‘That’s not what I meant.’ Agatha pouted at Circe. ‘And you know it.’

All four girls giggled.

‘Just admit it, Agatha. You think Bethan is an old hag,’ Elnora said.

Bethan knew it was light-hearted fun that her friends masterfully designed to make her feel better. She had rolled her eyes at Elnora’s words.

‘I’m only a year older than you.’ Bethan laughed through her words and flipped her hair. Colour rose in Agatha’s pale cheeks, her face contorting to an expression of uneasiness.

Elnora cackled so loud she smacked her hand over her mouth with shock at the sound she made.

‘Shhh.’ A shrill, sudden voice came from behind them. With a turn, they found an elderly woman Bethan thought had an uncanny resemblance to the Crone’s face. The woman’s wrinkled face scowled at the girls.

Elnora poked her tongue out at the woman. Bethan was still recovering from the shock that she barely noticed Elnora was whispering a hex.

‘Don’t be a child, Ellie,’ Circe growled.

It wasn’t uncommon for Circe to reprimand Elnora, it happened often. They had the dominant personalities of their group, and they would constantly battle in verbal spars. Agatha and Bethan were the quieter ones, subtly distracting the two girls from whatever topic they would fight about.

‘The old you would let me do it.’

‘The old me was too busy studying law to give a shit.’

Bethan’s eyes darted between the other girls before landing on Agatha, who was wordlessly speaking to her on how they should deescalate the situation.

‘Can we go to the greenhouse after?’ Agatha piped up. Circe’s amber eyes flicked toward Agatha, then softened. ‘I have been meaning to get some new ones for those pots my mum gave me.’

Elnora groaned. ‘We don’t have any more space.’

‘Our apartment is practically a jungle at this point,’ Bethan murmured.

Circe served her a cold glare. ‘I think Bethan’s books take up more space.’

‘Hey.’ Bethan laughed. ‘I’m pretty sure at least two of those shelves have your boring politics books on them.’

Circe gritted her teeth. ‘At least I bother to read. I’m not even certain Elnora knows how to.’

‘I keep my belongings in my room, so I shouldn’t be included in this argument.’ Elnora inspected her crimson nails. ‘Besides, I have better things to do.’

‘Like what?’ Bethan dared to ask.

‘Spending my daddy’s money.’

That sentence made the most sense, considering Elnora was the sole heir to the Rennigan empire.

All girls laughed until a Stratos guard kicked them out. Bethan was relieved to leave the incense-reeking temple and head out into the city of Malia.

chapter two

kellan finch