Page 69 of Dig Your Grave

We found a nearby diner within walking distance, an old-school place with chipped linoleum floors and the scent of frying bacon.The neon sign flickered in the window:Open 24 Hours.My nerves knotted at the idea of being out in public, but anonymity here might be our friend.

A waitress with a warm smile handed us menus.The place was half-empty, just a few other patrons scattered in booths.We slid into a corner booth, scanning the options.Eggs, pancakes, coffee.It felt ironically normal after everything.

As soon as the waitress left with our order, Anubis leaned across the table.“Think the cops will actually arrest the Dean or the watchers?”

My thoughts churned.“Depends on how deeply the Skulls have infiltrated the police.But if Kate’s note is true and they’re investigating Toccara’s death with fresh evidence, there’s a chance.Toccara might finally get justice.”

He nodded, relief flickering in his eyes.“That’s been our goal.”

“Yeah.”I stared at the chipped Formica tabletop.My brand still ached, though the rawness was less.“But what if the Skulls come for us before the police can act?The watchers gave us that ultimatum…like we were next if we resisted.”

Anubis’ gaze sharpened.“We won’t let them catch us off guard.We’ll stay hidden, watch the news.If the police truly clamp down, the Skulls might go underground or scatter.”

The waitress returned with two mugs of coffee and a glass carafe.I gratefully wrapped my hands around the ceramic warmth.Some primal part of me needed this comfort, this normalcy of a diner morning.If only I could forget the nightmares for a little while.

As we sipped, Anubis’ phone buzzed again.We froze, hearts pounding.Another text from Kate:

Kate:

“Cops took statements.Some watchers in custody.Dean lawyers up.Sophie missing??Some say ill.Factions.Be safe.”

I read it twice, the words blurring.“Sophie’s missing?Or maybe she’s still recovering from that injection.”

Anubis’ eyes narrowed.“Or the sabotage faction has her in hiding.Or she’s refusing hospital care out of fear the truth will come out.Hard to say.”

We quietly relayed the possibilities.Sophie’s collapse at the gala might have left her in a vulnerable state, both physically and politically.If the Skulls were fracturing, she might be a pawn or a scapegoat.

“What about the watchers in custody?”I asked, heart lifting.“That’s major.They might talk to save themselves.”

Anubis nodded grimly.“If they flip on the Dean, we could see real indictments.Maybe they’ll reveal the full chain of command behind Toccara’s murder.All the hush money.Everything.”

A flutter of cautious optimism.“If that happens, we might not have to hide forever.”

Our breakfasts arrived, steaming plates.It felt strange to eat while discussing the possible collapse of a centuries-old secret society.Yet the growling in my stomach insisted on nourishment.I forced myself to take slow bites, focusing on each mouthful.

Across from me, Anubis ate in thoughtful silence.He’d been so strong, sacrificing his illusions about his own family legacy.I reached across the table, curling my fingers over his wrist.He looked up, and for a moment, the tension in his gaze softened.

“Thank you,” I whispered.“For standing by me.”

He turned his hand to clasp mine.“We stand by each other,” he said simply.“And once this is done…maybe we can finally figure out a normal life.”

My heart squeezed.A normal life with him.The idea seemed a distant dream, but I clung to it like a lifeline.

We were halfway through the meal when my phone vibrated.Unexpected, since I had no signal earlier.The screen displayed an unknown local number, possibly a landline.

I shot Anubis a wary glance and answered.“Hello?”

A raspy voice crackled.“Nubia.We spoke in front of Edenvane mansion, about respecting lineage.We know where you are.”

Chapter 26

My blood ran cold.“How—?”

He cut me off.“Stop.The Dean is losing power.A new order is forming among the Skulls, and we want you.Return to campus.Comply, or your mother will pay the price.”

“Wait, what?”I nearly dropped the phone.My mother, Ambrosia, was on the road with Rock, traveling.The idea they’d track her was horrifying.“She’s not even in the state.”

A sinister chuckle.“You’d be surprised what we can do.Last chance, Nubia.If you want your mother safe, meet us tomorrow at dawn in the old chapel behind the Boathouse.No police.Come alone…or your golden boyfriend can come too, but you must submit.The new order demands it.”

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