I woke up on the last day of the week, the day after our Capture the Flag victory, our obligatory day without classes, with a smile on my face. I felt amazing. We'd beaten our enemy. I finally got back at Kori. It was a great day to be alive. Undead. Whatever.

I didn't bother to get out of my pyjamas before leaving my room. The apartment smelt incredible. Honestly, I thought Maddie had been cooking but it turned out she and Sky got up early to buy us a victory breakfast takeout feast. Even Troy couldn't resist the smell, and he never got out of bed before midday on our day off.

We had a picnic on the carpet in front of the TV and watched some idiotic reality show no one liked. I think it was from Malaie? We get a lot of channels from a lot of worlds in Creation. Don't ask me how it works 'cause I have no idea. Anyway, it flows the adventures of these rich snob Shifter young adults as they get a major reality check. It's hilarious, insulting, and full of karma. If I remember its name, I'll let you know.

"I'm thinking of visiting Stella in the medical wing later," I said suddenly, surprising even myself. "Anyone want to come?"

"Only Stella?" Troy teased.

I threw a blueberry at him. It bounced off his forehead. "She's probably bored senseless."

Maddie shrugged. "It's not like we have anything else to do today."

"We don't all have to go," Imogene said, not looking up from her phone. "I'd rather stay home."

"You are only saying that because you are upset Kori and Tyler attacked you." Isaiah swirled his iced coffee. "You have control issues."

Imogene tossed her flaming hair over her shoulder. "I do not have control issues."

"The smouldering remains of the Western Island say otherwise."

Yeah, Viviane gave us all quite the lecture when the game was over. I was lectured for going crazy on Kori, Kori was lectured for going crazy on me, Imogene was lectured for, as Viviane put it, "starting an inferno" and "causing damage to Academy structures", and then Isaiah and I were thanked for our efforts (Isaiah saved a few faerie habitats, I saved Stella). Overall, we all got off pretty light. And we got a trophy to add to the collection. Most important thing right there.

*

The Academy was abuzz today. It was the one day without classes so everyone was taking a break. Most of the study nooks were filled. People lounged out in the sun and on benches. Some made their way to the Landscapes. Others headed out to the shops, cafés and temple. Very few people were in the Towers.

Stella and Kori had been taken to the First Tower's medical wing yesterday after our game. I was taken there, too, to check my head and wings for any damage that hit from Keir and swimming had done. Kori had given me a glare on the way out, her nose taped and bandaged. I'd merely smiled at her.

Today I arrived at the medical wing with three cups of coffee. With a wave at one of the receptionists, I walked to Stella's room and knocked on the door. Keir opened it and let me in. Stella lay in bed, propped up by pillows. She gave me a broad smile as I approached.

"One Chocolate Swirl." I passed her a cup then turned to Keir. "One Midnight Twist." He thanked me as he took the cup. I pulled the last one from my little tray. "And one Sundance for me."

"You're the best, Hathy," Stella said, holding her cup between her hands. "You didn't have to do this."

I laughed. "My motivations are entirely selfish. I felt bad about putting you in here." I raised my cup. "This is me bribing myself into not feeling bad."

"Feeling bad about Stella, you mean," Keir sat around a mouthful of coffee.

Hathor winked at him. "Of course."

Stella cackled loudly. "Girl, you have got to give me some of your Kori Revenge Plans so I can kill her in her sleep." She pointed at her head, that grin never falling. "Have you seen this bruise I got because of her?"

"Technically, I gave you that," Hathor said.

"Technically, I wouldn't have got it if Her Majesty Queen Kori didn't put me on rock the boat duty," Stella countered.

"While we are apologising, I should make one of my own." Keir turned to me with a sheepish smile. "Sorry about the knock on the head I gave you."

I waved him off. "Pshaw. It's fine. I'm a fast healer." I looked around the room, making sure no one was outside listening, then lowered my voice to ask, "How pissed is she?"

Stella's smile quickly faltered. "You might wanna lay low for a while."

Yikes. That was bad.

"It's unlikely she will try something so soon," Keir said, sitting on the end of Stella's bed. "She will try something."

And it would probably be something big, knowing my luck. I sighed loudly. Maybe beating the shit out of Kori and snatching her victory from her wasn't the best idea. Wait, what was I saying? It was a brilliant idea. Who wouldn't want to get back at Bitch Queen Kori? A lot of people, including her own roommates, couldn't stand her. Knowing she had so many enemies, surely she wouldn't go too far. Right?

The looks Stella and Keir gave me made me snap out of my thoughts. "I'm screwed, huh?"

"Totally fucked," Stella agreed.

It was going to be a loooooong semester.

*

Or maybe it wasn't going to be that long after all. When I got back to Naiu Dorm, Kori was waiting outside, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed and a pissed off expression on her face. And it wasn't just because of the annoying bandages on her nose.

When she saw me, Kori pushed off the wall and stood in my path, blocking my way to the front door. "I'm giving you a chance to apologise."

I stared at her. "Excuse me?"

"For breaking my nose so badly they couldn't do an instant heal."

"Did I do that?" I smiled lightly. "Oops."

"Apologise," she growled.

"Nope." I walked past her, but she grabbed my arm. "I'll apologise when you apologise for the hell you've put me through since first year." That shut her up. I pulled my arm from her grip. "I would wish you a nice day, Kori, but that would imply you have common decency."

Her voice turned low as she said, "You know this means war, right?"

I shrugged. "We've been at war since day one. Do your best."

In hindsight I can tell you that was the worst possible thing I could have said.