Page 37 of The Hunt of Night

Hurrying to my feet, I keep my eyes fixed on the exit, not slowing my stride until the fresh air hits me. I give myself the opportunity to take in three deep breaths, failing to calm myself.Apparently, a weekend hiding away leads to a Monday morning of awkwardness, and I don’t know what to do about it.

Fuck.

So much for focus.

Straightening my spine and rolling back my shoulders, I silently give myself a pep talk before I feel someone come to a stop beside me. Assuming it’s Flora, I take off, thankful for her silent company, only to peer up at Kryll after a few steps. I falter, and the tight smile he offers resonates inside of me.

“Have you heard from your family?” he asks softly, turning away from me as we keep in step.

“Yeah,” I manage, my blood spiking at the mention of my loved ones.

“Are they okay?”

I nod, clearing my throat. “I’m sorry, I feel like I haven’t thanked you properly for?—”

He lifts his hand, waving me off. “It’s not necessary.”

“Well, I appreciate it,” I murmur, biting back a smile.

I glance up at him, only to find him already looking at me.

“If you ever change your mind about knowing where?—”

“I won’t,” I snap, a little too harshly, cutting him off.

His brows knit together. “But?—”

“I won’t, Kryll,” I bite, my pulse ringing in my ears as my face heats.

This time, when he lifts his hands, it’s in surrender. “Whatever you say, Princess.” Without another word, he takes off, the classroom coming into view, and he makes a beeline for his brother.

“Kryll, I didn’t…” My words trail off, his attention focused elsewhere, and I come to a stop at the edge of the growing group of students.

Helplessly looking around, I spot Raiden, but a bubble of embarrassment has me turning away.

What the hell is wrong with me?

Desperation has me glancing back over my shoulder, considering a swift exit despite the little mantras I worked on all weekend. Flora raises an eyebrow at me and I sigh, folding my arms over my chest as I look at her pleadingly.

“Am I being a bitch or just repelling the assholes in my life?” The words taste weird on my tongue, but they need to be spoken. I’m not sure why I suddenly care, but here I am, lost in them even more than I thought.

“A mixture.” There’s not a single ounce of uncertainty in her answer, and it makes me cringe.

“You’re supposed to be on my side, Flora,” I grumble, my arms tightening around my middle.

“That’s why I’m giving you the truth, bestie,” she promises, making Arlo scoff.

“This is what happens when she loves you, Addi. Get used to it,” he muses, and I roll my eyes.

“Fine, but I’m not saying I like it.”

Although, her truth settles something inside of me.

“Good morning, my least favorite group of assholes,” Professor Tora hollers, calling everyone’s attention to him. I spot Kryll rolling his eyes at his brother’s choice of addressing us, and it makes me smirk. Just a little. “I hope you’re all up for an adventure.”

“The last time you said that, I was almost killed.” Vallie’s shrill voice fills the air as she comes into view. The desire and need to do it all over again vibrates through me, but a hand clamps down on my shoulder as I take a step.

“Not yet.” The gruff order comes from Cassian, his fingers curling tighter, forcing me to stop.

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