Chapter 18 · Tess did. Selene's face was inches away. A

Tess did.

Selene's face was inches away. A loose strand of black hair had fallen across her cheek. Her eyes were sharp, but the control in them had cracked. Tess could see the worry now. Not much. Just enough.

"Breathe," Selene said.

"I am breathing."

"Not like that."

"How am I supposed to breathe while your academy tries to fold me into a wall?"

"In. Now."

Tess inhaled.

Selene's thumb moved once over the inside of her arm, right beside the burning mark. The touch was steady. Anchoring. It also made Tess painfully aware of how close they were.

"Out," Selene said.

Tess let the breath go.

The silver circle stopped shaking.

The black chains tightened.

"Again," Selene ordered.

"You are enjoying this too much."

"Again."

Tess breathed in. Selene breathed with her. Their shoulders nearly touched, and the crystal gave off enough heat to warm Tess's face.

The spell folded inward.

A small silver orb formed above Tess's palm.

The hall went silent.

The orb spun once, then split into six smaller lights.