Page 50 of Shadowed Whispers

Dorian yawns. “She doesn’t have it in her.”

“I’m sorry, am I boring you?” I snap. Why is he here?

Professor Blackwood tsks under his breath. “Those kinds of outbursts won’t be welcome. If you want me to help you grow as a student, I expect you to follow my directions.”

Dorian smirks, and I slowly look away from him, digging my nails into my thighs. My shadows squirm below me and lick at my skin, wanting to protect me, but they can’t, not in this instance.

“How does me not wanting to socialize lead to me not having it in me?” Whatever “it” means.

“It means grit.” Dorian drops his hands to look at me completely. “And you don’t have it.”

“You—” I bite my tongue until it bleeds. Know nothing about me. Nothing.

“Then it’s settled.” The professor is far too pleased with himself. “I see a lot of myself in you, Frankie. It’s crucial, however, that you rely on the guidance I provide exclusively. External influences can be... distracting, even damaging.”

Is he talking about Matteo? Leo? Bishop? There is no way he knows I dated Bishop.

“Aren’t you the one telling me to socialize?” I was so close to keeping my mouth shut.

“I am.” He winks. “And that is exactly what you will do because I told you to—with Dorian.”

Wonderful. “Is that all?” I grind out.

“Of course. You two better get to the library.” He stands, dismissing me.

“Right now?” Dorian interjects.

“Right now?” I parrot, grabbing my backpack and clutching it to my chest.

“There is no better time.” The professor opens the door. “Off with you two.”

Closing my eyes, I try to calm my racing heart, but it’s futile. As I dart from the office, a cold voice stops me. “One moment, Ms. Vale,” Professor Blackwood calls out, his tone suddenly stern. I turn, my heart sinking further. He blocks the doorway, a thin smile playing on his lips. “Don’t forget, Frankie, you’re not just any student, and remember, I always have my eye on you.”

His words send a shiver down my spine. Two years. That’s how long I made it under the radar here. When the hell did my time run out?

How much does he really know about me?

Chapter 17

Frankie

“Francesca,” Dorian calls as I hike my backpack higher on my shoulder, the weight of it grounding me in the echoey hallway.

I ignore him, which isn’t as easy as I’d prefer, considering the hallway is empty. The universe is not on my side today, otherwise, this hallway would be bustling with students, their laughter and chatter creating a perfect camouflage for me.

But no, it’s just me and Dorian, and I still have yet to shake off the strange, unsettling vibe that the professor gives off. The air was charged with an energy that felt off, as if a storm was brewing in the undercurrents of our words.

“Francesca.” Dorian finally catches up to me, his breathing slightly heavy. He earns a point for not touching me, respecting my unspoken boundaries.

I don’t even know how to act around this guy, let alone have a meal with him. “Listen, let’s say we had lunch together but also not actually have lunch together,” I suggest as I step outside. The sudden brightness of the afternoon sun momentarily blinds me, painting the world in a harsh, unyielding light. A cool breeze, carrying the salty tang of the ocean, caresses my face, igniting an unusual longing in me. Normally, the thought of swimming barely crosses my mind, but today, there’s an irresistible urge beneath my skin, a primal call to dive into the shimmering waves and lose myself to the ocean for a little while.

Or hunt.

Whichever one I’m able to accomplish first. It’s been weeks since I’ve been able to hunt, to listen to all the dark, shadowy things that occur when no one is looking, and then for me to remove the worst of it.

I crave the adrenaline rush I get when I bring a malevolent person to justice, banishing them into the shadows, lost to the world forever.

“Would you stop?” Dorian jumps in front of me abruptly, blocking my path. His cold eyes peer down at me, his lip curling into a sneer. “That won’t work.”

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