Rhys raised an eyebrow at me. “I didn’t try to do anything. I simply gave you a warning that you were trespassing on my territory. And you were.”

“And now you’re trespassing on my territory. Don’t tell me you’re on vacation because I don’t think anyone in his right mind would want to come here in the middle of the winter.”

“You don’t know me very well, then.”

“I need to get to class.” I walked away from him without saying another word. It only took a moment before I realized he was following me. I tried to ignore him, not knowing any other way of dealing with him at the moment.

Rhys trailed after me into my biology classroom. I glared at him over my shoulder and saw him hand Mr. Crane a piece of paper. The teacher adjusted his oddly fashionable glasses (fashionable for a teacher, anyway). Some girls had a major crush on him. I wasn’t one of those girls.

He nodded. “Yes, Rhys Oberon. I was told to expect a new student today. Welcome to Erin Heights.”

“Thank you. I wonder if it would be possible to sit with Nikki. She’s a new friend of mine.”

“I’m sure that can be arranged.” Mr. Crane looked at me. “Nikki, thanks for making Rhys feel so welcome on his first day here. Of course, I’m not surprised. It wasn’t that long ago that you were the newcomer, right?”

“I …” How was I supposed to react? Words were failing me along with the higher-functioning parts of my brain.

But then Mr. Crane was distracted by several other students asking him questions as a steady flow of kids entered the room.

My gaze narrowed and moved to the faery king. “What do you think you’re doing here?”

He shrugged. “Learning about high school biology. It’s on my schedule. After this I have algebra. Sounds fascinating.”

I went to my desk and sat down with a thud.

Rhys sat down to my left. No sharp sword was currently visible, which was vaguely encouraging. Then again, it was only quarter to nine. He had until ten o’clock if he wanted to kill me during this class.