Bridges Burned (Going Down in Flames #2)(25)

“You need more time.” He backed away and sat across the room.

Clint cleared his throat. “Note to self: never piss off Bryn.”

She sank into her seat and sipped her coffee without tasting it. What would life without Zavien mean? She could buy her own desserts. Clint and Ivy would go with her to Dragon’s Bluff. It wouldn’t be so bad.

Out of habit she reached to touch the dragon locket she normally wore. Her fingers scraped against bare skin. A momentary twinge of panic had her sitting up straighter. Then she remembered. It was under her bed somewhere, where she’d flung it. Still, the emptiness felt wrong.

In Elemental Science, she did her best to focus on Mr. Stanton’s lecture. Her mind wouldn’t stop replaying the painful loop. Zavien’s gone. Zavien’s gone. He never cared. Sparks shot from her nose. Zavien’s gone. Zavien’s gone. I’m an idiot. Flames shot from her nose. Whoosh. Her notebook went up in flames.

“Bryn,” Mr. Stanton yelled.

“Sorry.”

Snow hit her desk, drowning the fire. She turned to see who’d had her back. Jaxon frowned at her like she was a small child who’d misbehaved.

“Thanks.” She ducked her head. This was what her life had been reduced to. Jaxon stepping in to save her. The rest of her classmates not so subtly scooted their desks away from her. None of them made eye contact, like they thought she’d snap at any moment.

Mr. Stanton kept her after class. “I know you’re upset, but you must control your fire. I have to fill out a report on any student who can’t manage their breath weapon. If your name shows up more than once a month, you’re required to see a counselor. You don’t want that.”

He was trying to help. Since he knew of her relationship with Zavien, maybe he could offer some advice. “What’s your opinion of Zavien’s behavior?”

Mr. Stanton frowned. “I believe it was unwise of him to act on his attraction. It’s not fair to you. He should’ve known better.”

Not the answer she’d wanted or expected. Unable to speak, she nodded and left.

Miss Enid found her sitting at her usual table during second hour. “I’d ask how you are, but I think that’s obvious.”

“Zavien didn’t apologize. He accused me of overreacting.” She took a shaky breath. “Mr. Stanton said it was wrong for Zavien to start seeing me.”

The librarian frowned. “Old men forget what young love is like.”

“Young men are idiots.”

“Young men aren’t good at discussing their feelings.”

Smoke drifted from Bryn’s nostrils. “I told him how I felt about him. Not once did he say he cared about me.”

“He does, but there is always the chance he doesn’t feel as strongly as you do.”

“My life sucks.” Giving up, she laid her head on the table.

Miss Enid patted her shoulder. “Visit Valmont. He makes you smile.”

How much trouble would she be in if she skipped the rest of her classes to track down Valmont? She’d probably end up on another list somewhere.

In Basic Movement, she wailed on a Slam Man, imagining the robot-like figure had spiky black hair.

Outside of Clint and Ivy, Jaxon was the only student brave enough to speak to her. He approached when she was stretching out on the mats.

“Why are you letting everyone see your pain? It’s undignified.”

“Why do you care?”

He shrugged. “I don’t. I feel compelled to offer advice since you keep doing things wrong.”

She growled at him. Smoke drifted from her mouth as she spoke. “Do you really think pissing me off right now is a good idea?”

“Zavien went to a lot of trouble to mislead you and keep your relationship a secret. Now everyone on campus knows something is going on between you two.”

He was right. “I wonder if Nola will figure it out.”

“Wait until Stagecraft tomorrow evening and see if she tries to drop a set on your head.” Jaxon said.

“Death by crappy scenery. That would be a great way to go.” She realized she felt better. “Thanks, Jaxon.”

“For what?” He walked away.

The next morning, Zavien sat across the room with Black dragons she didn’t know. She managed to keep her expression blank while she ate.

“You look sedated,” Clint said. “You’re scaring me.”

“I’m trying to block everything out. If I set my notebook on fire again, I’ll have to see a counselor.”

Ivy sighed. “I wish there was something we could do.”

In Elemental Science, Bryn managed to keep her fire under control. In Basic Movement she ran on a treadmill until her legs felt like dead weight.

That night in Stagecraft, Bryn painted the top of a set blue to represent the sky. Someone with actual artistic talent would add the forest later.

Rhianna worked next to her. “What happened between you and Zavien?”

Bryn frowned. How much should she share? Rhianna was nice, but they weren’t close.

“He misled me about something and he hasn’t apologized. He keeps telling me I’m wrong to be upset.”

Rhianna dipped her roller in the blue paint. “If you’re upset, then he should respect your feelings and do something to make you feel better, rather than telling you you’re wrong.”