by Laura Tree
Chapter 42
I don’t feel much like attending Combat class, so Zeke and I hang out while Damien goes to talk to the Dean and Kale. We want to get Anna off our minds.
“So what did he say?” Zeke asks the second that Damien gets back.
“He was very dissatisfied with her and has since expelled her from The Isle. She’s not going to take it lightly, and I bet her father won’t either. We’re going to really need to watch our backs until we leave.” Damien looks smug.
“When are we leaving again?” I’m trying to fish out any information that I can. I’m really looking forward to the Passing Ceremony in a few hours and don’t want it to be cut short.
“I can’t tell you that until it gets closer, but I know that you want to go to the ceremony this afternoon.”
I hope this is his way of telling me that we’re not leaving yet. I know that I’m not quite ready to face Nema, and I want as much time here as I can get.
I’m busy doing my makeup for the ceremony when there’s a knock on the door. I pull it open, thinking it’s probably Trish.
“Ms. Sanders, there’s a package for you.” It’s a butler dressed in a tuxedo, holding a long slim box. With a bow, he’s gone.
I close the door and pull the package open to see what’s inside. My mouth hangs open as I pull out a red dress. It has a sweetheart neckline and engraved flowers accented with beads all over it. The hemline is angular from my knee down and full of ruffles. It’s perfect. I dig through the tissue paper to find a card.
There is a single white piece of paper that reads:
Merona
How does she know that I’m celebrating tonight? How does she always know the right gift? She is amazing. I set out to finish my makeup and put on my new dress.