Page 63 of Terror Tuesday

Apollo’s usually smooth voice stutters slightly. “Look, Mr. Earl, I told you, he’s not here?—”

“Lying is an offense against the Seven. You want to take his place on Sin Sunday instead?”

My fists clench as Mr. Earl’s threat hangs heavily in the air. Apollo’s loyalty is admirable, but there’s no way in hell I’m letting him fall.

Stepping out of the shadows, I enter the room. “Guess you couldn’t find me.” They can’t see it, but I’m darting fire from my eyes behind my mask.

Apollo’s expression softens in relief, but quickly tightens with frustration. “Valen?—”

Holding up my hand sharply, I cut him off. “He wasn’t lying. He didn’t know I’d returned.” I shift my attention squarely onto the thick man. “And you’re shit at spotting men in black withmasks on, apparently. In any case, I surrender willingly. Leave Apollo out of this.”

The enforcer smirks, stepping closer as his jeweled badge gleams in the lamplight. His gaze gives me a once-over, lip curling. “You understand the consequences of disobedience, Von Dovish? Your punishment on Sin Sunday will be legendary.”

I’ve seen the consequences. Brandings. Lashings. Whippings. Rapes.Servicingthe elders… Torture in the catacombs that people whisper about to keep from not following orders properly. I’m not going to do any of that.

Still, if he’s suggesting the senate ordered sentences in the cathedral? At least he’s not planning to murder me outright. Which means…they probably don’t know about the camera footage and this is all about Malik.

Keeping my tone even and my head high, I counter immediately, “Let me make amends another way. Give me an extra assignment—a difficult one, something that proves my allegiance—and we can skip the public spectacle.”

Mr. Earl narrows his already small eyes, sizing me up. Then, he pulls out his phone and video calls the man himself. “Sir? This one says he wants to do us another favor.”

The president answers the call, hands clasped coolly in front of him on the desk. His usual demeanor is calm and pleasant, even gives me a little smile as I linger in the background. Part of me wants to give him a small wave, but I refrain.

“Valen’s request intrigues me.” His voice is smooth, deceptively gentle. “He’s proven resourceful before. Perhaps he can indeed redeem himself from thismistake.”

My gut twists at the sly edge of amusement in his tone.

“You’ll accept any task given, Mr. Von Dovish?” the president asks pointedly, challenging me. “Without hesitation or complaint?”

Behind the mask, I lift my chin to accept the consequence of letting my prey go. “Yes.”

The grin he greets me with is slow and ruthless. “I’ll grant your request for West Tech Industries’ sake. We need your business…just as you needus. Consider yourself fortunate.”

I’m not sure that’s true. Gaining acceptance into Northview University feels less like an honor and more like entrapment. Once you’re in, you start collecting blackmailable offenses. And the only way to drop out? With a toe tag.

NU has one graduation requirement…

Survival.

The president takes a long while to respond, savoring the suspense, then leans closer, voice darkening. “You should understand, Mr. Von Dovish, that your assignment won’t be easy. Disappoint me again, and the society won’t waste time chasing you down, no matter which of your parents is on the board. Do we have an understanding?”

“Absolutely,” I reply coolly with a shrug.

President Harvey’s smile widens, dark eyes cold. “Excellent. The task will come when I feel you’re ready.”

With a sharp nod, Mr. Earl backs up a step, ending the call with disappointment painting his wrinkled face. In silence, he exits the room, and we hold our breaths until the beep of the alarm indicates he’s left the house.

Apollo exhales heavily, visible tension leaving his body. “What did you do?”

“I didn’t do what they asked.” My voice is firm. “I appreciate the stall. But next time, don’t put your neck out that far.”

Apollo offers a weary smile. “Next time? You’re planning on screwing up again?”

I let out a humorless laugh, rubbing the back of my neck. “Let’s say that if I do? They won’t have a chance to enforce the punishment.”

If they catch me, I’m not going quietly. I’ll take half the society with me. Guns blazing and secrets exposed with a kill switch.

He pauses, growing serious. “Whatever they throw at you, I’ll back your play. You understand me? Just bring me in.” His voice drops as his dark hair falls across his forehead. “Valen…let me in.”