Chapter 16 · Faking It 101

"If that circle flashes red, run. Do not wait for me." Selene's fingers closed around Tess's burned wrist before Tess could step into the lecture hall.

Tess looked down at the pale hand around her. Selene's grip was firm, warm, and annoyingly steady. The contract mark under Tess's skin pulsed once, like it knew exactly who was touching it.

"Great advice," Tess said. "A little late, though. Everyone in there already thinks I'm a prodigy."

"Everyone in there thinks you are a dangerous lie." Selene leaned closer. Her dark coat brushed Tess's sleeve. "There is a difference."

"You put me on the list."

"I put you where I could watch you."

"Same thing with better handwriting."

Selene's eyes dropped to the mark on Tess's wrist. The edges were still red from the black-market scan, and a thin line of smoke curled from the center whenever Tess flexed her fingers.

Selene noticed. Of course she noticed.

"Your bond is burning again," she said.

"It does that when people grab me."

"Then stop giving people reasons to grab you."

Tess yanked her wrist free. The sudden movement sent a sharp sting up her arm, but she refused to show it.