Page 31 of Prayer of the Damned

“A little more, Belle! You can do it!” I hear Valentina cheering me on from the bench. I want to answer, to tell her that she doesn’t have to wait for me and I might be here all night, but my lungs are desperate for air and I can’t get a word out.

I raise a hand and wave to her. That should be enough.

I force myself to move my legs and finish this torment. My running now seems more like slow walking, but I’m determined to finish. I don’t want to test the Dean’s patience any more than I already have. Given my unusual situation, I should keep my head down and not stand out any more than I already do.

On the eighth lap I realize Valentina isn’t alone anymore, and Tyra’s sitting next to her, keeping her company. She isn’t bothered by the rain; I see Valentina bring the umbrella closer to her and Tyra shakes her head.What’s Tyra up to?

I decide to pick up the pace so I can get close to them, maybe overhear part of their conversation. As I approach, I slow down and try to focus, but it’s useless. The rain is only growing stronger. I hate European weather in the summer, it’s so mercurial.

Valentina’s laughter fills the stadium. Her laugh sounds so fake. Is Valentina trying to get in with Tyra? She was so furious when they dragged her away from me on the patio, and here she is sitting next to Tyra, giggling like a schoolgirl over some nonsense Tyra probably said.

I move away from them, then speed up again. Focusing on something besides the pain of the physical effort does the job,and I barely remember that I’m supposed to suffer during this punishment. I can’t hear a thing on this lap either. It’s my last one, so I decide to go for broke and end this as quickly as possible.

I stop in front of Valentina, leaning my hands on my knees and trying to slow my breathing. It doesn’t help, breathing doesn’t comfort me and it’s time to face that. When I raise my head, Tyra’s gone.

Valentina shifts her weight and says: “You did it. Ready to move? You need a shower, sis.”

“What did Tyra want?” I trail after her, not bothering to get under the umbrella with her since I’m soaked down to my bones anyway.

“She invited us to a party the trio are throwing.”

“And what did you say?”

“That we’d go.”

I come to a halt. “Why’d you RSVP without checking with me first? I don’t think I can even move after that torture.”

“Nothing a hot shower won’t fix,” she smiles. “Besides, my dad told me to keep an eye on them. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”

“Okay.” I guess she’s right, but it ruins my plan to stay as far from Liam as I can. Especially after the awkward incident between us.

“Ah… I need to talk to you before we go to the party.” I’m reminded of my plan, which involves breaking another rule.

“No problem, but you need a shower first, you stink and I don’t think I can stand next to you for a moment longer.” She laughs and I punch her in the side. Rude.

Chapter Twelve

Bellcolor

Istep out of the shower refreshed; I was able to regain my strength faster than I’d anticipated. I find Valentina lying on her bed, focused on her phone and drinking the phosphorescent juice. Three more empty bottles lie on her nightstand.

“Are you okay?” I ask. I think she’s drinking way more synthetic blood than she should.

“Yeah, I think my new body hasn’t synced up with my previous human body yet. I should be having my period around now. Menstruation’s gone but I’ve still got the cravings.” She keeps browsing the cellphone in her hand.

“Does this party have a dress code?” I approach my closet.

“Wear something comfortable but sexy,” Valentina replies distractedly. It’s odd, she’s usually eager to pick my outfits for me, especially when it comes to social events. The word ‘sexy’ reminds me that I need to talk to her before we head to the party.

I sit on her bed, still only in a towel. “Um… about our talk?” I smile shyly.

Valentina tosses her phone on the nightstand. “Talk to me. I’m sorry, I guess my attention span’s gone to hell too.”

I take a long breath and decide to just say it, just get it over with. “I want you to help me lose my virginity,” I blurt out, waiting for the verdict.

“Youwhat?” Valentina jumps up and stares at me in absolute shock.

“I feel it floating over my head and I just want to get rid of that damn label. I always hear that the first time is awfully emotional and super-embarrassing, and mainly messy, and I don’t want that. I’d like to just skip to the pleasure stage, you know what I mean?” I’m not sure I’ve explained myself properly, but I can’t tell her I’m impervious to harm and that I have no idea how that would affect the loss of my virginity. To say nothing of the blood… the blood Libretto warned me not to give to anyone other than him.

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