Page 126 of The Order

The twins are still on edge around my brother and me, walking on eggshells anytime they interact with us. Max stopped with his advances long ago, not wanting to push Xavier after receiving a few challenging stares from him when he’d decided to let his touch linger on my arm just a little too long while we were gathered at the house after classes one day.

“I saw Hunter again this morning,” Kai says, sipping his cup of cider. I cross my arms, tugging at the dress that squeezes my chest, making breathing much harder. “Things in their sector are only getting worse. Stricter regulations and the Officials are taking more control,” Kai says, shaking his head.

“Have you heard from Fallan?” he questions, my mind running through the countless late-night conversations we’ve had. I’d become reliant on hearing his voice in my mind to fall asleep.

“Not since Friday at the Academy. I've been trying to avoid anything that might get me more marks on my scorecard. I don’t want any more attention on me, or us. Xavier was even shocked by how many marks I’ve racked up,” I say, reflecting on how he’d looked at me after seeing my card when I pleaded to have him help me throw the Officials off my trail.

“Hunter says Fallan walks around their sector like an empty shell ever since you showed up that day,” Kai says, trying his best to gauge where I stand with the man.

“Xavier says you do the same after you come back from your morning talks with Hunter,” I push, watching my brother's relaxed posture go rigid. “You still plan on telling me you only see him to get information?” I question, recalling Fallan’s observation that Hunter had seemed more of a morning person lately.

“Whatever you're insinuating,” Kai starts. “Drop it. Nothing is happening between me and Hunter.” I can feel his hesitation in making that statement, unsure of the validity of his own words. “Drink your cider,” he groans, pressing my cup to my lips.

“Well, look at you two,” Rae’s familiar voice says. We both turn to see her perfect figure, radiant in her solstice dress and adorned with sparkling jewelry that catches the light and dances across her neckline and wrists with every movement. Her hair is perfectly curled in soft waves. I hold my shoulders back, watching her move toward us with a wide grin. I half expect Kai to be staring her down, only to be surprised by his gaze fixed on his cup of cider. Max trails behind her, his shirt lazily thrown on in a grand display of casual confidence.

“No small occasion for you, is there?” I question, handing her my beverage to finish.

Music fills the air. A symphony of violin and piano all create beautiful melodies that add to the elegance of the party. A few Unfortunates are buzzing around as they cater the event, helping set up tables and food. People surround the space, chatting with glasses of champagne in hand, many acknowledging my father and mother, who are working their way through the crowd, arm in arm with soft smiles. Over the past few weeks, Kai and I had made more of an effort to convince them of our loyalty, chalking up our behavior to a fleeting streak of rebellion.

Rae’s hand reaches for my hair, twisting a dark strand between her fingers.

“Has it always looked this dark?” she questions. Kai is the one to answer.

“For as long as I can remember,” he says.

An unfamiliar Unfortunate moves past us, both twins scowling at his presence. Max claps my brother's shoulder; a menacing smile tells me whatever he’s about to say can’t be good.

“You think he’ll squeal if you jab him just right?” Max questions, toying with the blade tucked away at his side. Ever since he’d made his interest in becoming an Official known, he’d become more open with his disdain towards Unfortunates. He’d adopted the same cruel façade and was even armed at all times. My brother’s distaste for him had grown, resulting in more nasty stares than smiles between them lately.

“I’m not sure about him, but I know you would,” Xavier says casually.

Max yelps, rubbing his neck as Xavier’s fingers pinch the skin, clearly rebuking him for how he’d talked about the Unfortunate.

I can’t help but marvel at Xavier, feeling my heart pound at the sight of him. Usually clad in his stark, black uniform, Xavier now dons a maroon shirt, slightly unbuttoned to reveal intricate black tattoos that usually remain hidden. I catch a glimpse of an elaborate design on his side, only to be concealed when he adjusts the buttons on his front. His curls are wild and unmanaged, framing his infuriatingly perfect face. His stubble is manicured, accentuating his jawline. He wears casual black pants, and his fingers are decorated with a few carefully chosen rings. I see a pocket watch dangle at his side, its chain attached to the loops of his belt. Max cowers at the sight of the man. His cheeks flush from embarrassment. Rae fixes her posture, suddenly attentive to our conversation, given the blonde's presence. I feel the monster within me resurface, hearing Its voice speak in the back of my mind.

“She sure doesn't mind him being here,”It says, my mouth biting back a response.

“I wasn’t going to try anything,” Max says, nudging his twin free from her trance.

Xavier’s eyes find mine, and he smiles, ignoring the countless lingering stares as he looks me up and down.

“It would be a shame for you to look that nice and not enjoy at least one dance with me,” Xavier says, holding his hand out toward me.

I can’t help but smile back at him, unsure at what point I’d grabbed his outstretched hand.

He guides us away from the group, giving Max a smirk. My parents’ eyes land on us. Both of them relax as they sip on their drinks. Couples hold one another rigidly, all looking foreign to the motion of dance. Xavier pulls me close, not letting much space reside between us. His hands clutch my waist, my arms already up and around his neck. He moves with confidence, doing what he pleases, regardless of who's watching.

“I figured you might want out of that situation,” he whispers, guiding me in a sway. I feel his warmth radiate through me, finding comfort in how much he tries to look out for me.

The music fills my ears, making it much easier for me to relax my movements and follow his lead.

“I want out of most situations lately,” I admit, trying to observe the black swirls on his skin again.

“If you want to see what it is, you only have to ask,” he whispers, taking notice of my wandering eyes.

My face grows flush at the remark. His grip tightens as my steps falter.

“I thought regulation required our skin to be clean,” I admit, feeling him pull me up to stand on top of his feet as Fallan did the night of the bonfire. It seems natural for him, like he’s had me here before. I look up to see his eyes devouring me.

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