'Gabriel, why can't they understand they aren't actually giving me a choice at all? I can't become a guard until I learn to master my magic, and I can't do that without the wizards. They get everything they want, and I'll still be the number one freak on Wizard Isle.' Mina flopped onto her bed. 'I simply want to be normal. Why can't they see that?'
Gabriel left the book he had been studying when she entered and took a chair by the fireplace.
'Aren't you going to say anything?' Mina popped back up, frustrated at the absence of her brother's answering support. She was about to blast him again, but the forlorn look on his face gave her pause.
'Gabriel? Are you all right?'
'Yes, I guess.' Gabriel's tone did nothing to reassure her.
'Where were you this morning?' Mina frowned, trying to remember if he had mentioned last night what he was doing today. 'Has somebody upset you? Shall I have words with them?'