Page 92 of The Kiss Of Death
“I always eat this dessert for my birthday. It’s my favorite,” she urged me with another smile. “Eat it, and don’t forget to make a wish!”
Now would have been a good time to tell her I was allergic to said pistachio. That I was disgusted by the smell of it alone and that I’d prefer to walk on acid than eat that thing. Now would have been the proper time, but her big eyes on me made me blow out that candle with an impossible wish before taking a bite of that disgusting thing. It was probably karma catching up with me because of the licorice.
“So?” she prompted eagerly, watching my every move like a sociopath.
“It’s…” I searched for the right words. Magnificent would betray my disgust for it, so I went with—“Surprisingly decent.”
“Ah, I knew you’d like it!” She took a bite of her own. “You’re not taking another one?”
For fuck’s sake.
I faked another bite, swallowing that piece, my throat getting itchy. Fantastic. I had willingly poisoned myself,again, just to please her out of the generosity of my own decaying heart. I discreetly disposed of the last morsel when a flock of ravens momentarily diverted her attention.
I steered the car back toward Pantheon, the imposing spires of the university looming in the distance like some high-security prison. Hopefully, no one would ever hear about this.
I parked, and we trudged through the entrance. Wooden benches sat vacant as the rain pelted down on the courtyard. We strode beneath the cover of the building’s arcades and arches.
“This was a great first date, Levi,” she said, cake crumbs clinging to the corners of her lips.
It had been a horrendous day, but I was determined to switch the date in my favor by keeping Dalia all to myself, locked up in my room. However, my plans were abruptly thwarted by the arrival of Cillian and Kay strolling over the empty quad. Kay, with his customary lack of subtlety, outstretched his arms in a greeting that I could have done without.
“Happy birthday, fucker.” Kay squeezed me tighter than necessary in a hug, causing my muscles to tense. His gaze then shifted to Dalia. “So are you guys a couple or—”
“No,” she said.
“Yes,” I countered with a wry smile. “She just needs some time to come to terms with it.”
Cillian and Kay exchanged a look.
“Anyway, you’re coming with us. We’re throwing you a little committee party tonight,” Kay said.
I had other plans for tonight. “Not interested.”
“Nuh-uh, it’s the month before exams! We need this. Your birthday is just an excuse,” Kay persisted, his gaze now fixed on Dalia. “You’re obviously not invited.”
“Of course she is,” Cillian interjected, his demeanor remaining stoic despite Kay’s antics.
“I don’t know her. I’m not going to invite—”
“You always invite everyone.” Cillian cut him off. “That’s tradition.”
At Pantheon, the houses displayed their power through annual parties, each attempting to assert their superiority. As Tacticians, we were renowned for our strategic gatherings, whether it be escape games, video game tournaments, or chess competitions. I had no inkling what Kay had schemed for this year’s parties.
“Fine,” Kay relented. “And while you’re at it, you should come with your Unifier friend so you don’t feel lonely. Tactician parties are a whole other thing compared to your lame cooperative board games, cosplay, karaokes, or whatever you guys do.”
Dalia smiled gracefully. “I’ll ask Yasmine about it.”
Kay’s face hardened. It was clear he couldn’t care less about Yasmine.
“And maybe Sylas. I think you all know him, right?” Dalia added, her smile feigning innocence.
Interesting. Had she known all along and deliberately toyed with him? A smirk crept onto my lips as I observed Kay’s surprise.
“Now, Levi, if she shows up, will you?” Cillian asked with a straight face.
“I’ll come if you leave me the fuck alone now,“ I replied sharply.
“Nope, you’re sticking with us,” Kay countered, dangling his arm over my neck. Not long enough so I could shoot him a death glare, but enough for my muscles to tense. “I doubt yourgirlfriendwould mind.”
