Larissa snatched the phone out of my hand.

“Oh my God!”

Larissa looked at me as if I had found out who Erik was.

I took my cell phone from her hand in a panic and read it again to make sure I hadn't misread it.

I hadn't replied, which is why he had sent another message.

“What is it?” Bayla asked, closing the book and standing up.

“You won't believe what Erik just texted her.”

“Now come on...” Bay came over and sat down next to me. I let her read, because it was too late anyway.

“What?!” She looked at me, smiling. “This is your chance!”

Erik wanted to meet me. Here. In Blairville.

It was only now that my body realized what exactly was happening. I started to tremble slightly, which Larissa noticed and put a hand on my arm.

“It's not a big deal. And the Halloween party as a meeting place is your opportunity!”

She sounded excited and started to type something, but I snatched the phone out of her hand in a panic, nearly dropping it because my trembling hands became sweaty.

“No!” I gasped and checked to see if she had already sent it. Luckily, she hadn't. But Erik was still online and must have seen it, because now he was texting.

“You have to!” Larissa squealed euphorically and jumped up to snatch the phone out of my hand again to type something.

I tried to snatch it from her, but she was already pressing send.

“What have you done?” I asked in shock and read her message.

I held my breath. Of course, I would love to, but I would never have...

What had Larissa done?

I immediately felt bad because I had almost said no. What kind of lousy friend was I?

“Guys, I really can't do this.”

I threw the phone aside and put my head in my hands. Panic spread through me.

If I met Erik, I would open a whole new door...

“Why not? I'm sure you want to see him too. If I were you, I'd be bursting with curiosity.”

That was easy for Larissa to say. Yes, I wanted to meet him. But everything was fine the way it was. Did I really want to ruin what we currently had?

“Are you scared of him?” Larissa asked, and I looked up, startled.

“No...” I said hesitantly. I would never be afraid of Erik.

“Then meet him at the party and everything will be fine!”

“You don't understand,” I said and started playing with my fingers.

“I think she likes it the way it is, being anonymous,” Bay stated.

At least someone who understood me.

Larissa looked at me thoughtfully.

“Oh, sorry...” Larissa finally said. “But this can't go on forever with you two. You must want more one day.”

I looked at her, startled.

When would she finally realize that Erik and I were just friends?

“Larissa!” Bay said and kicked her in the shin.

“Ouch! Girl, what are you doing?”

“Don't always be so direct!” Bayla warned her with a serious look before turning to me.

“I have an idea, Julie,” she said, and I looked up, hoping it wouldn't get any worse.

Chapter 56

Emely

I didn't think the Quatura would affect my first semester at university so much, and it annoyed me. No matter where I was, they were around. And if they weren't, they were in my head.

Last night, I had had these strange visions of Bayla Adams again. Just a few minutes ago, I had talked to Julian about it and found out that she'd been in the territory of the fucking DeLoughreys, and that, with her crazy human friend.

So, either this witch was tired of living or someone just needed to fill her in on everything.

Besides, it just got on my nerves that she was still haunting my mind without me asking her to. And now I was supposed to deal with it, or what? If this was Julian's ultimate solution, then I would soon break our agreement and deal with Bayla.