Jol rolled her eyes and closed the digital text book file. “Please. Everyone knows Sila is gay.”
“Do I sense a bit of disappointment?” Riel teased.
“This is Vitality,” Sila said, turning his head to catch Jol’s eye with a smile. “And we’re currently attending a school that literally has ‘Mind the Brumal’ in their official acceptance letter. How many criminals on this planet do you actually believe get punished for their actions?”
The entire class grew quiet at that, probably because none of them could say anything.
There’s was a planet ruled by both an Imperial family and the Brumal Mafia. Though the Emperor was the official leader of their world, it was no secret that the head of the Brumal also had a hand in all things of great importance. They worked in tandem, the Diars and the Voids partners in, well, crime.
Sila chuckled and faced forward once more, catching Bay’s gaze. “Is that why you’re teaching us about the dangers of stalkers, Professor? So we know how to protect ourselves in a time of crisis?”
“You’re insinuating we can’t rely on our monarchy to protect us,” Opal, another female student sitting directly behind Sila said, though by the way she spoke softly, it was clear she was merely trying to look out for him. “That could be considered treason.”
“She’s right,” Riel agreed. “Remember, it’s not just the Brumal you have to watch out for on campus. A couple members of the Imperial Prince’s Retinue also attend Vail. None of those guys need an excuse to pick on someone—”
Opal cleared her throat loudly and glared at him.
Riel held up his hands and left it at that.
“Thanks,” Sila told them. “I’ll be careful.”
The bell rang then, putting an end to what had to have been the most uncomfortable class Bay had ever had the misfortune of teaching.
He’d loved every second of it for that very reason.
Sick.
But being twisted was better than being empty.
“Everyone is required to complete the homework assignment,” he announced as they started gathering their things. “Just because we didn’t get around to going through the official list of stalkers doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. There are several types and I expect you all to list each and every one with a brief description.”
Some of the students gave him verbal confirmation they’d heard while others merely nodded and left as quickly as they could.
Sila lingered a little longer, taking his time to put his things in his bag while Riel and Jol waited for him.
“What the hell was that, J?” Riel asked, shoving his hands into the pockets of his black jeans and rocking on his heels. Riel always seemed to have too much energy for his body to contain.
“Just keeping things interesting.” She winked at Sila who offered her a friendly smile that had Bay’s heart pattering in his chest.
He’d seen the three of them hanging out around campus all semester, but their little display just now was odd by Bay’s standards. Did friends tease each other like that nowadays? Was causing a scene in class the cool thing to do?
“Speaking of,” she rested a hand on Sila’s shoulder. “Please tell me you ditched the jerk last night.”
“You swore up and down you would,” Riel pointed at him and reminded sternly.
Sila winced and swung the strap of his bag over his left shoulder. “I did. He didn’t take it well but that was to be expected, right?”
“Lan Avel is an asshole,” Jol practically snarled.
“Plus he’s the cousin of Haroon, the guy who leads the Shepards?” Riel gave a mock shiver. “Hell no.”
“They’re all Brumal wannabes,” Jol said. “I can’t believe you gave him a chance in the first place. Like, how dare he try to drug you?”
Bay’s ears perked and he went still.
“Hey,” Riel whisper-scolded, motioning over to where Bay was standing at the front of the class, as though to remind her there was an authority figure in the room with them.
“Someone tried to take advantage of you?” Bay asked, harsh tone cutting across the now empty classroom. They were the only four left in it, but he didn’t pay the other two any mind, all his attention locked on Sila, trying to read his reactions. He’d gathered from all his observation that while Sila liked to come off as open and friendly to the rest of the world, he was actually rather reserved when it came to any true emotion he may or may not be feeling.
