Page 117 of A University of Betrayal

“She’s in a shit state, and she needs people to be there for her. This unnecessary drama is just child’s play,” Bayla snorted, visibly upset, and I knew she was right.

Grace apparently disagreed. “It’s the same as with you and Larissa.”

“Larissa and I grew up together.” Bayla sounded indignant.

“For the last time: I know you’re best friends, but you need to stop seeing her.”

“For the last time, Grace: I’m not going to do that.”

It had been like this all morning. Larissa hadn’t slept in the accommodation with us, but Grace tried to convince Bayla to stay away from her. It was an interesting situation because Bayla was disobeying the rules of the Circle... and she was allowed to because she wasn’t yet part of the Quatura community without the rite of passage, even if Amara and Grace were already calling her a Novice.

“This is crazy.” Grace continued to curse. “I’m going to be dragged to the Councils for this.”

“You won’t, Grace. EvenIknow that,” I sighed, because she was really starting to get on my nerves. She definitely got that from her mother, only her mother stayed calmer. Something Grace had yet to learn.

“What Gloria doesn’t know won’t become a problem.”

Bayla seemed to be serious, and I was as aware as Grace that she was underestimating the situation. Gloria wasn’t a strict mother who admonished us for our missteps. She was a bird of prey, ready to tear us to pieces if we threatened the existence of the Councils and the Circle.

Grace looked stunned at Bay, who turned her eyes back to the pages of the book, and finally to me.

“All of you have gone mad!” Grace exclaimed.

She reached for her phone again, probably to distract herself.

I automatically reached for my own cell phone and immediately regretted it. Ever since I’d slept with Erik, I’d wanted more. I missed him, his kisses on my lips and his body against mine, much warmer than mine.

I blushed and tried not to look up from the screen.

He hadn’t texted me again, and I understood why. I was a traitor. I had hurt him without meaning to, just because I hadn’t thought about the consequences of our meeting sooner. We should never have met. Then everything would be the same as before.

I tried to convince myself that my family and the Circle were the reason for this misery, but that wasn’t the case. It wasme.Iwas afraid of myself, afraid of losing control, afraid of destroying something that I...

No.

I almost finished the sentence. Instead, I sat on this cold stone bench, terrified of my own thoughts and ashamed of my stupid behavior. The wind was blowing fiercely, whipping and punishing me for all my sins.

“Okay, so when Larissa comes out, I’m leaving.”

“There she comes,” I remarked quietly, yet Bayla and Grace heard me.

They both jumped up quickly, one of them rushing past me with a devastating look and the other storming off in the opposite direction, straight toward Larissa, who was in the company of the young DeLoughrey men. Not a good sign.

I wanted to follow her, but decided that wouldn’t be such a good idea. I had respect for the Ruisangors and all the drama around me was already too much for me.

I needed some distance. So, I decided to go to the library, borrow some books and retreat to the student accommodation to study.

Pearson Specter Litt

Christopher Tyng

Studying would have been a fantastic distraction if the fight of the century hadn’t been raging in our accommodation.

The picture that revealed itself to me when I entered the house was almost bizarre. Vivienna – ormy cousinnow, even if I really disliked the idea – and her two best friends were standing in the kitchen area wearing green face masks and opposite them was Emely with Buddy in her arms. The dog looked scared. Not like he’d done something stupid, which he was a natural at.

“It’s not evenyourdog!” Vivienna snarled at Emely, who was the only person who looked normal. Except for the glowing yellow eyes that made me freeze in place.

“Just leave the dog out of your vengeful machinations!” Emely retorted in a firm voice.