Free Divided Souls by Gabriella Poole Page A

as surprised as she was to see him there. Taking a deep breath, Cassie’s heart sank as he walked up to them. She forced a smile.
    ‘Sir Alric. Hi.’
    He returned her smile, but his wasn’t so over-bright; indeed there was something a little nervous about it.
    ‘Cassie. Mr Haswell.’ He nodded a ‘hello’ to Isabella as well, still looking a little uncomfortable. ‘I hadn’t realised your history class was coming here today.’
    ‘Yes, it was a late decision,’ Mr Haswell said, looking a little worried that perhaps he’d missed some protocol. Cassie couldn’t help but grin at him though, suddenly liking him more for putting Sir Alric off his guard. She spoke up.
    ‘How about you, Sir Alric? Doing some research?’
    ‘No. No, I was just taking in the sights myself. I haven’t been in Istanbul for some time.’ He gave them all a thin smile. ‘You must make the most of your visit, girls. Have you seen all the mosaics?’
    ‘Only the Imperial Gate mosaic so far …’ began Isabella.
    ‘There are many more. Why don’t you seek out the Emperor Alexander mosaic? It’s hard to locate, but well worth seeing. On the second floor.’ He eyed Cassie and Isabella expectantly, and they glanced at each other. They were dismissed, again.
    ‘And don’t forget the mihrab in the apse,’ called Mr Haswell after them as they headed into the building once more. ‘I want a study of the religious past of the museum.’
    ‘Did you ever feel like a primary school kid?’ murmured Cassie as they headed off obediently.
    Isabella giggled. ‘Sir Alric didn’t look too happy to find a class here. Probably wanted a peaceful afternoon!’
    Yeah, thought Cassie, glancing over her shoulder to see that Sir Alric had taken his leave of Mr Haswell and was striding towards the mausoleums. Maybe that’s all he wanted. A bit of peace? Somehow she didn’t think so, but Cassie didn’t care. Whatever was going on with Sir Alric, and Ranjit too, she wasn’t getting involved. Not any more.
    As far as she could in the Darke Academy, she was going to get through this term as a normal student.
    Don’t put yourself down, my dear. We’re anything but normal .
    Cassie smiled wryly. Estelle was right. But she was definitely done with secrets and lies, and wasn’t going to let curiosity get the better of her. She’d leave that to some other kitty …

CHAPTER EIGHT
    ‘T hank God that’s over.’ Isabella flung herself backwards on to her bed. ‘I have never known such a terrible first week. How many maths classes can a girl stand? And as for chemistry! Chelnikov, he hates me!’
    ‘No, he doesn’t.’ Cassie dumped a pile of books on her desk. ‘He kind of likes his lab equipment intact, but he doesn’t hate you …’
    ‘It was an accident!’ insisted Isabella, tossing her hair out of her face and sitting up straight. ‘Ugh, let us forget the whole catastrophe. Alice suggested we go and try out 360 Istanbul? We can get all the Yusuf gossip from the other side, yes?’
    ‘You’re on!’ Cassie said, grinning. At least Isabella was proposing doing something fun. But then Cassie’s face fell. She’d forgotten …
    ‘Damn it. I’m really sorry, I can’t. Sorry, Isabella. I already promised Ayeesha.’
    ‘Promised Ayeesha what?’ Isabella frowned.
    Cassie felt her cheekbones burn. ‘That I’d go to the common room tonight. They’re having drinks. Some kind of Few celebration of the start of term.’ Her voice trailed off.
    Isabella paused for a moment, unable to hide her disappointment.
    ‘Oh, right.’
    ‘Come on, Isabella. It’s just a couple of drinks. It’s not like they’re going to swallow me up.’ Cassie bit her lip. ‘Listen, maybe I could come and meet you guys afterwards. Or … I suppose there’s no reason I can’t cancel?’
    Isabella smiled, though it seemed a little forced. ‘No, Cassie, no. This is important for you. You have to socialise, get to know them as well. Really, don’t worry. It’s