When Daren opened the door to the classroom and saw I was the only one there, he turned around to leave. I called out to him and paused, giving me a dark look.

“If Ashley asks you about what happened yesterday, please don’t mention the tiara.” I almost started begging. I needed him to understand how important this was. “I know we don’t get along and you hate me, but I really need this to stay a secret.”

To my surprise, he smirked. “I’m not an idiot.” He turned his back to me. “That crown should have never existed. No one will miss it.”

Despite his hostility, I was relieved. It was nice to know Daren wasn’t going to assault me again.

I sighed and sat at my desk. If it weren’t for this tiara, maybe we could have been friends. I chuckled. Or maybe he’d just ignore me like everyone else.

Looking out the window, I caught sight of my reflection in the glass. My eyes gleamed back at me in an icy stare I now realized was probably related to my being Lucia’s reincarnation. I’d dyed my hair to make my eyes not stand out so much and had become almost like a ghost.

All through the previous year, Dawn had been the only one to speak to me normally. She was my one and only friend whom I could tell anything. And I was hers.

I found myself wondering if Daren had anyone like that. Did he have friends outside of school? Did they know about the tiara? Did they also want to destroy it?

I lay my head down on my desk and closed my eyes. Outside, storm clouds covered the sun. Behind my eyelids, I relished in the momentary darkness.

I awoke with a start, an icy numbness clinging to my chest. Around me, my classmates were preparing for first period. Dawn had set out my books around me and was arranging her own on her desk.

At first, it seemed as if no one had noticed my jump. But Daren reached out and grabbed my arm. Looking up at him, I saw something almost akin to worry in his eyes.

“Is there an infirmary at this school?” He asked calmly. I nodded and he pulled me to my feet. “Show me the way.” The teacher stopped the lesson and gave us a quizzical look. “Migraine.” Daren told him, faking a wince of pain.

Once the door was closed behind us, he turned to me. “Where is it?”

My mind went instantly to the tiara and I remembered our altercation the day prior. I took a quick step back down the hall.

“The infirmary.” He clarified, rolling his eyes. He looked back into the classroom, then turned back to me. “Your friend’s watching your bag.”

I blushed from embarrassment and pointed past him. “It’s that way.” We started walking, but I kept shooting quick glances at him. “How’s your head?”

“I’m fine.” He said simply. He looked back at me and, for a moment, I thought he might say more, but he turned to face forward again.

We walked in silence until we reached the nurse’s office. I opened the door for him and he pushed me forward. I stumbled for a step, but caught myself. I turned to him, an angry remark on my tongue, but froze when I saw him closing the door.

“What happened?” He asked sternly. “Your face was pale and your lips were turning blue.”

He was looking at my lips? I prayed I wasn’t blushing. “Nightmare?” I offered. “I never remember them when I wake up.”

He narrowed his eyes. “That’s it?” He walked up to me, never once breaking eye contact. “You didn’t feel anything?”

“No.” I lied, narrowing my eyes to match his. “Should I have felt something? Did you put a dark curse on me or something?”

I regretted my words instantly. Daren dropped his eyes and grimaced. “If you have a dream like it again, try to remember it.”

“Thanks for the advice, Dr. Evil.” I said sarcastically.

I stepped around him and walked to the door. I’d half expected him to stop me, but he didn’t say anything. I opened the door and walked out.

“Pain killers are one the top shelf of the green cabinet.” I said over my shoulder before closing the door, in case anyone was listening.

As I walked back to class, I felt the same icy feeling crawling around in my chest. I didn’t particularly like the feeling, but I was the Ice Princess, so maybe it was normal.

I hoped.