Page 256 of Blood & Betrayals

The headmaster stands. “If for some reason you’re not gone by tomorrow morning or something happens that keeps you here, do not, under any circumstances, approach him.”

“Yes, sir. I understand.”

“Tell no one where you are going.”

“Yes, sir.”

He looks between us. “Act normal tonight, like you believe Eli is the murderer, and this is over.”

I glance at Alice, and she meets my gaze before we both nod.

“The campus will be busy tonight. Take care.”

I clear my throat and stand up. “I’ll see you out, sir.” I walk him to the door and open it for him. “The fae king. He won’t hurt you, will he?”

The headmaster’s lips quirk at the corners. It is fleeting, but I catch it. “He could try.” With that arrogant statement, he leaves.

I pace the living room. Alice has gone to her room to watch her trashy show, and I keep stealing glances at my phone.

Don’t message him. Don’t message him. Don’t message him.

I curse and pick up my phone. Going to the stranger’s profile, I type out a message and then delete it. Then again. Then again. I do this ten times before finally finding the courage to press send.

The reply comes almost immediately.

The message hits me like a blow, but I can’t blame him.

I watch the screen, waiting for a response, but none comes. He doesn’t even appear to be typing. I’m not even sure he has read my last message. I place my phone back on the coffee tableand stare at it, allowing myself one full minute to acknowledge the loneliness I’ve felt since our fight.

98

Summer

Alice and I arrive at the Morningstar House just after 7AM to make sure the boys are up and nearly ready to leave.

Alice claps her hands as we enter the house. “Who’s excited for Drãculea?” All the boys are in the living room except Connor, and I’m surprised that Ashley is also here. Connor comes from the kitchen and glances at me, his eyes shining with hurt and concern.

I dump my bag on the ground and walk over to him. I brush my lips over his, but he doesn’t kiss me back. “Can we talk for a minute?”

Connor nods stiffly. I slide my hand into his and lead him upstairs to his bedroom. When the door closes, I turn to look at Connor.

“What did you want to talk about?” he asks, dropping my hand.

I move in closer and cup his cheek. “About why we need to go to Drãculea today. I couldn’t send it over text, and I know you were busy with your brothers yesterday.”

“Oh?” Connor asks, relaxing slightly.

I had spent the night hemming and hawing about how much to tell Connor, but I knew he wouldn’t stand for not knowing anything. That would be asking too much of him.

“You know how they caught the murderer yesterday?”

Connor nods, watching me.

“Well, it turns out he’s a noble in the fae court, so the fae king is visiting today. The headmaster didn’t think it was wise for me to stay on campus given how different I am.”

“The fae king?” Connor asks, the surprise clear in his voice.

I nod. “I need to know that everyone important to me isn’t on campus. It’s said he is quite the tyrant.”

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