Page 8 of Colton

Matter of fact, my entire body’s reacting to this.

No wonder Sophia says this man is a whore. Seeing him for myself, this up close and personal, I agree with her opinion.

“You’re very bold, aren’t you, Ms. Evans?”

I blink. “Thank you?”

He shakes his head in light amusement, then a small sigh slips him. “The reason I asked you to sit down and have tea with me is because it seems as though you’ve caught the attention of someone you shouldn’t have.”

My face twists into a confused frown, and my mind wanders back to all the people I’ve started talking to over the past two weeks. Since I’m taking new classes, it’s not a surprise I’ve befriended quite a few new faces. However, amongst the crowd of people, only one stands out, and somehow, it makes my heart sink to my stomach.

“Artemis,” I breathe out. “She’s interested in me?”

“In a way,” the Dean explains, finishing his cup of tea. “Artemis has a very obsessive personality, Ms. Evans. It’s not a healthy amount, either. She’ll find a way to crawl under your skin, and stay there, until you’re wrecked beyond belief and there’s no way of repairing the damage she’s caused.”

“You make it sound so ominous.”

“It’s a warning, Ms. Evans,” his voice takes a darker edge, and I straighten in my seat. Blood freezes in my veins, and my curiosity is now at its peak. It’s not good for me, and although I’ve decided not to meddle with these families, I can’t seem to help myself right now. His voice, despite being a clear warning, is soothing and the edge only makes me more interested. “Artemis Hill is not someone you want in your life.”

“Who are you to decide that?” I ask, tilting my head to the side. My cup of tea remains almost untouched, and it’s no longer hot. “Besides, I thought the founding families were as thick as thieves.”

He chuckles. “I can’t tell you what to do, Ms. Evans. I’m just… lending you a hand should you need it.”

“I won’t need it, but thank you.”

He lifts a brow. “Alright then. Grab your materials, and you may leave.”

His words are the final thing spoken between us. I’m left in a daze, with more questions about these weird people than I originally had. However, I know that today he won’t be revealing anything.

When I leave his office, with all the materials in hands, it’s Artemis who’s waiting at the end of the hallway.

3

Another night falls over the Academy, the chilly air wafting through the open window. Sophia’s busy studying, and I’m not sure how she’s still able to look so perfect, even while studying. I took one of her cigarettes and although I’m not big on smoking, on nights like these, I need something to keep my sanity from snapping into pieces.

“You’re rather agitated tonight,” Sophia murmurs, taking a small break from studying. She approaches the window, grabbing her pack of cigarettes from the window still, and lighting one. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m annoyed that I’m paired with Artemis,” I sigh, and as soon as the words leave my mouth, a sense of ease washes over me.

“Why?” She quirks a brow, a cloud of nicotine coming out of her mouth. “Did she do something?”

“No,” I lie with ease, my shoulder still aching from the intensity of which Artemis has grabbed me. The bruise is still there, dark purple with green and blue hues. “But it’s not easy.”

“That’s why I requested to work on my assignment by myself.”

“That was an option?!” I groan, wanting to smack myself for not thinking of it earlier.

“Well, yes. I already completed mine, so if you need help, let me know. I’ll lend you a hand.”

“How the hell did you complete it already? And by yourself?” Disbelief coats my tongue, and Sophia shrugs.

“Because my main focus is being ahead of my studies, so I can be prepared for the exams. They’re starting in a couple of weeks, and I have to beat Soren. Besides, having a hindrance breathing down my neck during the assignment would only piss me off.”

“Sometimes, I forget that this is just who you are as a person,” I chuckle. “But anyways, I have a question for you.”

“Yes?” Sophia takes another drag of her cigarette, glancing out of the window, staring into the dark sky.

“Grace mentioned you have the pass for Saint Valley.”