Athena pov
Kaelin's smile widened, eyes glittering like knives. "Fine. If you're angry enough, then I challenge you. A magical duel. Right here. Right now."
My heart pounded not from fear but anger at her audacity. But I shook my head, the words coming out before I could stop them.
"No. I don't fight for their entertainment."
Her smile faltered, replaced by a sneer. "Coward."
I didn't reply. I didn't need to. I could feel the eyes of the room on me, some sympathetic, others mocking. But I kept my head high, knowing that what they saw was only surface. The truth of what I was and what I could be was something none of them would understand.
The lunchroom had quieted down a little, most students finishing their meals or whispering among themselves. I was just starting to relax when Kaelin's voice pierced the air again.
