Page 3 of Say It Slowly

CHAPTER TWO

Lux

The next coupleof days pass in a haze of uncertainty. I’m looking over my shoulder every five minutes, and I try to stick to well-lit, well-populated areas if I’m away from my room.

And all the while, Roman is texting meconstantly.

Are you okay?

Where are you?

Answer my texts…

I’d turn my phone off if I weren’t waiting to hear from Bree. That strange number that contacted me the other day never replied, and I’m left again to wonder if Roman was behind it all. It wouldn’t be out of character for him. The guy is seriously fucked up.

Maybe it’s just easier for me to believe it’s Roman, though—because the alternative is even more terrifying. It would meanBree was taken by someone else, someone I’m not even aware of. And the thought that sends fear tripping down my spine.

So, yeah, the devil you know, and all that, I guess.

When I get back to my residence hall, I see a guy waiting in my hallway on the second floor. He’s leaning against the wall, staring down at his phone, but as soon as I step off the elevator, he glances up at me. He’s young and obviously a student here, wearing an ExU hoodie, jeans, and flip-flops. Not the most threatening figure, but it’s the middle of the day, and most people are in class, so we’re alone.

And when he holds my gaze, anxiety spikes in my veins. Stiffening, I slow my pace as I try to figure out who this person is. Have I seen him somewhere before? After what happened the other day, I’m on high alert.

As I step closer, I realize he’s standing right in front ofmydoor.Shit.My heart is in my throat, and I pause, wondering if I should turn back around. If I do, will he chase me? Do I have enough of a lead to get away?

The guy sees my hesitation, and steps forward. “Lux Anderson?”

Uh. “Yes?”

We’re still thirty or so feet away from each other, so if I have to run, I’ll get a head-start at least. He walks toward me, holding up a black envelope, just like the one for the Prefrence Ceremony—only that one was shoved under my door.

“The Sacred Sons invite you,” he says, placing the envelope in my hand. “Someone will be here shortly before the event to escort you to Rush House.”

I blink at him. “Thanks.”

Then he just…walks away. I wait until he gets onto the elevator before ripping the envelope open.

The Burning Crown requests your presence

at the tribunal of Tyler Savano.

Tonight.

10 o’clock.

Tyler Savano. I have no idea who that is, except…could it be the Tyler that attacked me the other day? That’s the only thing that makes sense, because otherwise, why would I be invited to a secret society thing?

With a heavy sigh, I open my door and toss the invite onto my desk. I really,reallywant to send the envelope back with “unsubscribe” written across the front in bright red letters.

I still need Roman’s help finding Bree, though, so I guess I’m going.

The rest of the day is pretty chill. I have one class, and a bunch of chapters I need to read, but at about nine-thirty that night, I put it all aside, so I can start getting ready for this tribunal weirdness. And I have no idea what the dress code is, but I’m guessing it’s not jeans.

“Where are you going?” Emily asks, looking up from her laptop.

“I’ve been invited to a thing at Rush House,” I answer, sifting through my closet. I pull out a sage green, knee-length dress that’s more casual than is probably appropriate. But the Burning Crown will have to excuse me for not having a closet full of evening gowns. We don’t all live on the set ofThe Bachelor, for God’s sake. And theonedress I wore to the Preference Ceremony is pretty much the only formal-ish dress I have.

I also find the necklace Roman gave me and slip it over my head. It’s cringe, but I’m going to a Burning Crown thing, so I guess I’ll play along.

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