There’s only one thing I can think of that would satisfy their curiosity instead of me. One person I imagine they’re interested in enough to step off my neck.
“The new girl,” I rush out. “Surely you’ve heard the rumors of a new enrollee.”
“Indeed. She’s caused a bit of unrest, and there have been whisperings of her identity, but nothing confirmed yet. It’s made the council uneasy, and they’re planning to look into it.”
“Let me.” I lift my chin, forcing authority into my voice.
“Let you investigate?”
“Officially, I’m demanding you allow me the space to do so. As your Incarnate, it’s my job to regulate the order at Avernia, so it’s my duty to see that any unrest is dealt with.”
She stays quiet, and I curse myself internally for volunteering. That certainly isn’t maintaining my distance from the group, but it buys me favor with them and keeps Elle out of harm’s direct way.
For now at least.
“And if she’s who we think she is?”
“I’ll take care of it,” I tell her.
“Fine,” the Director says, nodding. “We won’t actively seek the girl out on the grounds of you doing so yourself. Provided you continue attending these gatherings and we don’t happen to accidentally run into her, that is. A curse can only be ignored for so long, you know.”
Good enough. I don’t reply, pushing past her to head for the cavern exit. The tunnels are damp and narrow, with pockets of water and cold air that feel like phantom fingers brushing against my skin, but I ignore them until I see a sliver of light and come out near the lake.
The sun will set soon. Since the Director called this evening’s function a ceremony after all, I’ve no doubt in my mind they’re planning some display, though it’s hard to say what the severity will be: light vandalism or full-on sacrifice.
Either way, I don’t want to be in the vicinity when it happens.
Once I’m back within Avernia’s gates, I rub my temple with the heel of my hand, trying to massage away the ache. I pinch my eyes shut for a moment, collecting myself as disgust continues filtering through my nervous system, dredging up the memories I work so hard at keeping away.
Familiar laughter draws my attention, and my eyes snap open, instantly searching for the source. Elle stands at the doorstep of the Daughters ofPersephoneclubhouse, chatting with someone I can’t see because they’re tucked in the alcove.
Her sister, presumably, since she’s the faculty sponsor and founder of the organization.
My chest pinches with an unidentifiable sensation when a smile lights Elle’s face. A breeze rustles her hair, and I rake my gaze over the length of her: Under a long black coat, she wears a red blouse that ties at the center of her chest, accentuating whatis already very ample cleavage. Her legs are on display in a tight black skirt with a small slit in the thigh, shown as she takes a step back, waving to whomever is on the receiving end of her attention right now.
Rules be damned, I hate that it isn’t me.
She turns, tucking her hair behind her ears, then reaches up to toy with the snake charm necklace that constantly hangs at her throat. I catch her touching it in class and wonder if it’s some sort of calming technique.
I could ask. There are no rules about that.
I’m certain the conversation will devolve, but that’s just nature taking its course. My heart thuds against my ribs as I slide one foot in her direction, clouds of cold air appearing when my breathing grows ragged.
The reaction my body has to this woman should concern me, but right now, I find I just want to be near her.
Last time I went to a Death’s Teeth meeting, she was the perfect distraction after. Theonlydistraction that’s ever worked in nearly ten years. I didn’t vomit or recoil when she touched me, didn’t want to slit my throat when she crawled on top of me.
In fact, all I did was burn for more, and I’ve been on fucking fire ever since.
She wasn’t wrong when she accused me of making excuses. My position at Avernia be damned, I want this.
Wanther.
Just as the sole of my shoe connects with its next step, a new figure rounds the corner of the building, immediately sliding an arm around Elle’s shoulders. She giggles, turning toward the intruder, and I pull back.
Lexington. That son of a bitch.
He smiles down at her, grabbing her wrists, and an entirely different inferno blazes within me.
