The air didn't bother to answer.
All right. She took a deep breath. At least she knew what to do to about the jitters. She needed some handwork, that was all. Her needles and thread were in the cube. She'd lay down a couple lines of lace. In fact, there was that idea she'd had about making a lace flower like the new ones Father had planted in their garden.
She knelt by the cube, unsnapped it and lifted the lid, looking down into a dark maw lined with numerous needle-sharp teeth.
"Hey!" She dropped the top, caught it before it hit the floor and laid it gently down. Inside the cube, Coyster yawned again.
Theo sat back on her heels and shook her head, feeling the grin pulling her mouth wide.
"You're going to get me in so much trouble," she said.
Coyster shook out a dainty white paw and began to wash his face.
Chapter Three
Fourth Form Ready Room
Professor Stephen M. Richardson Secondary School
University of Delgado
"It's time to get up!" the clock announced in a cheery sing-song.
Theo snuggled tighter into her pillow, getting a face full of fur in the process.
"It's time to get up!" the clock sang again, slightly louder this time.
Theo sneezed and opened her eyes, coming nose-to-nose with Coyster, who was propped up on the pillow like a miniature – and very furry – human.
"It's time to get up!" The clock was beginning to sound a little testy.
Theo sneezed again. Coyster put a paw on her nose and looked disapproving.
"Theo Waitley," the clock said sternly. "If you do not get up within the next thirty seconds, a note will be inserted into your file. Mark."
"Gah," Theo said comprehensively, and flipped the blanket back. The floor felt cold and creepy against her bare feet as she crossed to the desk and pressed her thumb against the clock's face.