Page 11 of Snake

Nim

Idon’t have any classes for the rest of the day, which suits me fucking perfectly. I head back to my dorm room, fuming inside.

I’m not pissed off at Knox, or the Serpents. It’s Nim Winters I’m furious at.

I have no reason to act all surprised at what happened out there by the oak tree. Knox has been treating me like a damn doll since the day I arrived. Dressing me up, braiding my hair.

They treat me like their toy. And I let them. Why? Because I never knew which straw would break this donkey’s back. So I let them threaten me and bully me, because I was terrified of what would happen if I fought back.

But I’m done being a coward. It’s time the Serpents found out how hard this donkey can kick.

“Hey, you.” Romi grins at me when I come through the door. She’s over at her study desk, unpacking textbooks from her backpack. “Perfect timing. I don’t have any assignments to work on until next week—do you want to go get some snacks and binge something stupid?”

I come to a stop in the middle of our dorm room, letting my backpack slither down my arm until it drops on the floor.

“Nim, what’s wrong?” Romi rushes over, arms wide like she wants to scoop me into a hug.

I put out my hands to stop her. “I’m pissed.” I glance away, pursing my lips. “Actually…scratch that. I’m absolutely livid.”

Romi’s throat moves as she swallows. I guess she’s never seen me angry before. Fuck, I’ve never been this pissed off in my entire life. I had a long sob in the girls’ bathroom after I slapped Knox. It felt like I was letting out emotions I didn’t even know I’d been repressing until they all came bubbling to the surface.

I cried for my parents, for the man in the woods, for little Boomer, for myself. I even cried for Silas and his family, because I couldn’t help myself.

Now it’s like I’m seeing clearly for the first time. Ever.

And, for the first time, I know exactly what needs to be done.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Fuck that. I’m sick of talking and begging and pleading.” I toss my head, staring Romi down even though I have to look up at her to do it. Goosebumps break out over my arms. “This time I’m getting even.”

Romi’s eyes glitter with anticipation. “I want in.”

“Are you sure? I don’t know what the fallout’s going to be.”

“Pfft.” She waves a limp-wristed hand. “I’ve been a good girl my whole life. I think I’ve saved up enough brownie points to take a hit or two.”

I grin at her. “Then tell me…is Magnus the kind of guy who takes really good care of his hair?”

Romi stares at me like I’ve grown horns. Maybe I have. She nods, a curious frown drawing lines over her forehead.

“Perfect. So where can a girl find a spare toothbrush and some cayenne pepper?”

---