Page 30 of Pretty Little Psycho

As soon as I step into the drafty goddess of death church, I scan the room for my stalkers. Satisfied that they aren’t in this class, I breathe out a sigh of relief and make my way over to an empty pew.

The doors shut with a bang and Professor Harker saunters to the front of the class. “Good morning everyone. Today we’ll be listening to the ethereal music of the great Camille Saint-Saens, starting with Danse Macabre of course. But first, let’s get that pesky roll call out of the way. I want to make sure you are all accountable.”

His gaze lands on me and every inch of my body shivers.

Fuck me.

After agonizing through three more roll calls in Alchemy, Latin, and Poetry, we finally break for lunch. Still no sign of Riot, Atlas, or Valentin, so I’m relieved. But I also feel a strange sense of longing.

I avoid the cafeteria by finding a small café on campus. Tucked between two stone gargoyles, I almost miss it. A guy with blue hair and face piercings snickers from behind the counter when I walk in.

The irony that I first wanted to be known as a Blackwell here is sickening. Now I’d give anything to just be the poor daughter of a small-town sheriff.

I look up at the menu, avoiding rude counter guy’s snarky gaze. “I’ll have a caramel latte and the chicken salad.”

He raises a pierced eyebrow at me. “Are you sure?”

My annoyance builds as he continues to look at me like I don’t belong there. “Um, yeah. Unless it’s a bad choice.”

“Your funeral.” Blue-haired guy shrugs and punches in my order. “Have a seat, and I’ll bring it over to you when it’s ready.”

Should I have ordered the soup instead? What the fuck was wrong with the chicken? I wonder if I’ll have one day where something weird or creepy doesn’t happen.

I pick a table in the corner and plop down. Only three more classes to go and then I can go back to my room and contemplate my terrible life choices. As I look around the sparse café, I don’t see any other students. I’m grateful for the solitude but also curious.

Professor Harker walks in, making the hairs on my neck stand up. Fuck. I hope he doesn’t want to sit with me. Although, maybe I can ask him more questions about my family.

I’m contemplating waving him over when the door swings open and in walks and the grown-up version of Valentin. That must be Professor Erebus…

His gaze lands on me and darkens.

Fuck.

He whispers something into Harker’s ear and they both nod.

I jump as rude counter guy slams my food on the table.

“Thanks,” I snap, emphasizing the s. I jerk my head toward the two teachers. “Don’t they have like a faculty lounge or something?”

The guy snickers again. “This is the faculty lounge, genius.” He laughs all the way back to the counter.

Ugh. Well, it’s too late to get food anywhere else now. I’ll just eat fast and then sprint out of here.

I shovel a huge bite of creamy chicken salad into my mouth seconds before Professor Harker stalks over. “Miss Blackwell, breaking the rules already?”

I chew for what feels like an eternity while he expectantly taps his fingers on the table. “Not intentionally. I’m still learning my way around.”

He nods and smiles, but his eyes remain cold and full of malice. “We’ll let it slide for today.”

I slump back against my chair, relieved. “Thank you, Professor. It won’t happen again.”

But just when I think I’m in the clear, Valentin’s clone from the future strolls up. “Tenebrose is easy to get lost in, Miss Blackwell. I’ve tasked my nephew with being your guide for the day.”

Oh, no. Heat floods my cheeks.

Professor Erebus smirks as he continues. “Valentin will be here shortly and walk you to your next class.”

Fuck.

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