Vera’s face contorted into a sneer. She and Gabriel had never gotten along—possibly because he was friends with Tem, possibly because he always somehow ended up kissing the boys Vera liked. Either way, they hated each other. “There’s no need to be rude,” she hissed. “I know there’s no need. I’m rude because I want to be.” Vera didn’t bother with a retort before flouncing haughtily away.

