Page 63 of Dig Your Grave

We followed the crowd back into the foyer.The atmosphere was tense, speculation swirling.A staffer quickly removed the table of syringes, while the Dean’s PR team assured donors that Sophie was “resting comfortably.”

Amid the confusion, I spotted Kate lurking near a column, phone in hand.Catching my eye, she mouthed:“Need a statement.”

I shook my head subtly, indicating I had nothing immediate.She typed furiously, probably sending updates to the Undercurrent or the Howler.My own phone vibrated with a message from Harry:

Harry:

“Rumors of a medical mishap at the gala.Any details?We want the scoop!”

I tensed.He was stepping right into the hornet’s nest.With the Skulls in damage-control mode, the slightest leak could provoke them.But maybe that’s precisely what we needed.

Anubis’ hand brushed mine.“We should keep a low profile.The Dean must be furious.She’ll suspect sabotage or sabotage gone wrong.”

Nodding, I forced a casual stroll toward the exit.“Yes.Let’s slip out before they close ranks.”

We weaved through clusters of anxious guests, stepping outside into the crisp night air.It was a relief to breathe again, away from the stifling hush of the mansion.The hedges rustled in a light breeze, and the moon glowed overhead.

Just as we reached Anubis’ Porsche, my phone buzzed yet again with an unknown number:

Unknown:

“Meet me by the greenhouse.Urgent.Alone.”

My stomach clenched.The greenhouse sat on the mansion’s east lawn, rarely used after dark.This could be a trap or a lead.I showed the text to Anubis, who scowled.

“You can’t go alone,” he said firmly.

I exhaled shakily.“We need answers.If it’s a trap, at least we’ll confirm who’s behind it.But I won’t be alone.You can watch from a distance.”

He gripped my hand, tension radiating.“Alright.But if anything goes wrong…”

I gave a curt nod.“You jump in.”

We circled around the mansion’s eastern side, where the greenhouse nestled among tall shrubs and garden statues.Faint light from the interior cast ghostly reflections on the glass panes.My heels clicked softly on the flagstone path.

Anubis hung back behind a statue, phone in hand, ready to call for help.With a racing heart, I stepped toward the greenhouse door, pushing it open quietly.

Inside, the humid air smelled of damp earth and exotic blooms.Faint overhead lights revealed rows of potted plants, climbing vines, and a narrow walkway.No sign of movement at first.

Then a figure emerged from behind a row of tall ferns: Dr.Lansing.My heart lurched.She still wore the same lab coat from the demonstration, though her hair was disheveled, and her expression was a mix of desperation and worry.

“You’re…that student,” she whispered, scanning me uncertainly.“The one always with Captain Edenvane.I recognized you from the stage.”

I relaxed a fraction.She wasn’t the typical black-suited enforcer.But my guard stayed up.“Why did you call me here?”

She exhaled in a rush.“I had to talk to someone who might understand.Someone in the Skulls.”

“You think I’m in the Skulls?What are you talking about?”I tried to lie.

“Come on.I know enough to know an Edenvane would be.”She reached out and tugged my shawl exposing the crest on my shoulder.“You wear a fresh mark which means you’re a novice.But clearly you’re not one of them.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have that same dress you’re wearing.So, I suspect you’re here on scholarship if not the lottery winning student.Also, I’ve heard enough to know the highest in their society pair up with the lowest.Most of these women don’t survive after they bear heirs… But the Undercurrent gave me your number.Said to tell you my story… Listen, Sophie’s reaction was severe, but it shouldn’t have happened.We tested that formula so many times on…volunteers.”Her lips twisted on that final word.“I suspect sabotage.”

My mind whirled.“Sabotage by who?”

She shook her head.“If I knew, I’d say.But the formula is gene-based, tailored to the unique Edenvane lineage.Anubis’ father insisted on pushing the trials forward, especially for family members.He said it would ‘strengthen their legacy.’”

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