Page 115 of Plug and Drain

The taste of metal coated her tongue. She’d been biting the inside of her cheek.

What she couldn’t fathom was why Arken had left it to today, an entire week later. On Sunday morning, no less, waking the whole school to do it.

She didn’t know what she feared more—that Arken’s punishment would be severe, or that he’d changed his mind and would let them off easily.

Molly didn’t answer her door. Susie tried knocking several more times before she decided to peek inside to check on her.

The handle rattled but did not depress. Somehow, the door was locked.

Except the doors couldn’t be locked. Susie frowned and tried again. Her forearm strained as she applied more pressure to the handle, trying to push the door open.

Maybe it’s barricaded from the inside?

“Molly?” Susie called.

There was no answer that she could hear, although the corridor was noisy with the bustle of other wolves making their way to the staircase.

Susie had no other choice but to follow.

She hastened, a part of her hoping that if she got there in time, she could speak to Arken. Maybe, she would ask him to take it easy on Oscar. Could she bring herself to do that?

Susie broke into a run, pushing past yawning students as she hurried up the curving staircase. By the time she reached the foyer, she was panting. She burst out of the entrance doors and skidded to a stop at the top of the wide front steps. Staff members were standing on either side of the landing.

Below, students were gathering on the lawns. They stood for assembly like they normally did, although she’d never seen anyone in their pyjamas before. Clearly, some students had opted for haste rather than decency. One vampire was shirtless and blinking with annoyance at the bright light.

The spot where Arken normally stood at the top of the steps beside the vertical pike was empty.

Susie threw a glance over her shoulder at the entrance, and her heart stopped.

Arken emerged at that moment, looking tired but magnificent in a greyish-mauve suit. Tweed, as usual, with a red necktie.

Susie felt herself smile at him.

When Arken caught sight of her, he paused mid-step, his expression tense. There were dark shadows under his eyes, and his entire posture was stiff. Her gaze scoured him. He looked more exhausted than she’d ever seen him.

Susie hesitated, wanting to go to him, but feeling self-conscious with so many people watching.

Arken just stared for a moment. Then a tentative smile graced his lips and he moved towards her.

“Headmaster Arken,” she said breathlessly, at a loss for what else to call him with the whole academy present.

“Susanna.” His gaze roved over her again, as if scanning her for injuries or enjoying her outfit. “Are you well?”

“Yes. I was hoping we could talk, before…” She glanced around, wishing they had more privacy. For the time being, no one was paying them much attention. “You’re going to punish the omegas, aren’t you?”

“I am.”

Susie nodded and licked her lips. “I wanted to ask you for a favour.”

“Go on.”

“Remember the other night, when we discussed…”

When we discussed you killing Oscar, she wanted to say, but the words sounded horrible.

Thankfully, Arken had the good grace to incline his head. “I remember. That is why we are here. To resolve that matter once and for all.”

She chewed her lip, trying to find a way to convey what she felt without words.