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Hearing him call Harper a bitch has anger flooding my veins like lava, heating me up and setting my nerves on edge. The thought of her being his Prize shouldn’t bother me this much, but it does.

As I shoot daggers from my eyes into Ryan’s retreating spine, Bram steps in front of me, a serious expression on his face. “I’m assuming you have a plan?” He sounds as hopeful as he looks.

I shake my head, ignoring the way his shoulders sag. “No, but I’m making one as we speak. I’m not letting him have Harper.”

As I stand in front of the eerie gothic-style building at the front of the Shadowmere Campus, I have to take several deep breaths to steel my nerves.

While travelling up the long, winding drive, a prickle of anticipation ran down my spine. The rhythmic thud of my heart grew louder in my ears, each beat like a quickening drum, while a clammy heat built within my palms.

Returning to Shadowmere for my final year of university was the hardest decision I’ve ever made. I spent the summer hiding out at my best friend Wren’s house, after the police seized my family home as part of their investigation into my dad and his company.

I knew dropping out would mean letting the haters win, and I can’t give them anymore than they’ve already taken. But I feel like being at school is taking time away from the only thing I can think about right now—getting my dad out of prison.

I have no doubt he’s innocent, but hearing him confirm it, when I first went to visit him in prison, lifted a weight off my shoulders that I hadn’t even realised was there. I trust him implicitly, and he maintains he’s being set up, so I’m going to prove it.

The only problem is…I have no idea how.

A call from Chancellor Calderbank made it very clear that if I missed any more classes, returning wouldn’t be an option. So, late last night, Wren helped me move into my tiny dorm room on campus, ready for me to start classes Monday morning—only two weeks late.

Wren and I actually had to smuggle what little belongings I have into the dorm under the cover of darkness, as fear of running into Tillie or Sienna was enough to make me stalk through the shadows like a thief in the night.

I know I’m going to have to face them eventually, but if I can put that nightmare off for as long as possible, you bet I will.

I stride towards the administration building to let them know I’m back, and to get my timetable, clutching the letter confirming my accommodation and tuition have already been paid for. Luckily, Dad paid them before he was arrested; otherwise I wouldn’t have anywhere else to live.

I still have my bills to pay, but I was able to grab some cash from Dad’s safe before everything was seized. I’ll have to budget heavily, but it will get me through the next few months. If he’s not home by then, I’ll probably have to look at getting a job, but that’s a worry for another day.

I smooth down the soft yellow sundress I’m wearing as I step into the administration building. It feels strange to be back in a dress, as I’ve been living in jeans and hoodies recently, so nobody would recognise me, but I can’t do that now.

For the last two years, I’ve been portraying the perfect image of a future Obsidian Order Wife, and despite no longer being Betrothed, I have to maintain that facade. I genuinely believe my father will be released soon, once he’s proven innocent. When that happens, we will regain our power and status, and he’ll expect me to fulfil the role he’s been training me for my whole life.

I can’t mess up the plan now, not when he needs me the most.

As I look down at the bright sundress and heels, I couldn’t feel less like myself. I’ve never felt comfortable in soft dresses that emphasise my femininity, but I’ve never had the option to choose anything different.

Now I feel like a doll who is being dressed up, ready to be paraded in front of an audience, while I’m expected to play my part perfectly. No need to think for myself; I just need to do as I’m told.

The only problem is, now that my dad isn’t around, and Ryan has abandoned me, I don’t have anyone telling me what to do. I’m finally able to think for myself…and I bloody love it.

Once I’ve gathered my new timetable, I head to my first class of the day. Wren is by my side, her arm tucked in mine, as she chatters aimlessly in a bid to distract me. It’s not working, but I’m glad to have her with me, so I can draw strength from her.

Wren Williamson is the complete opposite of me. Where I’m shy and quiet, she’s loud and in your face. She’s not afraid of standing up for herself, and she loves the freedom that comes with being at university. She wears whatever she wants, goes to parties until the early hours of the morning, and drinks way too much.

What I love about Wren is that she is completely comfortable in her own skin. She has curves she’s proud to show off. If someone doesn’t like her, she doesn’t care. She knows her worth, and she makes any man earn the pleasure of her company.

We gravitated toward each other on our induction day, the summer before starting at Shadowmere. It was one day for us to get used to the campus, meet fellow students, and generally get a taste for university life. She bounced over to me with a bright smile on her face, looped her arm through mine, and announced we would be friends. She’s been by my side ever since.

I live vicariously through her sex life stories. Though, if I’m being honest, some things she tells me actually scare me. She’s always trying new things, getting guys to push her boundaries, and the more she tells me, the more jealous I get.

I want to be free enough to explore my sexuality, to learn about my body the way she is, but I’ve always known that’s not an option for me. The pretty doll has to be a virgin, or she’s not worth as much.

We come to a stop in front of the building where my English Lit class is being held, and Wren pulls her arm free from mine before turning to face me. Placing her hands on my shoulders, she gives me a little shake.

“Be brave today. Remember what we talked about, and don’t take any shit. Call me if you need me, okay?”

I nod and force a smile on my face, hoping it looks at least a little genuine. “I will. I’ll be fine, don’t worry about me.”

“I’m your bestie; it’s my job to worry about you,” she says before placing a kiss on my cheek.