Page 336 of Psycho Devils: Aran's Story 2

What had happened during the showcase?

I hadn’t felt this much physical pain since childhood.

“Here, let us help you, bestie,” John said to Arabella, and she grunted a thanks as clothing rustled like she’d leaned against the twins.

My knuckles cracked as I fisted my hands.

“Move,” John said when they got to the doorway.

Orion made an aggressive noise in the back of his throat.

“Let’s go,” Corvus shouted from down the hall, and I reluctantly moved out of the way.

As we walked down the hall, Orion whispered in my ear, “Luka and John are supporting her. She’s covered in bruises and cuts and looks like shit. She had huge blue angel wings, but she retracted them.”

“I know,” I snapped at him. “I can hear.”

Orion scoffed at my attitude, and regret filled me. A Protector didn’t treat his Revered poorly. Ever.

Lately I’d been testy with him all the time. It was unacceptable.

“Sorry,” I whispered and wrapped my arm around his shoulders.

He leaned against me.

For the first time in my life, the touch of my Revered wasn’t enough to calm the sensations boomeranging through me.

Something was very wrong.

Everything felt off.

When we entered the classroom, Lothaire was speaking to Corvus. “Yes, you can watch. Take a seat.”

We sat down at our usual desk.

Orion pressed his lips near my ear as he prepared to describe everything that the enchanted projector showed. Our routine.

I dug my fingernails into my Revered’s palm.

He tapped his fingers impatiently against the desk.

Corvus slumped down in his usual seat next to me. He huffed at Arabella and the twins. “Stop cuddling in the classroom. It’s disgusting.”

He was really in a mood today.

“Take the stick out of your ass,” she grumbled under her breath so quietly that only I could hear.

Corvus sneered loudly, “What was that about an ass? You want me to beat yours?”

The twins breathed harshly.

“Are you threatening her?” Lothaire spat at the front of the classroom.

The three of us sat up straight. “No, sir,” Corvus growled as we all waited for the blow to fall.

There was a scratching noise as Lothaire rubbed at the stubble on his jaw. Then he said, “I have a feeling what you’re about to watch will be punishment enough.”

I swallowed thickly.

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