Page 178 of Tis the Season to be Bullied

Everyone knows it.

Romi knows it when we cross paths in the courtyard. She opens her mouth as if she wants to say something, perhaps ask if I’m okay...but she doesn’t.

Becauseshe knows.

Dean Rigby knows it when a flare of light brings my eyes to his office window on the third floor of the east wing. He watches the Serpents take me across school property like the slave that I am...and he does nothing.

Becauseheknows.

Eliza Jackson knows it when we reach the girls’ dorm. The simpering look she gives Mason instantly transforms into a spiteful glare when she notices me at his side. But she does nothing.

Because sheknows.

I assume they’re taking me to my dorm room, abandoning me there until they need their toy again. But they take the keycard they found in my jacket pocket and open my room and pack up all my things.

An awful flicker of hope pulses through me.

They’re getting rid of me. Tossing me to the curb. Throwing me out of their Academy so I have no choice but to fuck off and leave them to their bullying and murdering.

But instead of leading me to Cinderhart Academy’s massive pewter doors, they head for the boys’ dorm.

Fuckhope.

They were packing my things because this isn’t my room anymore. I’ve been upgraded. Slaves of the Serpents don’t spendtheir free time, their bath time, theirnaptime in a twin room like the one I shared with Romi.

Slaves bunk with theirmasters, and this slave has three to choose from.

Ha. As if Ieverhad a choice.

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