“You know, I wasn’t born yesterday. I know how Greed works. You don’t hand out favors without collecting interest.”
He lifts both hands in surrender. “Guilty as charged.”
“And no offense, but my life’s already a hot mess.”
He doesn’t need to know the details, but I’ve already got sin power rotations, four potential bond disasters to figure out, and I’m tutoring Maddox twice a week.
“I don’t have time for… whatever this is. So,thanks, but I’m gonna have to pass.”
He doesn’t look offended. In fact, the grin he gives me now is downright smug. “Respect.. But I’ll win you over, eventually. Just a matter of time.”
I snort. “You don’t know how to take no for an answer, do you?”
“I heard the ‘maybe’ buried in it,” he says, winking. “Just think about it.”
And with that, he turns and strolls off like he didn’t just flip my entire morning upside down. I watch him go, shaking my head, half amused, half on edge.
What the hell was that?
16
Thou Shalt Not Ignore a City on Fire
Arwen
The following week flies by in a blur of classes, training and late-night research. Since I refuse to approach Atticus again, we’ve gone back to the drawing board on activating my sin power.
“I never thought I’d be spending more time in the library than with hot academy guys for my first semester.” Tabby whines as we walk down the hall.
“Seriously, Tabby... how did you expect to pass your classes?” Cleo responds.
“Hey, professors are part of the male population.”
“You’re deplorable.”
“But…” Tabby continued, “We haven’t even found a lead on anything else to bring out your powers. Are you sure you don’t want to try again with Atticus?”
I roll my eyes at her in response. “I may not be in Pride, but I have a little pride, Tabby. No way I’m getting within 25 feet of that pompous asshole.”
“Attention. Attention” A voice broadcasts over the speakers.
“All students report to the auditorium. I repeat, all students and staff must report to the auditorium immediately.”
I look to Tabby and Cleo, who shrug, and we turn around to make our way to the auditorium.
Once inside, we take our seats. The rest of the students look just as clueless as us.
“The sinless looks worried. Maybe they’re kicking her out.” I hear from behind me. Being the school joke never gets old.
Dean Bellows steps up on the stage. She looks exhausted. Despite her frazzled state, her presence alone still commanded the attention of everyone in the room.
“Quiet everyone.” Her voice echoes around the halls. We settle in as a hush falls over the room.
“Last night there was an attack. A rogue group of Sloth rebels attacked the city Plethora in Gluttony…”
She pauses as students gasp around the room.
“The scene is still being investigated, but I will share what little news we have gained. It appears the Rebels were after some relics being held in a warehouse. The Sloth guardians charged with protecting the relics fought off the rebellion until a nearby unit of Wrath could arrive. It appears no relics were stolen and are still under our protection.Unfortunately, the unit didn’t catch any of the rebels.There were casualties on both sides and indirect casualties in the city. We are working to gain additional intel but felt it prudent to inform the student body and staff. Please know we will inform any student affected.”
