Page 135 of The Order

“That is enough!” my father yells, slamming his hand hard on the table. “I will not have you speak to about my daughter that way. I suggest you sit down.”

Adam and my father are like oil and water, stuck in constant opposition to each other.

“You will not speak to her that way again,” Xavier says, breaking his long silence.

Adam turns to look at him but doesn’t respond.

I expect him to retaliate, to push Xavier further.

But he doesn’t.

“I apologize for my brash words, Forest,” Adam says, the lie scorching his tongue. “Let's just enjoy our evening. I’m feeling kind enough tonight that I won't deliver punishment to the Unfortunate behind you. Yet.”

He moves to sit back down, snapping his fingers at Fallan to refill his wineglass.

“You should go,” I say, facing Fallan. I make my voice loud enough so that everyone can hear me dismiss him. “He’s right. The last thing I need is a pathetic Unfortunate from my year here, ruining the occasion. Consider what I just did for you as a favor. The last one you’ll get,” I say, forcing out every word.

Kai picks up on what I am doing, giving me the backing I need.

“Leave. We have more than enough of your kind here tonight,” Kai says, his words a little slurred.

“You can still catch a tram if you leave now,” Xavier says, brushing the front of Fallan’s suit apathetically. “I think it's time for you to get going.”

With hesitation, Fallan pauses before eventually backing away. His jaw is clenched as he observes the man in front of him. Gradually, he pans his eyes to me, and I expect to hear his voice in my head, ready to fight me on this. But I know he sees the look on my face and how fearful I am for him around these people.

The last thing I will do is stand back and be the reason he is targeted tonight.

Turning away, he moves out of the dining room towards the front door. He gives me one final look before opening it and leaving the house. The door slams loudly as he exits.

“Have you bet before?” I question, finally addressing Xavier, letting him guide me back to my seat.

“Once or twice, only as a way to be accepted by my peers,” Xavier whispers, leaning closer to my chair.

“Are there children?'' Kai questions silently. His light-hearted, intoxicated demeanor is gone.

“Don’t make me answer that,” Xavier says brashly, my heart breaking at his words.

“Xavier, what is your bet this year?” Adam questions.

Josh holds a large notepad, jotting down numbers and names, each one a familiar face surrounding the table.

“None this year,” Xavier says coldly, tapping his fingers in a rhythmic tone on the tablecloth.

“Andrew?”

Kai and I look at our father, expecting the man to stay silent. My mother seems displeased. Her hands are clasped as she watches my father.

“$200 on 39.”

My stomach sinks, my dinner threatening to make its way up my throat and all over the table. Kai’s mouth hangs open. My nails dig into my palms so harshly they draw blood. I feel my heart rate increase. The energy swirling inside me is enough to bring down this room. All of these people sit here with smiles on their faces as they play this sick, twisted game. I force myself away from the table, making my way out of the room.

As I exit, the very space around me closes in. Every breath I take feels borrowed. My long gown trails behind me, slowing my escape as it wraps around my ankles as I set a brisk pace away from the party.

I can still hear their mindless chatter echo through the hallways, continuing to place bets as I make my way outside.

One breath.

One breath of fresh air is all I need.

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