Page 180 of Glutton for Punishment

The reality of the danger of this situation returns.

“This is unheard of,” he continues. “Forget my family. You’ll become a target for the entire Council. A threat.”

“I understand,” I murmur, looking down at my hands. “But I don’t like hiding things from my friends.”

Atticus’s voice softens. “He’s right, Arwen.”

I glance up at both of them staring at me with concern and protection in their eyes.

“I won’t tell anyone,” I agree.

“But we need to look into this more,” Atticus says, his gaze still fixed on me like he’s trying to map out every possibility. “Two different faction bonds. Two different faction powers. A 100% power rating…”

The words ‘two bonds’ catch in my chest like a knife, filling me with the guilt of my secret. It’s time. I can’t keep delaying this.

“There’s something else I need to tell you both,” I say, rubbing my palms against my skirt.

I draw in a breath that feels too small for what I’m about to say. “I hope you can forgive me.”

Maddox’s face does something quiet and unreadable. Then his hand finds mine, fingers settling between mine without hesitation.

“I know what it is, baby,” he breathes.

My eyes snap up to his face. “You do?”

He exhales through his nose, like he’s been holding something back. “I do,” he says. “The Dean told me when I arrived back at the academy. She was concerned.”

“The Dean?” The words come out in a squeak as panic spikes. My pulse kicks up as my thoughts spiral.

“How long has the Dean known?” I ask. “Who told her? What’s going to happen?”

“Hey,” Maddox says. “Hey. Calm down. It’s going to be okay.” He tightens his grip on my hand.

“Okay?” I repeat. “How is it going to be okay? How does she even know?”

Maddox gives a short huff, like I’m missing something obvious.

“Arwen,” he says. “She’s the Dean. She’s aware of all student grades.”

“Grades?” I echo, completely thrown. I look to Atticus and then back to him, forehead wrinkled in confusion.

“Will someone please tell me what’s going on?” Atticus cuts in, irritated at being left out.

Maddox glances at him with mild annoyance.

“Arwen is failing potions,” he says.

I stare at him, mouth agape. Silence fills the room for a moment. Then I break.

Laughter spills out of me before I can stop it, sounding slightly hysterical. Maddox watches me like I’ve lost my mind.

“It’s not surprising considering you didn’t grow up in Gluttony. I’ll tutor you,” he adds. “Just like you did for me.”

I wipe at my eyes, still laughing, trying to get myself back under control. “I appreciate that,” I manage, “but potions class is the least of my concerns right now.”

The humor fades from Maddox’s expression as he studies me again.

Atticus leans forward. “What’s going on, Arwen?” he asks, more quietly this time; suspicion laces his tone.