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I blink my eyes in shock, these two have completely surprised me right now. My heart swells with pride for Kali, wishing she could see how truly remarkable she is. Not many demigods, let alone students, would ever speak that way to a god. Kali simply nods in satisfaction, accepting his words.
“We should get going, though.” He breaks the silence, looking down at me. My brows furrow at that, not expecting to leave so soon.
“What? I still have combat class this afternoon.” Not that I really mind missing it. Yet my little chicken heart wants to put it off for as long as possible. I’m scared of what may happen.
“I already told Barros you would be helping me with something. Besides, it would be best to come back while everyone is still busy with classes.”
“He just accepted that?” I ask in disbelief, eyeing him suspiciously.
“Oh angel, you seem to forget, I’m a god. No one questions me, except for you, and maybe Kali,” he teases, nodding in her direction. A deep blush flushes her cheeks at his words.
“Fine, oh mister, all-powerful God of Illusion. I don’t know how I could’ve ever doubted you,” I drawl sarcastically. Adrian hums in thought, the sound sending a rush of heat through me.
“Remind me, to have you scream that next time I’m—”
“On that note, I’m going to go,” Kali rushes out, cutting off the rest of his words. She shuffles her feet, staring down at them for a moment, before meeting my eyes.
“Everything will be fine,” I assure her, not letting any of my doubt slip into my expression as I give her a wide smile.
Suddenly, Kali lunges in front of me, tackling me into a bear hug, undeterred by Adrian’s arm wrapped around me. Moving just as swiftly, she backs away, waving a final goodbye, before leaving to join the others.
“Well, she’s definitely gotten a lot bolder,” he notes, watching Kali join the other students in the dining hall.
“Yes, she really has,” I muse, my eyes glued to her retreating form. Adrian kisses the top of my head, and slides his hands to my lower back.
“Are you ready, angel?” Adrian asks, his voice soft.
I nod, steeling myself and blocking out the negative thoughts. It’s time to put on my big girl pants. Adrian guides me with a hand on my lower back through the now empty halls.
Anxiety churns in my gut. Am I walking towards my execution instead of my best friend? I barely notice as we pass through the large bronze doors and make our way down the cobblestone path.
Then Adrian’s arms are around me, the familiar pull of dissipating sweeping over me.
“You could’ve given me some warning.” I take a deep breath, attempting to pull my shit together. Pulling out of his hold, I blink rapidly to adjust my eyesight and dispel the halos of light sparking in my vision. A side effect from being plunged into darkness so abruptly. As my sight clears, I make out the outline of a broom propped against the wall. The pungent smell of chemicals burns my nostrils.
“Now, where’s the fun in that?” Adrian chuckles, ruffling my hair. I bat his hand away, giving him an incredulous stare. He merely continues on, unperturbed by my annoyance. I pull out my phone, finding Nelle’s contact, but I pause over her number, heart pounding like a jackhammer in my chest.
I blink in surprise, my phone disappearing before my eyes. A cold draft brushes against my now empty palm. My gaze darts around, finding Adrian standing with a smug grin on his lips, and the illumination from my phone screen casting light upon his handsome face. I purse my lips at his taunting, and he waves the phone before me, finger pressing down on her contact.
“Hey! Give me that back.” I rush towards him, my outstretched palm grabbing for the phone. The fucker holds it up above my reach. My hands search for purchase, scrambling up his arm, only to be shaken off. Adrian remains completely unfazed. Adding insult to injury—the injury being my ego—he merely holds up a finger, as though he’s a receptionist, holding off an impatient customer.
“Hey bitch, hey,” I hear Nelle exclaim, her high-pitched voice ringing out clearly from the speaker. I make one last desperate attempt to snatch the phone away from him, to no avail.
“Are you able to meet us in your room? Liv is here to see you?” Adrian asks with no preamble. I hold my breath for her response, her silence hanging heavy in the air around us.
“Who the hell are you, and why the fuck do you have her phone?” Her scathing tone breaks the silence in the small supply closet.
Adrian pulls in a deep breath, carefully choosing his words. I take full advantage of his momentary distraction, swiping the phone out of his hand and pressing it to my ear.
“Hey girl, don’t mind him. Someone apparently thought that stealing my phone would be a great idea,” I huff out, annoyance tingeing my words. “I do have to talk to you, though. Are you able to meet us in your room?” I assume the supply closet is nestled somewhere within Nelle’s college’s sprawling campus. Thankfully, she has the same dorm as last year, and I should be able to navigate us there.
“Of course, I just finished my last class. I’ll meet you there in five?” Nelle asks, concern evident in her voice.
I chew on my lip, nerves, and guilt battling for dominance inside my chest. As far as she knows, I’m supposed to be studying across the country. Of course, just popping up out of nowhere would have her seeing red flags.
“See you soon,” I say in a cheery tone, the words sounding hollow even to my ears. Adrian steers me to the exit, opening the door to the bustling halls.
Students—arms laden with textbooks—meander through the corridors. The afternoon light spills in through the glass-paned windows lining the hall. We slip into step behind a group of students, fitting into the crowd.
