I looked away from the cut on his cheek. “You know you vex Jones on purpose. If you studied more and showed her respect, she wouldn’t treat you badly. You should know what chapter we’re on. It’s not my fault I do!” Fumbling in my pocket, I shoved the crumpled handkerchief toward him. It was damp and black with ink. “Take it; you’re bleeding.”

He stared at me, holding the cloth to his face. “Jones hates me more than the rest of you. I don’t know why. But, the way I see it, she’s going to hate me no matter what I do. So, I might as well do what I want.”

“Students must follow the rules,” I quoted.

“Obi, don’t you think I’ve tried? For a month last year, I was nearly perfect.”

“And?”

“And she hit me with her damn ring, whop! Right under the chin, out of nowhere.” He pointed to a scar.

I looked skeptically. “Why would she hit you for doing what she wants? It’s illogical.”

“Not everything is logical, Arika.” He grinned, suddenly. “The twins say she’s smitten.”

I rolled my eyes. “Oh, Jetson.”

“Hear me out! It’s starting to make sense. Last week, she made me polish all of her English trophies. I felt her eyes crawling over me the whole time.” He laughed.

I smiled, reluctantly. “Well, maybe consider returning her affection. It’d be less painful.”

“Kissing Jones—less painful? I doubt it.”

I laughed. “Oh, come on.”

“No chance. Besides, my heart is already taken.” He caught my eye. His mouth tilted up at the corner.

I looked away. “Enough talk. I’ve got to study.” I started down the hall.

“Hey, not so fast.” He caught up.

“I’m busy, Jetson.”

“I have one more question.”

I groaned impatiently, but slowed down.

“What do you think of the new student?”

I shrugged; I was trying not to think of him at all.

“Come on,” Jetson urged. “You must think something.”

I pictured the new kid. His burnished skin and wild brow, the look he leveled on me from across the hall. I swallowed. “I think what everyone thinks, that he doesn’t belong here.”

“Covington was talking about him after class.”

“Get to the point, Jetson. I don’t care what Covington talks about.”

He scowled. “Don’t tell me you’re on his side. I saw how he tried to embarrass you, brushing up on you in class and nearly trampling you in the hall.”

“I’m not on his side,” I said. “I want to know why he’s here too. On the other hand, Jones has her reason for secrecy. As her legal subordinate, I respect her reasons. So should you!”

“Well, I don’t. I want to know how they expect him to pass the Keeper test. He’s basically a feral, don’t you think?”