Page 124 of Stormbreaker

“You were?” I ask. “Why would you do that?”

Her brows pinch together in confusion. “Because I was worried about you. Did the scion give you a hard time?”

I offer her a dry smile, grateful for her thoughtfulness. Maybe I’m not as alone as I think. “Just a few open threats. No big deal.”

She offers me a sympathetic look. “I’m sorry. Things will calm down once everyone gets used to you.”

I return her smile. “That’s my hope.” I look around the room and then move a little closer. “About what you saw earlier. With Rook?”

At that, her eyes sparkle. “Yes? You looked pretty cozy.” She gently hip checks me and wiggles her shoulders, giving me a suggestive look. “Tell me everything.” She raises a hand. “Only if you want, of course.”

I exhale a long breath, running my hands through my hair. “I’m not sure how much there is to tell. I think it was just the heat of the moment or something. I was upset about my parents, and he stopped me. I was emotional; we got carried away. It was nothing.”

“Oh,” she says, her expression falling a little. “Well, maybe it’ll be something later. He’s very cute.”

I snort. “He’s way more than cute.”

Domino giggles and covers her mouth. “I didn’t want to say. He’s actually fucking gorgeous.”

I bark out a laugh and groan. “You don’t have to tell me. He’s also a very bad idea.”

“That hasn’t stopped you yet,” she says. I look at her as she widens her eyes. “Sorry, I didn’t mean—”

I laugh again and shake my head. I love that she feels comfortable enough to tease me. I hope it means we’re becoming friends. “No, you’re absolutely right.” I lean in closer. “Could you not tell anyone? I think he’d prefer it that way. He’s kind of private.”

“Of course,” she says. “I would never. Someone else might have seen you, though. You weren’t exactly hidden from view.”

I run a hand down my face. “Right. Well, with any luck.”

My gaze bounces to the other room, where everyone is mingling. “What are you doing now? Are your parents still here?”

“No, they just left. I’m heading to the after-party ferry now. It’s leaving soon. You coming?”

I could go and hide. Remove myself from everyone’s scrutiny.

It’s tempting, but I also don’t want to be alone.

“Are my parents still here? Did you see them?” I ask.

“I think they are,” she says. “We could go the long way around to the dock. We don’t have to pass through.”

I heave out a grateful breath. “That would be perfect.”

Domino links her arm with mine as something warm settles in my chest. I might have lost everything tonight, but maybe I’m gaining something new.

We skirt through the quiet halls of the school while Domino fills me in on her crush, a guy she’s hoping to dance with tonight. My shoulders loosen as we walk. Maybe this isn’t so bad. Perhaps there’s a light at the end of all my questionable choices.

We exit through one of the doors and make our way around the school, arriving at the arched entrance curving over the canal. Instead of the little gondola we used on the first day of school, a multi-decked ferry stands bobbing in the water, constructed of gold metal molded into filigrees and decorated with hundreds of flowers. Dozens of people already fill each level. The railings and pillars are strung with glowing white lights, and the strains of music float into the sky.

This will be fun, I decide. I don’t want to hide. I want to embrace this new reality.

The last few months have been tense, and I want to start enjoying my time at Amery. This is what I wanted for so long. I’m finally free of Knox, and I kissed Rook. I still can’t believe it. The feel of his lips on mine burns into my skin, and even if he regrets it and it never happens again, I’ll carry that memory for a very long time.

But I really, really hope it happens again.

“C’mon,” Domino says, tugging on my arm. We cross the gangway and hop on board.

“There you are!” Journey exclaims, approaching with a cocktail in her hand. “You found Poet!”