Page 63 of Alchemy of Souls

“Laugh all ye want, traitors, since my misery is clearly hilarious to you,” Maggie says, rolling her eyes. “Also, yer throwing a party and didn’t think to say so?”

We all look at Adrien, who’s in an exceptionally good mood. “My parents are on a surprise trip to France and since curfew is extended until one a.m. on weekends, Sofia and I decided to take advantage of it and use the house. It was just decided last night.”

Grayson stares at Adrien like he’s considering bodychecking him.

But I’m looking at Maggie, getting far too excited, because the truth is I’ve never been to a party. Even if we could have traveled after dark in our neighborhood, we weren’t invited to much—people we know live simply. But directly after the excitement comes the disappointment, because how can I go when we have to call the Key?

“Not that I would have come anyway, but Eloise and I have plans tonight,” Grayson says. “I invited her to my house.”

Is he giving us an out or is he serious?

Adrien frowns, and now Grayson smiles.

“What?No. Our first University party, El,” Maggie says with an excitement that tugs at my heart. “Can’t you do both?”

For a split second I want to screamyes. Because this is the taste of the freedom I’ve always hoped for. To be safe enough to go out at night. To get dressed up for no reason. To be invited.

But how on earth can I justify this? “Of course I want to go, but—” I start and get stuck there.

“Oh, come on, El. This is your life. Right now. Don’t waste it,” Maggie says, and it resonates with me in a way I can’t explain. Labor kids enjoy the small things because we don’t know when we’ll get them again—warm afternoons in the sun, peach tea and fresh fruit, a laugh with our families.

“I really want to,” I say. “But—”

“We’ll be at the party,” Grayson continues, and my eyes whip to him in surprise.

“Grayson…,” I say. We can’t lose another night. But then again, maybe he’s just lying so I don’t have to?

Naomi and Ivy appear down the hall. I look at them and then back at him, and I think he gets that I don’t want these two groups to collide, because he says, “See you after breakfast, Claws?”

I nod, but instead of stepping away he steps toward me.

Panic. Utter panic.

He reaches out, squeezing my hand.

I forget to breathe, my body goes stiff, and I suddenly wonder if this is how people feel before they faint, because his face is moving toward mine.

He presses his lips to my cheek and I swear I feel the sensation in my toes. My cheeks bloom red as he walks away.

Adrien looks annoyed, and Maggie is staring at me like I just sprouted a tail.

“Coffee?” I squeak, offering her my latte.

Maggie’s eyes widen. “And where exactly did ye get this?”

“Some place in town?” I say. “Grayson got it for me.”

She raises an eyebrow.

“What?” I say as she takes a sip of the latte and curses about how good it is.

“Are ye body snatched or should I be looking for some possessionspell? You almost just said no to our first party. Not to mention the prince just referred to ye as Claws. Are you two officially dating now?”

I glance at Adrien and back at Maggie, my cheeks burning up to my ears. “Um.”

Adrien tenses. “Just throwing in my two cents here, but I’ve known the Stones a long time and—”

“We do not want yer opinion. Not before we get Eloise’s,” Maggie says, and I suppress a smile. My best friend is absolutely terrifying and wonderful.