Page 41 of Stormbreaker

It occurs to me that he must’ve passed his initiation test. I have difficulty picturing Edward killing anyone, but he must’ve done it. I’ve always thought he’d be better suited to House Asale with his love of technology and building things. But maybe he felt like he had no choice. He has his mom to take care of. Without him, she’d have no one.

I remember everyone in that vault looking at me, willing me to choose that man’s death. The flash of anger in their eyes when I didn’t. Maybe this is a part of my father’s plan. Making us all complicit in this violent act normalizes the brutality.

“Sure, I’ll be back in a few hours to relieve you,” I say before making my way to my dorm room through blissfully quiet halls. Mercifully, I make it back without being spotted and ease open the door. The curtains are drawn, revealing the sun starting to rise over the horizon.

Maybe on purpose.

Maybe so I’d immediately see what they’ve done.

My breath hitches as I take in my destroyed corner of the room. My bedsheets have been ripped, the pillows shredded, and the furniture broken. In bright red letters on the wall, someone has painted “traitor” and then finished the job by staining my sheets with handprints. My wardrobe hangs open, most of my uniforms torn and ruined. I stare at the mess, sucking in deep breaths and willing myself not to cry.

Winter and Lacey sleep peacefully in their beds. Did they do this? Or did they watch someone else violate my space?

Trinity’s corner remains untouched, and that’s because she might have faltered on her test, but I’m the traitor.

A tear slips down my cheek, and I wipe it away with the back of my hand. I can’t stay here tonight.

I find a blanket that’s mostly intact and dig up some soft leggings and a T-shirt. Then I remember Teddy. I slide open the drawer and almost weep in relief when I find him lying untouched under a pile of my sweaters.

I hug him close, pressing my nose into his head as I cling to the shreds of myself.

When I enter the hall, I’m surprised to find Domino with her arms crossed, leaning against her doorway.

“You okay?” she asks.

“What are you doing up?” I respond as I tiptoe over.

“I don’t sleep well,” she answers. “I heard what happened to your friend and heard them doing that.” She gestures to my room. “I’m sorry.”

I shake my head and wipe my nose with a shrug. “It’s not your fault. Besides, I’m probably the one who’s wrong here.”

Domino considers my answer before continuing. “I heard you coming back and wondered if you might need somewhere to sleep tonight.”

The softness in her voice unlocks a rusty latch in my chest. There’s a guardedness about her posture, but I’m also unaccustomed to the kindness in her tone.

“Yeah, I’ll find a bed.”

My first instinct is to head to Knox’s room, since Edward’s bed is empty, but the thought fills me with deep revulsion. He’ll definitely get the wrong idea, and I really should stop running to Knox every time I need something.

“We have an extra bed,” Domino says, waving a hand. “You’re welcome to it.”

I stare at her and then at the door like she’s a shining beacon in the middle of a foggy night.

“You sure?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because I’m . . . and you’re . . .” She arches a brow in what I can only describe as a challenging look, daring me to finish that sentence. “Because that doesn’t matter and thank you. I’d be grateful for somewhere to sleep.”

“I’m Domino,” she says, holding out a hand.

“Poet,” I say, shaking it. She smirks and opens the door before gesturing me inside.

“Oh, I know your name. Welcome to your bed, at least for tonight.”

14

I awaken to the sound of banging, bolting upright, instantly alert. I scan the room. Light streams in from the windows. What time is it? It takes me several seconds to remember where I am, and a few more to calm my galloping heart. Domino’s room. She offered me their extra bed last night.