Elizabeth smiled a ghost of a smile, her eyes green fire. “Well, lucky you—you’ve stumbled onto primo gossip your very first day. Nothing endears you to people more, at least at our school.” She raised her arms, waving her fingers dramatically. “Tell people what you heard and watch yourself rise in the social ranks like magic!” Dropping her arms, she sighed, resigned. “And watch me be destroyed by Caterina LaValle,” she mumbled to herself.

Jaya straightened her shirt, tilted her head back, and looked Daphne Elizabeth right in the eye. “I don’t know about the other people at this school, but I am a Rao. I would never stoop to that level.” Her regal pose was only slightly marred by Daphne Elizabeth’s height advantage.

Daphne Elizabeth tensed and studied her for a long minute, as if she didn’t know whether or not Jaya was laughing at her. Finally, her shoulders relaxed and she blinked a few times, looking away. “It’s just so messed up. I never thought I’d be the kind of person to…” She paused. “He already has a girlfriend and I… People would never forgive me if they found out. I mean, Alaric and Caterina are an institution at this place. They’re the kind of couple everyone wants to be.” She bit the inside of her cheek, her eyes searching Jaya’s. “You probably think I’m a total mess.”

“I don’t,” Jaya said honestly. “I don’t know Alaric and Caterina, and I don’t know you, but I do know what it’s like to have a secret you hope no one finds out. And I know what happens when people do.”

They started back up the path in unspoken unison, their feet crunching loudly on the gravel.

Daphne Elizabeth ran a hand through her short crimson hair. Her nails were painted bright green with small diamonds dotting the tops. Smiling at Jaya as they entered the cool interior of the school again, she said, “I like you. I hope you’ll come sit with us at breakfast tomorrow.”

It was the second invitation she’d received from Grey Emerson’s social group. They seemed nice, the kind of people she might actually be friends with if circumstances were different. Jaya wondered how Grey had managed to fool them all. “Thank you. That’d be wonderful.”

“Well, I better go get unpacked. I hate leaving it for later.” Daphne Elizabeth made a face, half-rueful, half-resigned. “See ya.”