Chapter 2: Isabel

"No, Quin!" Isabel said a little too loudly, causing several heads to pop up from behind books long enough to glare at her. "She doesn't look like she wants to be bothered." Isabel whispered. Quin studied the newest addition to the school community as she plucked a book from its shelf. When the girl had finished reading the summary, she replaced it and picked out another book, but not before casting a furtive glance rowards where Quin and Isabel stood. Isabel's dark eyes met the girls' gaze for a split second and she thought she saw the slightest bit of indignation there, as well as the hint of a challenge. Isabel quickly averted her eyes, blushing for the second time that day. When she looked back up, the girl had turned on her heel and was walking away. Before Isabel could breathe a sigh of relief, Quin began walking purposely after her. Isabel stood still for several moments, unsure of what to do, but Olin fell in behind Quin and the gangly mass of skinny legs and neck that was her daemon, Noa.
"Ahh," Isabel couldn't help but cry out at the unexpected rattling pain that surged through her. She looked to Olin with hurt and anger in her eyes. He turned back to her and sat down. It was still too far away. He knew it. He looked steadily at her with his large, wise, enthralling eyes not betraying the pain she knew he was feeling. At last Isabel staggered forward, and the pain subsided. She wiped the tears from her cheeks and ran from the corridor, refusing to look at her daemon.