Page 4 of Envy

“I do.” My voice barely makes it out.

Valen stiffens. “I think it’s best you leave.” His tone final.

He doesn’t know why I lied, but I’m not his problem for him to give a shit. His priority is Melody, as it should be.

At first, I didn’t see how all this would affect me. How it would affect anyone. I’ve never had friends or felt love from anyone.

But this is what John wanted—a way to sever any hope that I would find someone who would care about me. But most of all, he wanted to make sure I wasn’t protected by the sons of Kenyan.

I get up and reach for my sweater. The only one I own. A cheap contrast to the designer one Melody wears. It says Kenyan University––the same one they give all Prey. A way to distinguish us from the rest. I’m sure Melody got one too. And I’m sure Valen never let her wear it. Because Melody is not me.

She’s the opposite of everything I represent.

I was bought.

She was chosen.

I am hated.

She is loved.

I want to die.

She wants to live.

I am nothing.

She is everything.

“I’m sorry,” I say softly. My stomach sinks when she looks away.

The front door shuts behind me like the final nail in my coffin.

The sun is painted in twilight when I pull my phone. I type out the message as instructed.

Rose: It’s done.

M: Good.

A voice cuts through the silence. “Do you need a ride?”

I jolt. The phone almost slips from my fingers. I turn. Azriel leans against a pillar, taking a slow drag from his vape.

“You scared me,” I exhale.

He tucks the vape into his pocket and steps forward. The setting sun bleeds against his face, painting in molten gold. ”I didn’t mean to.”

His face has changed. The acne gone, thanks to Melody. And thanks to his brother, he’s not as quiet anymore. He’s nicer. Handsome, too. Lean. Tall. Strong jaw. Dark brown eyes. Tattoos on his neck that weren’t there before.

“It’s fine.” I clear my throat, knowing I need to go. “I gotta go.”

“How do you plan on doing that?”

I blink. “Excuse me?”

He arches a brow and points to the driveway.

“How are you gonna leave? You don’t have a car.”

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