Page 41 of Juliet & Her Romeos

Mary’s eyes twinkle. “In this academy, you’re no better than the rest of us. You simply like to pretend that you are because it makes you feel less lost, insecure, and afraid. But you’re not safe in your elite family anymore. You’re only a—”

“I will be,” Ariana snarls. “I’m going to win on Friday and become the principal. Then you’ll have to respect and obey me.”

A shiver runs down my spine.

It’ll be hell in this academy if Ariana — my main rival — gains this position of authority.

She’ll make us all pay.

Some people should never be in positions of power. They’ll abuse it.

Carefully, I ease myself out of the splits and stand up next to Mary.

Ariana jabs her finger at my chest. “You shouldn’t be allowed to take part in the contest. It doesn’t matter how many times Rem explains to your loyal dog, Swan, why he shouldn’t dance with you, Swan won’t drop you as a partner. But let me make this abundantly clear, hun. Rem and I are the true heirs to theposition of principal. Generations of Betas in our family have been sent here. We were born for this. And you won’t take it away from us.”

I stare at Ariana.

She’s panting. Her cheeks are flushed.

I understand her passion.Her rage.

If she only put all that hate into positive energy in her dancing, then she probablywouldwin.

Instead, she’s wasting it on me.

After all, it’s the system and tradition’s fault that she had no choice but to be here.

Not me.

I pause for a moment, forcing myself to unclench my hands and slow my breathing. “Okay.”

Ariana blinks. “What?”

“Is there anything else?”

Ariana looks confused. “Well…no…but…”

See, psychological warfare.

Mindfuck the bullies back. It works every time.

Ariana crosses her arms, unsure what to do, before huffing and flouncing back to the barre.

I watch her go, amused.

I jump, however, when the door slams open and I hear the loud rapping of a cane on the floor.

Rap—rap—rap.

Katerina.

The Dance Master.

My pulse speeds up.

My mouth is suddenly dry.

Without looking round, Mary and I rush to stand at the barre as well, holding onto it and adjusting our feet into the correct position.

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