I jump to my feet and run towards the door, unlocking it hastily. As I open it, he’s already pushing past me and closing it behind us. I stare up at him with wide eyes, unable to stop myself from asking: “What punishment did you get? And please don’t tell me you got expelled because of me.” He watches me for a long moment, before letting out a soft sigh. “Well … I got a month of detention. The principal told me it was the mildest punishment I could get. I thought she would kick me out for sure, but I told her I was only trying to protect you from that bloodsucker,” he explains, his words making relief overtake me. But something about his revelation surprises me. “Wait. You mentioned my name to the principal?” I ask, the wheels inside my head starting to spin rapidly. Marcus nods slowly,