Chapter 2

I remembered Ms. Evans explaining the tea, a sinister pride in her voice in that other life, after the damage was done.

"It's an old family secret, dear. Swaps souls for three days. Just long enough."

She' d discovered its power, seen my grades, my Ivy League potential, and decided to steal it for Brenda.

The memory made my stomach churn.

A week later, the scene replayed, but this time I was ready.

"Chloe, dear," Ms. Evans said, her voice syrupy sweet. She held out a steaming mug. "I made you my special calming tea. For your nerves, with the SATs coming up."

Her eyes, usually kind, held a glint I now recognized. Predatory.

I forced a smile. "Oh, thank you, Ms. Evans. That' s so thoughtful. I' ll drink it in a bit, when I take a study break."

Her smile tightened. "Best to drink it while it's warm, dear. For the full effect."

The full effect of ruin.

"Of course," I said, taking the mug. My hand was steady.

She lingered, watching me.

I made a show of sniffing it. "Smells wonderful."

Reluctantly, she finally left my room, probably to tell Brenda the plan was in motion.

The moment the door clicked shut, I moved.

"Ghost," I whispered, opening my window.

The white cat slipped in, purring, rubbing against my legs. He trusted me.

I poured the tea into his water bowl. He sniffed it, then lapped it up eagerly.

I rinsed the mug, leaving it empty on my desk.

Ms. Evans returned a few minutes later, her eyes darting to the mug.

A wide, triumphant smile spread across her face when she saw it was empty.

"All finished? Good girl." She patted my shoulder. "Feeling calmer?"

"Much," I lied, my heart pounding a steady rhythm of defiance.

"You just focus on those SATs, Chloe. Get into that Ivy League. You know how much it means."

She meant how much it meant for Brenda to get in, using my mind.

I nodded, playing the dutiful, grateful student.

She practically skipped out of the room, overjoyed, convinced her scheme was working perfectly.

I watched her go, a cold knot in my stomach.

Ghost was now curled up on my bed, sleeping soundly.

I hoped he' d be okay.