Avalon Tower (Fey Academy for Spies, #1)

by C.N. Crawford

I’m always the one who picks up the pieces. I take care of things when everyone falls apart around me. I live in the shadows, trying to make things go smoothly. And who comes to help me in the night when I’m sick and can’t breathe? When I’m calling for help, and there’s no answer?

“Well, that’s a thought that’s gonna fester,” Darius mutters.

I’m not sure what’s more unnerving, her disturbing prophecy or the way she stares at me as she eats.

I clean up messes. It’s what I do. I keep people calm, happy, and safe. I’m a balm to soothe panic and rage and bare feet pierced with broken glass. I’m a blanket of fog to cool a sofa burning from a lit cigarette. I smile at the police when they come to the door, and I get them to leave happy. “Everything will be fine,” I say again, touching his shoulder.

But right now, I’m not the calming, soothing Nia who wants to make everyone feel better. Right now, I’m a raging tempest churning the lake waters. I’m the sword forged in fire beneath its surface.