Page 73 of Psycho Devils: Aran's Story 2

“Each legion has a designated room in the academy where you’ll sleep and recover. There will be no outside assistance for healing. When you’re not competing, you have free use of the academy and grounds to train and prepare yourselves. Meals are served at six a.m., twelve p.m., four p.m., and eight p.m. every day.”

My eyes unfocused.

Then Lothaire pointed at each of our legions. “The first competition is in ten days. Right now, appoint a team captain who’ll lead and organize your legion. Your captain will be in charge of deciding who competes when the choice is presented.”

Lines melded into circles as each group whispered to themselves like they were excited.

Not relatable.

I didn’t move.

The waves crested and crashed.

“I appoint Corvus as captain,” Scorpius said, and Orion nodded. “Does everyone agree?”

“Fine with us,” Zenith and Vegar said.

John shrugged. “That works.”

Water slammed against the rocky coast and sent droplets spraying into the air.

“Arabella, do you agree?” Scorpius snapped his fingers in front of my face.

“Sure.”

Scorpius made a rude noise under his breath.

“Good,” Malum said in his deep baritone voice. “We’ll begin training after this with a long run. We need to be ready.”

I couldn’t hold back my snort.

“Got something to say, Arabella?” Malum asked through gritted teeth.

“Nope.”

Scorpius snapped, “Please, Arabella, share with us what you were just scoffing at.”

I made a face at the blind king, then turned to Malum. “Nothing we do is going to prepare us for this. You heard what Lothaire said. It’s a psychological competition. A run will not help us make better decisions.”

The idea was ludicrous.

Malum bristled like I was usurping his leadership. “That’s why I’m the captain and you’re nothing but a liar who concealed her identity.”

Men were so melodramatic.

“That has nothing to do with this,” I said tiredly.

Malum’s deep voice was abrasive as he said, “It has everything to do with this.” Scarlet flames jumped off his bronze arms.

He crowded my personal space.

“How?” I asked as I refused to tip my head back to look at him.

“Because you’re clearly broken.” He tapped his temple and smirked. “The rest of us don’t have your pathetic little mental problems.”

I dropped the ball of skin from my fingers. “Whatever.”

“Back away from her.” John shoved himself in front of me. “What’s wrong with you?”

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