Wells distributes the scene packets and dismisses us early to "begin the vital process of partnership building." The pack intercepts me before I can escape.
"Scene partners with Ben," Dorian says without preamble. "Convenient."
"Wells assigned it randomly."
"Did he?" Corvus's voice is mild, but his eyes are calculating. "Or did someone have a word with him about partnership compatibility?"
"You think Ben bribed Wells?" I can't keep the disbelief out of my voice. "With what? His charming personality?"
"I think," Oakley says carefully, playing mediator as always, "that this is a class assignment, and we need to not make it weird."
"It's already weird," Dorian mutters.
"Then stop making it weirder." I shift my bag higher on my shoulder. "Are we going to have a problem every time I'm assigned to work with someone who isn't one of you? Because ifso, tell me now so I can figure out how to complete my degree in isolation."
The hallway has gone quiet around us. Other students slowing down, pretending not to listen while absolutely listening.
Dorian's expression shifts—frustration giving way to something more complicated. Guilt, maybe. "You're right. I'm sorry." He glances at Corvus and Oakley. "We're all sorry. It's hard to watch you with someone who..." He trails off.
"Who what?" I challenge. "Who isn't bonded to me against his will? Who chose to be here?"
The words land like a slap. Dorian flinches, and even Corvus looks away.
"That's not fair," Oakley says quietly.
"Isn't it?" But the anger's already draining away, leaving me tired. "Look, I have to go. I'll see you at dinner."
I walk away before they can respond, Ben falling into step beside me once we're clear of the pack's earshot.
"That looked intense," he says.
"That was restrained. You should see intense."
"I'll pass, thanks." We exit the building into autumn sunshine, and Ben nudges my shoulder gently. "Hey. We don't have to be scene partners if it's going to cause problems. I can ask Wells to reassign me."
"No." The word comes out more forcefully than I intend. "I want to work with you. And they need to learn that I can have friendships—partnerships—outside the pack."
"Okay." He studies my face. "But Vespera? I'm not your friend."
"I know."
"And this partnership thing is going to make that obvious to everyone, including them."
"I know that too."
We walk in silence, the weight of unsaid things heavy between us.
"Movement class tomorrow?" he asks, changing the subject with obvious effort.
"Yeah. Cruz is making us work on physical impulse exercises. Should be painful."
"Want to grab coffee after? We could start brainstorming audition pieces."
I should say no. Should maintain distance. Should not create more opportunities for the pack to feel threatened or for me to feel things I shouldn't.
"Sure," I say instead. "Coffee sounds good."
His smile could light up a stage.
