Page 20 of Shadow Prophet (Scythe Grove Academy 2)

"Of course I'm sure. I saw the papers myself."

"I didn't do that," Erica insists, her voice breaking. "Don't trust them, Syxe."

I don't respond to her. Not because I don't want to, but because I don't want Ms Margery to know what I do.

"I'd like to see the paperwork and the proof of what you've said."

"If you come with us, then I can have that brought to you," Ms Margery says.

Interesting. So she must have been told that they're willing to make some kind of deal with me. I don't really understand why they want me so much. Probably just because I walked away. I get the impression there aren't many people who actually do that.

"No, you'll bring it to me," I insist. "To Erica's home so she can see proof of it."

Relief floods the ghost's face as she realises I'm listening to her and still have her best interests at heart. At least I can still say I'm doing my job right.

"I'm afraid that won't do," Ms Margery responds.

"It's the only offer I'm making."

"If you come to the Shadow Association, we'll tell you about your mother," she says.

My eyes widen and shock goes through me. "What about her?"

"Where she is."

She's alive? I don't think I expected that.

Erica shakes her head. "Don't listen to her. They're just trying to trick you."

She's right, I'm sure of it. I can feel that's what Ms Margery is trying to do, I don't need her confirmation, though it's handy.

"I'm sorry, that's not good enough for me." The words are hard to get out, especially with the prospect of the truth about where I came from on the line.

But my freedom is more important to me than my past. Even if I never find out who my parents are, I can still control who I am and what I do. I'm not about to give the Shadow Association that control over me.

I head towards the door, despite Ms Margery standing in the way still. I try not to let my fear get the better of me, even if dozens of nights as a small girl whizz around my mind all at once. She certainly knew how to scare us into line, but I'm starting to think that if she'd shown us a bit more compassion and understanding, I might be more pliable now.

Not that I'm about to point that out to her. I don't think I could deal with her suddenly trying to be nice to me. And as horrible as it is for the children currently under her care, I don't want them growing up to think that the Shadow Association is a good place. They need to have the same realisation as me. Though Annalise seems to have fallen for their lines without any love and care, so what do I know.

"Excuse me, please," I say to Ms Margery.

She doesn't move.

I sigh. That was to be expected.

I turn around and head towards where I think I saw the kitchen. We're still on the ground floor, so I'll just have to go out of the second exit instead o

f this one. It's not as much of a power move as walking past Ms Margery, but I care more about my freedom than making a point.

Ms Margery whistles shrilly and two burly guards step into my way.

Ah. There seems to be a slight flaw in my plan.

"Excuse me, please." My voice shakes, but I stand firm, scrunching up my palms.

"I'm sorry, Syxe," Ms Margery says without a hint of real regret in her voice. "We can't do that."

I'm about to scream when one of the men steps forward and grabs me, putting his hand over my mouth to stop any noises.