>>5787836You frowned at Efron’s grousing—transparent goading. You knew exactly what he was doing…
“Oh, I’ll be there,” you told him, snatching back your hat from Testa and replacing it up on your head fastidiously. “I’ll be there with BELLS on.”
“What, is that an elf thing?” Testa asked, and your human friends all laughed… Well, except for Henzler, who had an expression on her face like she was trying to recall if it was, in fact, an elf thing.
“It isn’t,” you told her plainly. “Anyway, I’m not the only Senior to graduate this year. You coming, Izirina?”
Several of your friends shifted uncomfortably at this invitation, though Pearce—whose family residence would be the stage for the soiree in questions—showed no evidence of discomfort. Izirina Henzler, though, most definitely did.
“I… Don’t think so, no.” She looked down at her feet and then, slowly, lifted her gaze to look across the room, where the Archmage was speaking with several other senior magi. “I have a lot of studying to do…”
“Right, well, that’s a shame, but maybe better luck next time!” Efron fired off quickly, earning your dour glare but seeming not to care. “Come on, guys, let’s go.”
You followed after your friends, but only after one more exchange of glances with Izirina. She forced a small smile, bowing her head in thanks, and then turned and went the other way.
