Page 52 of Vicious Knight

Tiffany begins with a haughty speech about herself and the pride she takes in being president of the Thetas. We get the history lesson of all the women in her family who were presidents before her and how well they did for themselves.

Then she moves on to the challenges she has planned for us and the threat that if we don’t pass, we won’t make it. As if we didn’t know.

“The first challenge will take place tonight. We’re going with a simple get-together at Erebus House.” Tiffany infuses her voice with pride and looks at each of us. My insides twist the moment I hear Erebus House. She might as well have said Thorne’s house. “My mother has kindly agreed to supply us with her delectable cakes and catering for the event. You will all be serving.”

She picks up a little cupcake costume that looks fit for a child. “Isabelle, you will wear this and you will be responsible for taking care of the guys who won the Ivanov Elite’s recent challenge.”

Everyone looks at Isabelle who has turned ghost-white pale. “Me?”

“You’re Isabelle, aren’t you?”

“Yes. I just don’t want to do it.”

Tiffany’s expression shifts from lighthearted to hellish. “Excuse me, are you actually questioning a direct order?”

“Those guys are a bunch of mean assholes.”

The moment she says that, I know Kade must be one of the bunch of mean assholes. The problem is Tiffany wouldn’t have understood that even if Isabelle told her what happened. That aside, everyone in the room is shocked to hear sweet, usually quiet Isabelle speaking with such fire.

“I don’t care what you think. You will do this, and I’m deducting points from you for your insolence.” Tiffany stamps her foot.

“I don’t want to do it. Why have I been singled out to wear that stupid costume? You know the guys are going to make fun of me.”

“Oh, I see what’s happening here.” Tiffany flashes Isabelle an evil smile and taps a finger to her temple. “Isabelle is sad because Kade shot her down at the party. He reminded her that she’s a joke. Really now, girl, did you seriously think a guy like that would go for someone like you, let alone someone who thinks it’s cool to look like a Lolita doll?”

Tiffany and her lackeys all laugh like they’re at a standup comedy show.

Watching them, I feel even sicker to my stomach that Kade must have spread the word about what happened with Isabelle. So when I spot the defeated tear sliding down Isabelle’s cheek, I snap.

“Stop it,” I speak up, cutting through the laughter which stops instantly, as if someone switched them off.

“What did you just say?” Tiffany makes her way over to me.

“I said stop it. Stop laughing at her and talking shit.” I don’t know what stroke of madness has taken over me but I’ve had enough of people like her. Because of Tiffany and her arrogance I’ve had to clean all manner of filth for reasons beyond my control all week. I can’t stand by and watch her bully Isabelle. Especially not after our conversation and the whole thing with Kade, which she’s clearly still upset about. “Isabelle is not a joke and when last I checked, the Lolita doll look actually has a huge following. It’s cool. Look it up.”

“Who the hell do you think you are speaking to me like that? You’re lucky to even be at Raventhorn. If not for your stepfather, who knows where you’d end up.”

“I actually got into Juilliard and Berklee.” I use my best matter-of-fact tone to inform this bitch that I’m worth more than she believes and have my own talent. I want to add that I have every right to be here at Raventhorn because my father is a Knight. I’m not just a stepchild with a privilege up my ass. But I know I can’t say any of that.

To my surprise, Tiffany looks me up and down and delivers that evil smile again. “Maybe you should go to Juilliard or Berklee.”

“I—”

Mackenzie, who’s standing next to me, grabs my hand and stops me from pursuing the argument with a firm shake of her head. The look of dread in her eyes warns me that if I dare speak another word, it will be my last at Raventhorn.

I think of Mom and Levgen. How they would feel if I got kicked out.

And how I’d feel.

The unsettling dread of failure shoots me down.

“A wise choice to listen to your friend.” Tiffany folds her arms across her chest, keeping her gaze trained on me. “However, it’s too late to backpedal. I’ll be sure to contact your mother and stepfather to let them know what little value you place on being here at Raventhorn. I also have something extra special for you tonight. Something that will teach you the meaning of respect.”

The vindictive look in her eyes tells me it still may be my last moments at Raventhorn.

Great.

Just fucking great.

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