Page 32 of Lost and Bound

After setting everything up, I sit on my bed and survey it all. It looks good and nearly feels homey. It also leaves me completely and utterly spent, but before I switch off, I check my emails and messages.

Not expecting anything, I instantly feel like I’m going to throw up when the messages download, most of them from Seraphina. I scroll to the top, ignoring her trash talk, to where she has invited me to a separate chat, titled “Nom Auction Now Open.” I know I shouldn’t engage, or even look, but I do. So many students, from all the Houses, are bidding on who gets to own me.

I don’t spiral for the sole reason I’m completely and utterly done. My brain switches to robotic mode, where function replaces everything else. I set my alarm, brush my teeth, and get into bed, praying that today was just an exceptionally shitty day. But I’m not holding my breath for anything different tomorrow.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

ALONE AGAIN, NATURALLY

The next couple of days follow an eerily similar pattern to the first. And despite someone mentioning we’re not in high school, it sure as heck seems like it, as from students and teachers alike come obvious and subtle digs. A lot of the noise centers around me being both a Nom and a human, which is mildly amusing. It’s like they can’t decide what’s worse and only confirms it’s not actually about me. It’s a flex, so they can assert themselves, which in turn suggests they’re actually intimidated by me or my presence at Thales. Of course, I keep that to myself.

I also completely ignore the bs auction Seraphina and her posse are running, which is a little harder to do, but I know what I’ve endured previously.

“You’re quiet,” I offer Orion as we’re walking back after another hideous torture session with Coach Beckington.

He looks over at me; his cheeks are like rosy apples, but his complexion is pale.

I pull on his arm, and we come to a stop. “Are you coming down with something?” I ask, pressing the palm of my hand to his cheek. “You’re burning up.”

As soon as I say it, Orion deflates. His shoulders roll forward, and his mouth turns down. “I was trying to ignore it.”

“I think it’s past that, Orion. You’re sick, as in, you have a bug. Give me the bags.”

I hold my hand out, and he passes everything to me without argument. Though I nearly topple over trying to carry them all, I’m determined, and I put my hand under his elbow in case he stumbles, which he slaps away.

“You focus on our food,” he grumbles, eyeing our takeout from the cafeteria.

“Are you hungry?” I ask in surprised.

“No. Honestly, I’m crabby more than anything. After a quick nap, I’ll be better… and starving.”

He looks so hopeful that I force a smile, even knowing what he thinks will happen won’t turn out that way. As soon as we start off again, beads of sweat appear on his upper lip, but I don’t mention that either.

“So,” I start, making an obvious show of putting a bit of distance between us. “Don’t take offense, but maybe you and your germs should stay over there.”

Orion pouts dramatically before a grin lights up his face. As fast as it appears, it’s gone again when he starts coughing.

“Do you think I should take you down to see one of the nurses?”

“No,” he sighs softly before coughing again. “If I’m dying, I’m doing it in my own bed.”

I watch him like a hawk as we get closer to the dorms, and he seems to lose energy by the second. I swipe my card and hold the door open for him to pass.

“Give me your key, and I’ll run up and get you sorted, in case you’re still feeling crappy after your nap.”

He passes it over without another word before climbing the stairs at a snail’s pace. I zip up to his room with all the bags and get it set up.

The first time I came into his room, I was surprised by the difference between his floor and mine. Now, even though the third floor is more modern, everything is newer, and the room is in a much better condition, I prefer my floor and room.

I leave my bags at the door, unpacking Orion’s and putting what I think he’s going to need within easy reach. Then I find a pair of loose shorts for him to put on and lay them on his bed, before I rearrange his room, moving his small fridge so it faces him and is within reach. With his room now ready, I get the shower going and find a clean towel.

He kicks the door shut, giving me another sad face as he undresses out of his uniform until he’s standing in his boxers. Orion’s like his namesake from Greek mythology. He’s got a great physique, exactly like I’d imagine an ancient soldier from eons ago would have.

It makes me happy that one day someone is going to appreciate and adore everything about this man. It just won’t be me. I think we both realized very quickly that there was nothing romantic between us. Not that we talked about it, we simply knew.

After scooping up his discarded clothes and tidying up his room some more, I push the door to the bathroom open and talk through the small gap.

“Orion, I left you some tablets I had. They’ll help with your pain and keep your temperature down. I’ve put your food in the fridge, and there’s a bottle of water next to your bed. I’m going to lock the door behind me, but if you need anything, just message me, and I’ll come straight up.”