He stands there like he’s posing for a camera—hands in his pockets, shoulders loose, grin sharp. His stupid, perfect teeth flash like he’s enjoying some private joke.
“Brixton,” he says, voice smooth. “Walk with me.”
Not a request.
I don’t move, crossing my arms. He doesn’t seem bothered. He just steps in closer, invading my space like he bought it.
“Relax,” he says, eyes glinting. “I’m not here to fight you. If I wanted you on the ground, you’d already be there.”
My jaw clenches. I’d like to see him try.
He smirks—he likes that he gets under my skin.
“So,” he says, circling me once like he’s checking the price tag on a used car, “you’re cozy with Arwen.”
My spine tightens. “We’re friends. That’s all.”
“Mhm.” He hums like he doesn’t believe a single syllable.
“See, here’s the problem. Arwen… she’s special. Valuable. And you—” his eyes drag over me, slow, dismissive, “you’re… Wrath. Very punchy. Very earnest. But painfully replaceable.”
I grit my teeth more. He notices. Loves it.
“What’s your ability again?” he asks, pretending to dig for the memory. “Hyper-senses? Cute. Really. Every Wrath toddler pokes out their first tooth and gets something like that if I’m remembering correctly.”
My neck heats. “You know nothing about me.”
He gives a soft laugh.
“Oh, Brixton. I know everything I need to.” His voice drops, silk wrapped around a razor. “And here’s a truth for you—if I wantedyou out of this academy, the only debate would be whether security drags you out by the shirt or by the ankles.”
My pulse spikes. “You’re bluffing.”
Ryker steps in until our foreheads almost touch. His cologne is something expensive and sharp, stinging my nose.
“A Greed heir doesn’t bluff,” he whispers. “We buy outcomes.”
My stomach sinks.
He leans back, grin widening. “So here’s your one free favor of the year: stay away from Arwen. No friendship. No jokes. No lingering stares.” His eyes go cold. “No touching.”
“She’s not yours,” I snap before I can stop myself.
His smile disappears like someone flipped a switch.
“She is,” he hisses. Deadly. “She just doesn’t know it yet.”
The courtyard goes still behind us. Even the chatter drops.
He lowers his voice again, each word dripping with ownership. “And I don’t enjoy sharing. Not with Wrath. Not with anyone.”
My fists curl tight enough my knuckles ache. My sisters, my plan, my future all flash through my mind.
One wrong move, and he ruins everything.
“…Fine,” I grind out. “Whatever. I’ll stay away.”
Ryker brightens—like the threat never happened. His grin snaps back into place, devastating and fake.
