Page 23 of Dig Your Grave

The campus café near the art building was nestled under a canopy of oak trees lit by tiny string lights.Usually it was a cozy spot for students to study or gossip, complete with mismatched chairs and chalkboard menus listing overpriced lattes.This evening, it felt more like a stage set for a cunning negotiation.

I arrived a few minutes early.My nerves were ragged, so I ordered a simple black coffee to keep my hands busy.Sophie swept in at precisely seven, wearing a sleek trench coat and heeled boots that clicked briskly on the hardwood floor.The barista gave her a beaming greeting, like they knew her well.

She breezed over to me, setting a slender designer purse on the table, then removing her coat to reveal a stylish blouse that probably cost more than a month of our rent back home.

“Suede,” she said smoothly, glancing at my plain coffee.“Is that all you’re having?I recommend the salted caramel macchiato if you like sweeter things.”

I forced a polite laugh, my lips still tasting of Anubis.“I’m good.I’ve had enough salt for today.”

She raised a brow, then signaled the barista for an iced Americano.Once the barista left, Sophie folded her hands and gave me a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.“I appreciate you coming,” she began.“I know you’ve had a tumultuous start this semester.First the hair debacle, then that unfortunate Boat House fiasco, and of course, your roommate…”

Her words made my stomach twist, but I kept my expression neutral.“Yes,” I said, “it’s been a lot.”

She leaned in, her tone conspiratorial.“A place like Edenvane can be overwhelming, especially for someone from your…background.Some students thrive on our traditions and step neatly into the circles that matter.Others stumble or find themselves lost.I’d hate to see you lost.”

Lost in the river?I sipped my coffee, ignoring the spike of annoyance.“I appreciate the sentiment,” I said, opting for a diplomatic approach.“I’ve been trying to find my place—join a club, keep up my grades.It’s…a lot of pressure.”

She nodded, her eyes gleaming with a strange satisfaction.“I can take some of that pressure off.Dean Mence, that is, my mother, respects my opinion on certain scholarship matters.If I vouch for you, the eyes on your every misstep could fade.No more silly strikes for trifles.”

A swirl of anger flickered through me, but I kept it concealed.“Why would you do that for me?”

Her half-smile spoke volumes:Because you’d owe me.But she didn’t say that outright.Instead, she took a sip of her iced Americano, lips curving.“You remind me of someone I used to know.She tried to prove herself at Edenvane.Worked day and night to fit in.She had real grit.That’s admirable in a place where so many take their privilege for granted.”

Was she talking about Toccara?Or maybe some older case of a scholarship student?I studied her face but found only a polished veneer.

“It’s not that I want special treatment,” I said softly.“I just want to succeed on my own terms.”

She bobbed her head with a show of sympathy.“Of course you do.And you can.But sometimes we all need a little guidance.So, Suede, let me be frank.I’m involved with certain…leadership committees on campus.We’re always looking for fresh talent, especially from those who show resilience.If that’s you, I might put your name forward for an opportunity.”

My pulse drummed in my ears.This was it—a backdoor invitation to the Skulls, or a related stepping-stone.“What opportunity?”

She shrugged elegantly.“Consider it a mentorship program.You learn from the best, get access to exclusive resources, maybe gain a powerful network after graduation.You could be more than a statistic.You’d be a real contender.”

I tried to appear skeptical without tipping my hand.“What would I have to do?”

Her lips curved.“Nothing strenuous.Show up to a few gatherings.Keep an open mind about tasks you might be asked to fulfill.Prove your loyalty to the people who can shape your future.”A beat passed.“You’d be expected to sign an NDA, of course, for confidentiality.The details of our gatherings are private.”

I forced a swallow of coffee, trying to quell the surge of panic.This was classic grooming for a secret society, all polished up with corporate-sounding phrases.Toccara must have heard a very similar pitch.

I put on my best pensive face, twirling a lock of green hair.“It sounds…intriguing.I won’t lie.It’s nice to feel like someone sees my potential instead of just my financial aid status.”

She reached across the small table and patted my hand, a practiced gesture that made me want to recoil.But I kept still.“I do see your potential,” she said sweetly.“So think it over, Suede.I’ll be in touch soon with a formal invitation if you’re still interested.But if you’re not, well… I won’t waste your time.You can go on muddling along in the standard scholarship track.”

The subtext:I’ll crush you if you say no.Or possibly:You’ll float in the river like Toccara did.

I mustered a tight smile.“Thank you, Sophie.Let me have a day or two to think about it?”

“Of course.”She downed the last of her Americano, then rose gracefully, draping her trench coat over one arm.“I do have a donor event soon, so I’ll have to run.But I’ll text you.”

I rose too, feeling unsteady on my feet.“Enjoy the event.”

She nodded, her expression unreadable, then pivoted and exited, leaving behind a faint trail of expensive perfume.

I sank back into my seat, letting out the breath I’d been holding.My coffee was cold, my palms were sweaty, and my throat felt raw.The conversation had been carefully scripted, each line designed to lure me in while dangling an unspoken threat.She was good at this.It confirmed all my worst suspicions: Sophie Mence was a master manipulator.

Outside, I texted Anubis a succinct update:

Just finished.She wants me to attend some “gatherings.”Might happen soon.Talk later?

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