Page 83 of Terror Tuesday

“If anyone asks,” I say, dragging the blanket up over my breasts with one hand, “I was sick last night. But I’m okay now.”

She nods again, this time slower, then closes the door behind her.

Silence returns, thick and ugly. My wrists throb. Thighs ache. The smell in the room is of sweat and sex. And I have to pee.

But for the first time since Naomi died…

I don’t feel powerless. Far from it.

By Sunday,I’ve condensed myself back into a perfect shell. It’s hard to hide the fury burning beneath. With Vanq? I barely even try to stop it.

The revenge-lust simmers just under my skin, boiling until I’m sure my lid will blow.

Not to mention, at tonight’sOmegameeting, I get the duty of introducing new vice president candidates for members to vote on. Like Naomi never existed.

“Is something wrong?” Mom asks, brushing my hair off my shoulder as I perch on the balcony railing of our family cabin. Autumn has grown colder as Halloween approaches. Naomi and I would always coordinate. Now, I’ll be solo at the party.

No Hunter. No boyfriend. No illusion of protection. For the first time, I’ll attend somethingalone.

I can’t bring Elliot. Not without Vanq’s retaliation. And the terror of what he would do to hurt Elliot makes my stomach knot.

“Just thinking about all the plans for the Hallow’s Eve party on Friday night. And annoyed thatIota Xiwas declared winners of Terror Tuesday only because we didn’t end up with enough points...” I smile sweetly, avoiding her green eyes. That’s whatnormalOlivia would be focused on. But they won’t let up, gazing at the side of my face.

Her hand lands on top of mine, and I’m forced to look at her until I feel some tears form on my lower lids.

“How are you holding up? This year will be hard without Nims, I’m sure.”

Clearing my throat, I nod slowly, then swallow back a lump in my throat. “I’m handling it fine.”

“You sure? Because you missed the luncheon with the chancellor yesterday, and I think your father was hoping to introduce you to a judge there for?—”

“Oh…sorry. I had a project due, and it slipped my mind.”

I turn and face the house just as Aiden strolls out and leans his elbows on the wooden perch. Probably eavesdropping for info to use later.

“I don’t think I’m ready to date anyone yet. Not after mine and Hunter’s last breakup.”

Both my mom and brother stare at me as if I just announced I was becoming an astronaut.

“Okay…that’sunusualfor you, but I support it. Whatever you want.”

“Mom!” Henry yells from inside, and she brushes my arm sympathetically before going back in the wide-open patio doors.

Aiden’s voice slices through the wind. Cold. Mocking. “Not dating? You? I thought your life goal was to be the perfect appointed.”

“I think there are more important things.”

“Like finding out who sliced up Cunter? Because, honestly? Let that fucker rot in the ground.”

I gasp, and he straightens up, crossing his arms and standing in front of me with that look. The one that tells me he’s figured outeverything. Or thinks he has…

“What do you know?” I ask as I glance behind him, where Dad’s making his way out here to find me.

“That his body was found in a dumpster. Cut up like butcher scraps. And that his car got shredded the same night as the Luminescence shooting—when you said you were with him.” His sparkling blue eyes narrow at me. Then, he relaxes and licks his lower lip. “Kudos to you, Liv. Didn’t think you had it in you. I’d only have loved a chance to put the pieces back together just so I could slaughter him again with you.”

My jaw drops. I almost blurt out that I had nothing to do with it. But Aiden kisses my cheek, flashes me a knowing smile, and strolls back inside…just as Dad steps out.

“Hey. You missed?—”