Page 67 of Queens

“Get out.”

Rexton’s voice quivers. It’s slight, but it’s there. I suck in a sharp breath, shifting my weight from foot to foot.

“Rexton, I didn’t—”

“Get out, Cassia.”

He points to the door. I drag my hands through my hair, ripping out more than a few strands in the process.Fuck.I fucked up. I always take things too far.

That’s probably why I don’t have any friends.

My hands shake, and I wipe my sweaty palms against my pants before finally retreating. Aziel stands in the hallway, hisarms crossed over his chest as he leans against the far wall. He doesn’t speak, but his judgment is loud.

“I didn’t mean to,” I blurt out.

Aziel blinks. “I raised you better than this.”

He disappears. The open workroom at the end of the hallway is silent. A pin drop could be heard, and all eyes are on me. People are upset. It’s evident in the cold stares and deep frowns.

I duck my head, staring at my feet as I hurry back to my office. This will blow over by the end of the day. It’s Wrath, for fuck’s sake. There are several arguments to be overheard at any given moment, occasionally even physical fights. It’s nothing new. This will blow over.

The stares continue the entire way to my office. How does everybody already know? Who is spreading the news so fucking quickly? People need to mind their damned business. They need to leave me alone. What happens between Rexton and me should stay between Rexton and me.

People don’t eavesdrop on Aziel’s private conversations, and they sure don’t gossip about what they overhear. Why don’t I receive the same respect?

Even Jassy refuses to meet my eyes as I walk past her, and I slam my office door with more force than necessary before sinking into my chair. By tomorrow, all of this will have blown over. Things will return to normal, and it will be like this never happened. Rexton will be fine.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

CASSIA

THIS IS BENEATH me.

My annoyance grows as I scan the card options. All of these are atrocities. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve purchased cards for others, and never in an attempt to apologize. I’m rarely put in a position where an apology is necessary.

I scan the table where the cards are neatly sorted, eventually grabbing a blank one. The cover is flat pink with floral imprints, and the interior is left empty.

I don’t need a card to apologize on my behalf. I’m Cassia, for fuck’s sake. I can write my own apology.

The lady at the register is eating as she takes my money, and I eye the column of her throat as she swallows. Is it necessary for her to chew so loudly? Her fingers also appear suspiciously sticky.

“Do you have a pen?” I ask.

She nods, gesturing to a cup on the right.

I take this opportunity to fill out my card, settling for something simple.

Rexton.

I apologize for the comments I made regarding your family yesterday.

It’s not your fault you were born a shadow. It’s a birth defect—one you had no control over. I know you wouldn’t have chosen to be a shadow, nor would you have chosen to have parents who beat you.

You were born into a weak body, but you’ve overcome that. I don’t believe you are stronger than me, but you have considerable strength.

Additionally, after further elaboration, I agree with your statements regarding Mammon’s death. I will no longer allow her murder to be the reason I dislike you so passionately. You defended Wrath, and my family, and it’s appreciated. I’m ready to move on.

Cassia.