Page 115 of Stormbreaker

Henry nods. “Absolutely.” Then he leans in closer. “You’re . . . safe?” he asks carefully. I sense something else he isn’t asking, but I can’t understand what that might be.

My confusion must be written on my face because he adds, “Your brother . . .” He shakes his head. “He would be happy to see you standing up for yourself. Just be careful, okay? Try not to draw any more attention.”

I snort out a dry laugh. “That’s the plan. But trouble seems to find me, no matter what I do.” I think of when Rook told me the same thing and laugh to myself.

Henry’s answer is a searching look. “Like I said, I’m here if you need anything.”

I give him a smile, and then we both resume our workouts in companionable silence.

42

Trinity arrives at my dorm room that evening. We’re both wearing our dress uniforms as expected for the pledging ceremony. Her silver ribbon has been replaced with one in dark red to signal her recruitment to the E-squad. I avoid looking at it too closely.

Mine is purple, telling everyone I’m a cadet.

Telling my father that I’m a cadet.

“How are you feeling?” I ask as she drops onto my bed.

“Nervous. You?”

“Same. Have you talked to your parents?”

Trinity shakes her head. “No, and I’ve stopped trying. I knew this was inevitable. I understand it.”

I frown. “Do you, though?”

I kind of expect this behavior from my parents. But the Robinses? I thought they were different. They’ve always been so kind and understanding, the parents we could run to when we got ourselves into a scrape. The ones who’d speak on our behalf when we needed an adult in our corner.

But I guess they aren’t different at all. How could they be? A bit of childhood mischief isn’t the same as going against your House, I suppose. Everything they have hinges on their compliance with Society. If they acknowledged Trinity, would they lose everything? They have another child to worry about.

Trinity gives me a sad look. “What else should I do?”

I hate that answer, but I have to concede she’s right. A moment later, Domino comes out of the bathroom, also dressed for tonight.

“Hey,” I say. “Ready to head down?”

She nods as she exchanges a tight smile with Trinity.

Neither has said anything to me, but I don’t sense much warmth between them. I’m not sure if Trinity is being a snob and Domino is picking up on that, but I brush past it because I have too many other things to worry about right now.

The Robinses aren’t expected at the ceremony, but I don’t have that luxury.

The stalemate with my father is about to end, whether either one of us wants it to or not.

. . .

The pledging ceremony is a splashy affair with fancy food, cocktails, and entertainment. The parents get all dressed up to show off their kids and whatever meaningless assets they’ve accumulated since the last Society fete. It’s Friday, and we have no curfew, so it’ll be a late night for everyone. In fact, the celebration will continue through the weekend.

Journey meets us outside her door with a big smile.

“Hey!” She waves. “Who’s excited?”

Her enthusiasm chafes my already frayed nerves.

“Actually, you look a little green, Poet,” she says, peering at me. “You okay? You’re not going to throw up, are you? Should we get a bucket?”

I watch Domino lay a hand on Journey’s arm and give her a meaningful look.