Page 64 of Demon Apathy: Sunderverse

I sighed and sat on my narrow bed.

She stood in front of me, looming. “You lied to me. You’re still working with Drevan.”

“I’m sorry. I thought it would be better that way.”

“How can lyingeverbe better?”

I shrugged, feeling like a terrible friend. “I suck.”

Jenna sat next to me and draped an arm across my back. “No, you don’t. I understand.” I blinked at her sideways. She sure could turn on a dime. “I would’ve probably done the same to protect you. But I was worried about you. I thought something bad happened. I even went to Grant, but he told me not to worry. He said you were fine. But did he really know that? I mean… were you really fine?”

“I was.”

“Can you tell me about it?”

I nodded.

She pulled away and pushed to the middle of the bed, crossing her legs, ready to listen.

I stood up. “Let’s get Sage and Benjamin. They deserve an explanation.”

Jenna appeared startled for a second, then nodded in approval. “I’m glad you’ve decided to trust us all. Maybe we can help.”

“Maybe.”

Ten minutes later, we were sitting in the courtyard behind Striker Hall. It was a blustery day, so no one was around to overhear us.

Sage sat on a metal bench, arms folded over his wide chest. He was wearing a cable sweater that I doubted most guys could pull off, but that it looked very good on him. Benjamin had nothing but a T-shirt on and was standing, hands in pockets, shifting from foot to foot to keep warm. He was frowning just like Sage, the difference being that he looked concerned while Sage looked pissed. I couldn’t blame him though. Drevan had nearly killed him.

“Thanks for coming, guys,” I said nervously. Jenna had called them here, telling them I wanted to explain everything.

“I don’t have all day,” Sage spat. “Jenna wouldn’t explain anything, and that’s just not cool.” He huffed in her general direction.

“It wasn’t for me to explain,” Jenna shot back. “I already told you that.”

“Easy to say when it wasn’t you that almost ended up looking like ground meat on the pavement. I think–”

“Sage,” I interrupted, “this wasn’t Jenna’s fault. First, listen to what I have to say, and then you can decide if you still want to be pissed.”

He looked as if he wanted to start spouting a string of filthy curses, but instead, he spoke through clenched teeth. “Okay, start by telling me who the fuck that guy was.”

Trying to put my thoughts in order, I sat at the end of the bench opposite Sage and began. “His name is Drevan and he’s a demon.”

“What?!” Benjamin exclaimed. “No way!”

“Yes way,” Jenna said.

Sage stared accusingly at her. “So youdidknow.”

Jenna shrugged. “I’m nothing if not loyal to my friends.”

“Yeah, unlike this one here.” Sage hooked a thumb in my direction.

“Um, is he who I think he is?” Benjamin said.

I winced, surmising by his expression that he knew exactly who I was talking about.

Benjamin rubbed the back of his neck. “Is his last name Morningstar by any chance?”