Page 4 of Vile Heart

Scurry scurry, little mouse…

Avoiding the searching gaze, he trailed through the busy lobby. Around him, people were dancing and having fun. Some of them he knew, but none of them werehim. When he’d made his round, Camren headed for the rectangular courtyard that was enclosed between the different university buildings. Icicles had frosted against the lancet windows, and when he stepped outside, the gardens welcomed him through a layer of snow. It was surprisingly quiet out here as if the entire scenery had been stilled.

Camren took in a deep breath of fresh air, contemplating his next move when a new sound made him look around. He was still alone, yet…

The door of the adjacent library had been left ajar. Crossing the courtyard, Camren pushed open the glass door and peered inside. A group of six students sat around a table, heavily engrossed in a game.

“It’s your turn!” A girl called out.

A scoff. “No, it’s his. I’m not doing that.”

“But it’s your command.”

“But I chose a question!”

“Okay, I’ll go. What’s the command?”

One of them stood up with a theatrical sigh that turned into a surprised yelp when he saw Camren watching. Eyes darted from the black heart up to Camren’s face. “Uhm…”

“Kiss—” The girl looked up, her grin widening when she saw Camren. “Him.”

Realization washed through the guy’s shocked expression and he slowly shook his head. “No fucking way.”

Camren stared right back, a sly smile on his face. This was the part he enjoyed most. The bewilderment. He cocked his head. “What? You won’t kiss me?”

“I—”

“If you don’t fulfill the command, you’ve got to drink,” the girl said.

The guy reached back and blindly grabbed for the closest bottle, still staring at Camren. He took a large gulp from the whiskey, eyes tearing when he swallowed. He never blinked.

“Ouch.” Cameron approached the table, where all the others had now finally noticed him. “You just gave my ego a hit.” He grabbed a chair and turned it around, plopping down with his chin propped against the backrest. “So, what are we playing?”

His question was met with silence.

Camren looked around, his smile widening when he recognized the guy he’d wanted to fight ever since he’d set foot at the party.

Jaro Mink had grown since Camren had last seen him. He was still small in comparison to his own size, but it appeared the annoying, vibrant kid had turned into a geek. He’d tried to style his hair a little too much and the thick frame of his glasses took up much of his entire face. But the scowl he sent his way was deliberate.

“We’re playing questions and commands,” someone answered.

“He’s at the party,” Camren said instead, holding Jaro’s gaze, “but not here with you?”

Jaro got up. “I’m no longer playing.”

“Sit down,” Camren barked.

No one spoke. Tension rose as Jaro hesitated, his lips pressed in a stubborn pout.

“I want you to text him and tell him to get his ass here.Now.”

“He doesn’t want to see you.”

“I know.”

Jaro glowered. “You’re no longer friends.”

“I know.” Camren tipped his chin to Jaro’s multi-slate. “Now.”

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