Page 190 of A University of Betrayal

“I’ll be fine,” I interrupted her urgently, wondering at the concern in her gaze. “And the last thing I need right now is that look on your face.”

Pity.It was everywhere I looked – the reason I recognized that emotion so well on other people’s faces.

As if she had just been waiting for those words, the usual look came back to her face.

“Sorry... I just wanted to apologize for that stupid test.”

My eyes widened, and I pulled her further into the shadows.

She was too loud.

Then I began quietly. “Please, don’t tell anyone.” I couldn’t interpret the look on her face.“Please.”

Actually, I should feel pathetic asking a Senseque who hated our guts for anything. Except that my future depended on her willingness to remain silent. If she wanted to, she could ruin me.

As if she had read my thoughts, her eyes widened, framed by thick lashes. “You really thinkthatpoorly of me?”

“You hate us,” I said quickly, hoping she didn’t notice my embarrassment.

“This is an exception.” She looked tense.

“Is it?” I asked. “I could kill you, after all.” I didn’t like this honesty on my part at all.

Emely looked at me with a fixed expression. “I honestly respect your strange powers.”

Then she sighed and something loosened in her facial expression. “I gave you an expired test. That was my mistake, and I couldn’t help but at least apologize.”

I had to pull the corners of my mouth up a little in despair. A sign that the Salma was continuing to fade.

“I was never angry with you,” I confessed honestly.

Relief entered her eyes.

“And I thought you wanted to get back at me.”

“You’re definitely not on my list,” I joked dryly, and she even laughed.

Then she looked around. “I better go... Not that we’ll be seen together. You know... The social distancing rules...” She smiled sheepishly. “In case there’s a problem with the...” She paused and looked at my stomach.

Shame spread through me, as if I had done something scandalous.

She meant what was growing inside me.

“I’ll have it removed.” I noticed my cheeks getting warmer. “Don’t worry.”

Emely blushed and pressed her lips together.

“I’m sorry,” she continued hastily, and before I could blink an eye, she had shouldered her bag and stormed past me.

My mind was racing, and I tried to make sense of the conversation I had just had. Unsuccessfully. And the only realization I came to was that I had lied to Emely.

I wouldn’t be able to get rid of it.

Chapter 36

Bayla

Darkness Descends

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