Although things with Sloane were better, Alice was still maintaining her distance from her friends. Her rationale remained the same: she didn't want to force any of their group into a choice between Cameron or her. So, like the self-sacrificing big sister she was, Alice removed herself from the choice altogether.

It was a very lonely way to be.

She was neck deep in her potions homework when Mr. Hatchitt approached her table. "Of course," she nodded and began moving her books to make room for him. He was closer to Cameron than most of their other friends, which had her senses on high alert. "What are you working on?"