Page 60 of The Vipers and Their Venom

“You’ve got a nasty mouth on you, Saint, and maybe you should look at yourself before you criticize others. I think the last time your clothing was in style was the eighties.” Faith pushes by him, and he tries to kiss her neck, but she dodges him and pulls a disgusted face.

Why is he trying to kiss her? Is he messing about with these girls? I feel as if every time I think I’ve got a handle on this place, the ground shifts beneath me.

“Enjoy the cross-country race, Vani. Be sure to not let any monsters find you in those woods.” Saint smirks.

He saunters away from the table, all arrogant peacock, fucking preening in his fancy clothes. I gnash my teeth. I loathe him, I decide.

“He’s such an ass,” Angelica says. “Imagine having such low self-esteem as a girl that you’d go with him, with the way he talks to women.”

She rolls her eyes, and my shame intensifies.

Does she know? Does everyone? They said they didn’t kiss and tell, but it seems there are already rumors about me and the Vipers.

As for Saint, screw him. He body shamed me and then made a play for Faith right in front of me.

“Well, I won’t be going on this cross country run,” I say, trying to change the conversation.

“Oh, we all have to,” Angelica replies. “Unless you have a damn good reason not to. Each semester there is a cross country run for each house. It’s our house in two days, and there’s a lot of competition between the houses for the best time.”

“Why do wehaveto do it?” I ask. “That seems stupid.”

“No idea. Tradition. The same way the fights are, and the way the curriculum is. Just … don’t get caught.”

“Caught?”

Angelica nods. “By any of the men. Stick with the girls. If you get caught alone, your reputation will be in tatters, and maybe worse.”

I stare at my salad, my appetite totally ruined. This place is so fucked up.

“Stick with us,” she says, smiling. “We’ll look after you.”

33

VANI

Ispend the rest of the day getting myself worked up about the cross country event. I’m not a great runner. I like some sports and am good at them, but running isn’t my thing, and not long distance. If I lose sight of the women, I’m scared what might happen to me. Angelica alluded that things could get bad.

Surely, though, that’s not allowed? This place is so strict and is supposed to have strong moral codes; it’s one of the reasons my father allowed me to come.

The next night, I’m even more stressed about it. I’m walking back to my room after a few hours in the library when I see Faith. She’s alone, so I run to catch up with her.

“Hey,” I say.

She turns to me and grins. “Oh, hi, Vani. What are you up to?”

“I’ve just been studying, and I’m going back to my room for a shower and an early night. I’m dreading this run tomorrow. How is your training going?”

She wrinkles her nose. “Not as good as it should be. I’m struggling to get the times I need. My father is big on me winning … at everything. He’s going to be pissed if I let him down.”

I smile at her. “I’m sure he’ll be proud of you no matter what.”

She laughs but it rings hollow. “You don’t know my father.”

I fiddle with the strings on my hoodie. “Faith, can I ask you a question?”

“Sure,” she says.

“This race. What did Angelica mean about bad things happening to me if I’m caught by some of the men? Surely that can’t be right?”

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