Page 211 of Glutton for Punishment

“Do you possess a second faction’s sin power?”

My mouth falls open. Beside me, Maddox’s grip tightens around my hand.

Dean Bellows continues before I can answer.

“This is the rumor circulating. When it reaches the other Councilors—and it will—I need to understand exactly what we’re dealing with if I’m going to have any hope of protecting you.”

She looks back at me as we all sit in silence.

“Arwen. I’m on your side.”

I swallow. “It’s true.” The whisper barely leaves my lips.

Dean Bellows leans back in her chair and lets out a slow breath. “Things are about to become... tumultuous. This is unprecedented. In all my years at SinVail, I have never encountered a student capable of wielding two faction sins.”

Her gaze settles on me.

“And in my experience, the unknown is perceived as a threat by the Council.”

She folds her hands together.

“We’ve already received word from Pride. Councilor Willshire is demanding that Atticus return home immediately.”

“I won’t leave Arwen,” Atticus cuts in. “I don’t care what my father demands. MY place is with her.”

Dean Bellows inclines her head.

“No one is forcing you to return. But my point is that everything has changed. We have two dead Gluttony heirs. A faction on the brink of civil war. And now, rumors of a powerful student with multiple sin powers and ties to two Councilor Heirs.

Silence settles over the office.

“Arwen,” Dean Bellows says quietly, “the Council can only place you into one of two categories.”

I already know I will not like either of them.

“A very powerful ally...”

She pauses.

“...or a very dangerous enemy. Either way, things around here are about to change.”

I stare down at my hands, sighing at the thought of being placed in another category. I don’t want to be used as a weapon or hunted like a criminal. But this puts me in a position few people get in Vail. A position to have a voice. “So what happens now?”

“We need time. I have the workings of a plan, but I need to monitor the political fallout and gather whatever information I can first.”

She looks at each of us in turn as she stands from behind her desk. “But until then, I strongly advise all three of you to remain within Academy grounds. The Academy is the safest place for you right now.”

I shower quickly, letting the hot water wash away blood, dirt, and smoke until my skin feels raw. Arriving back in my dorm, I have more questions than answers. I almost collapse against the door. Holly’s empty bed breaks my heart and makes me just want to curl up in her blankets.

I pull out my phone and type a message.

Arwen: Have I told you I’m proud of you?

I smile as I get a response almost instantly.

Maddox: Only about fifty times since we got back. Go to bed.

Arwen: Rude.