Page 47 of Savage Desire

One.

Two.

Three.

The pain is gone, the disorientation barely lingering as I stare, jaw slack at the wolf that still remains unmoving.

I push at Asher’s chest, heart thundering in my ribcage as he releases me, and I spin toward Declan. His neck looks… weird.

Dropping to my knees, a sob parts my lips. I don’t know why, but the emotional rollercoaster leaves me wrung dry, the fact made even worse by what lies before me.

I can’t say it, but I know it.

Reaching a hand in his direction, I have no idea what I’m searching for, but the need to feel something is undeniable. Just as my hand hovers over his neck, where I know his pulse will be flat, a scream bites through the air.

Fuck.

My hand falls back at my side, a defeated weight heavy on my shoulders as the cry spreads through the crowd.

He’s dead, and so is another.

“Students,I can’t begin to express the heartbreak I feel. The disappointment that we’re having to take another moment to mourn a loss before their time is overwhelming. I feel it is my duty at this time to be open and honest with all present. Declan Powers was… troubled. We came to this assessment after he was identified as the student who killed another, resulting in an innocent death.”

Veronica, I think, but he doesn’t say it.

I hate that he doesn’t say her name.

“Unfortunately, as we were preparing to transfer him off property, he managed to slip through the security we had in place. This fault lies with me, I have to take ownership of that, but I must also explain the fact that a need for additional security has never been necessary before. I wasn’t prepared for that, and I shall forever be sorry that I could have done more in the moment that defined the events that followed.”

Professor Whitmore drops his head and I tilt mine, staring at him. He actually seems… genuine. Like he’s truly sorry. Hmm. Either that or he’s a good actor.

“A vendetta against the vampires was clear, and unfortunately today, his target was another. One who I believe acted in self defense when the fateful act took place.”

Murmurs scatter over the room but no one denies his claim.

I don’t know how I feel. I don’t feel anything but numb. Right down to my soul.

Another death caused by someone else’s actions. Maybe it was safer at Florentine’s.

“With that in mind, once the student in question has been seen by the medical team, they will be free to return to classesas usual. I have made arrangements for anyone that may need aid to have a counsellor to speak with. This is available at all times, and I urge any who may need it to seek it openly. There is no shame in needing support in times such as this,” Whitmore explains, and I can’t help but scoff.

We’re all here to die, a fact I’m struggling to come to terms with, but as much as it causes me a great deal of pain to witness someone die before their time, I don’t see myself expressing that out loud to a stranger. Especially not a counsellor.

What is that going to achieve?

Nothing.

“Classes are finished for the rest of the day. Please, take the time to find a sense of peace. The innocent life lost today was a witch.” My ears perk up at that, the horror swirling deep in my soul darkening as I stare at him with wide eyes, desperate to know who. “The Renegades will be holding a ritual in honor of their center this evening. Lucille Cummings will be surely missed.” With a nod, he leaves the stage while my heart races in disbelief.

Lucille as in… the witch of my nightmares? The one who held me against my will, trying to pry information from me that wasn’t hers to take?

Damn.

I wouldn’t wish death upon her either.

My gaze darts over the crowd as I seek out Bryony, but in my blindness I realize she’s not even here. Damn. I hope she’s okay.

The rest of the hall begins to disperse while I remain locked in place, unsure what to do. Should I go and find Bryony and make sure she’s okay, or should I avoid The Renegades as a whole right now?

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