It had sounded dumb enough without the rightfully confused look she gave him. By the time words accompanied it, he wished it were him that had gotten shot God knew how many times over.

“… Good!” he declared, though it … squeaked.

He frowned when she fetched the discarded flower, crossing his arms. This was probably the longest conversation he’d ever had with The Help. Or, well, anyone since Magnus died. All his friends had become mysteriously unavailable – even when they shared classes.

He didn’t push it lest the school kick him out outright.

“Masturbation is a sin,” he answered plainly, starting toward the door in.