Chapter 23 : First Friendship
If there was one thing more terrifying than an overpowered ex-Demon Queen with a sweet tooth, it was an overpowered ex-Demon Queen trying to make a friend.
"Do I offer tribute?" Rhea whispered as we stood by the school courtyard. "Is that how mortals initiate alliances? I have cookies."
"Tribute's not necessary," I muttered, adjusting her tiny backpack. "Just say hi. Smile. Maybe don't mention disembowelment."
"Hmm." She squinted toward a group of students gathering in the grass. "So... no severed finger jokes?"
"Hard pass."
Today was Rhea's second attempt at social integration following The Nosebleed Incident. Miss Arlen had cautiously allowed her back into school grounds under the strict condition that she wouldn't bleed on anyone magical.
We had a chart now: Magic-Free Days Since Last Arcane Mishap (Currently at: 2).
I pointed toward a quiet girl reading under a tree.
"That's Lina," I whispered. "She's in your age group. Likes runes and... moss, I think?"
Rhea narrowed her eyes. "She smells like cinnamon and sadness. I approve."
"That's not weird at all," I sighed.