“Yeah, again,” Julian laughs. “Learning anything new?”
“What? Huh? Why would you ask that?” The panicked words rush out of me, and I eye him wearily.
Was he listening from downstairs?! I think I’ll die of embarrassment.
Julian nods toward the book lying on the podium in front of me. “The book. Are you learning anything new?”
“Oh!” I slam the tome shut, my cheeks flaming. “No, sorry.”
He gives me a curious glance, but doesn’t press me. Instead, he makes his way to the bookcase furthest away and takes a few books into his arms.
“Well, should we continue, then?” he asks, and I nod, watching as he takes a seat on the floor, leaning against the stone altar.
I feel so jumpy that any singular move or word from his mouth will set me off. Is this how I am to operate from now on? Constantly terrified that he will believe I’m in love with him?
But I’m not!
I’m not in love with Julian Walsh.
Right?
I think I may have something new to pray about.
Julian
20
I’VE BEEN SPENDING MOSTnights in the altar room. Between translating the dusty books on the bookshelves and drowning in the tension between Atlas and me, I’ve found myself exhausted by the time I return to my own bedroom at half past midnight.
So exhausted, in fact, that I’ve barely checked my phone or bothered to interact with anyone outside of Abigail for days. As I’m getting ready to greet said Chastain, preparing for another long day of attending and then scouring the altar room, I notice that I’ve missed two text messages from the day prior.
The first one I respond to easily, unfazed.
Cassie 6:28 p.m.
Hey, Julie! When can we hang out again? Cam and I are free tomorrow!
Julian 7:51 a.m.
Sorry, I can’t do much on weekdays, and I have plans this weekend. Another time?
I don’tactuallyhave plans this weekend, but I don’t want to leave the castle. Not while the incubus is still around, hauntingAtlas. Not while he could go into a flare-up at any moment and require my assistance.
Plus, we have important work to do.
The second message is a bit harder to read—the guilt of not responding quicker actually settles in this time.
Susie 4:43 p.m.
We miss you, big guy. Call me when you can? Lan has been acting really withdrawn lately, almost depressed. Maybe he’s not as over you as we thought? Text me back!
I swallow the guilt and the sadness that accompany it, my throat burning. As I slip on my shoes, I type out my message.
Julian 7:54 a.m.
I miss you guys too. I’ll call soon. I wish Landon would just talk to me if he’s upset; it’s like he forgets we were best friends our whole lives.
As I hit send, my bedroom door opens.
