Chapter 10

I thought the storm would burn out overnight, but I was wrong. The storm only seemed to worsen, and my feelings right along with it. How could I stand doing this? I was hurting Tancred so much, he must hate me. I slowly rose from the couch and quickly refolded the blanket. I darted out of his office and to my dormitory without being seen. I entered the dormitory and immediately regretted it, Emma was up, and it looked like she was waiting for me.

"Oh, look who the cat dragged in! It wasn't enough you had to break Tancred's heart, and cause a hurricane, but you stayed out all night to top it off? Real cute, Athena." Her words cut deep. I pretended I couldn't hear her as I washed my face and got ready to start my day. Just breathe, Athena, Just breathe. I thought over and over.

"Cat got your tongue?" Emma asked her voice like acid, inches away from my face. I steadied myself for a fight and looked up without intimidation.

"You really ought to cut it out, Emma. If you know what's good for you." I said with a slight smile.

"What's good for me is that Tancred is now single and brokenhearted. And I have you to thank for that." Emma said smiling back, and with that she left.

I sighed; didn't Emma think I knew that already? I knew everything she said was true, but it was for the greater good, even if Tancred wouldn't see it like that, at least not right now.

The day was tense, I tried to avoid Tancred as much as possible but it was hard. The storm it seemed had moved itself inside and gusts of wind blew up the corridor. I tried to pay attention but it was hard, especially French.

"ATHENA! DO NOT BOTHER TO COME TO MY CLASS IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO PAY ATTENTION!" My French teacher screamed and for the second time, I found myself thrown out of class and on my way to Manfred's office.

As I approached Manfred's office, I noticed the storm worsening and I feared the worst. Tancred should not be getting in trouble for not being able to control his endowment when it was my fault he was so upset to begin with. Without warning, Manfred's office door swung open and Tancred stormed out. His eyes caught mine and the words that came out of his mouth haunt me to this day, as he caused a lightning strike out in the courtyard, he faced me.

"Fuck you, Athena."

My world tore in two at that moment. I no longer believed that when all of this was over that Tancred would still love me. He hated me. My heart felt like it was wretched out and stomped on. My vision blurred, my heart ached, my knees grew weak and shook, my chest constricted, I struggled to draw a breath but somehow I managed to notice that the storm had stopped, Tancred had calmed. This was it, it was over. The tears came, then and for a long time they did not stop. Manfred came out of his office and gently pulled me in. He escorted me to the couch and returned to his desk, allowing me to cry myself dry. I made a promise that from here on out I would be the best spy ever. I would make everything right again, with or without my endowment.