Karl Schweinesteiger and Roger Cox.
Singleton-Smith is standing next to Manu Hale’s mother. Movement catches my eye. A hand is raised to get my attention.
Fuck, really?
Professor Gimble gives me an intense look, curling her lips in a way that is probably meant to be sensual. The old bitch has been trying to suck my cock ever since I arrived at the academy.
I move in the other direction and find a position with the wall to my back. I really need to try and keep surprises to the minimum.
My eyes begin to close.
No!
Clenching my fists, I come across a tiny bottle in my pocket. Pulling it out, I realize it’s what Max gave me. A vial of Augmentis.
You know what? Liquid energy is exactly what I need right now.
One swallow and the potion surges through my veins and everything is brighter. My senses go on alert.
I can sense the dark, poisonous energy mixed into the air.
It’s awful, but now that I'm more awake, I can feel Theodora’s Lumina working inside me like an immune system, fighting to destroy the invading evil.
Gods, I pray I have enough.
On some unspoken command the room goes quiet, a side door opens and my blood runs cold. There’s Theodora. She’s dressed in her Defectivum uniform and looks too rigid, her eyes glassy and fixed on a point somewhere over my head.
Wes is beside her. They walk stiffly into the space, followed by my father.
"Ah, Cosmo," Tyrus’s voice cuts across the low hum of chatter. "Come and stand here with your friends, you too, Francois."
As I take my place next Theodora, I try to keep my face cold and collected but it’s difficult.
Her shoulders are slumped and she looks diminished. Ashen. Has she been corrupted in the same manner as Wes?
Shit. I’m an idiot.
—Theodora?—
She doesn't flinch at the sound of my mental voice.
—Can you hear me, Theodora?—
My heart sinks, but then, very quietly, she replies.
—Yes—
Oh, thank fuck.
My heart sings to know my little dud is still herself.
I don’t even question why I feel weak with relief. I know why. I am hers.
Another willing slave of Theodora Wilson.
Even though she stands for everything I previously held in contempt.
I care so fucking much.
