Page 111 of Shadowed Whispers

I want to embrace this party, but there is a darker feeling in the deep pit of my stomach that demands I look for trouble—the very trouble Abbi told me I was full of.

I step out of the car, the cool night air hitting my face, and make my way into the Grotto. It’s almost empty, just a few patrons scattered around. I order coffee and find a seat in the corner, my thoughts still racing. The scents of salty sea and ozone ground me for a moment, reminding me of the stability I crave but can’t seem to grasp.

Matteo’s words echo in my mind—even the strongest gem can break under enough pressure.

He doesn’t know the half of it. None of them do. Not how I ended up here or what happened to me—they know nothing.

Maybe because you don’t let anyone in. I can’t.

I think back to Matteo, his steady presence and surprising honesty. His protective nature has been a silent comfort, a reminder that I don’t have to face everything alone. Could I trust him with this secret? Would he understand? And Dorian… He challenges me, pushes me in ways no one else does. Would this power push him further away or bring us closer? The thought of them both knowing, of seeing the truth, sends a shiver down my spine, a mix of fear and hope.

Bishop? Leo? Tori?

They have all hinted that they know something more. I just don’t know if I can get my mouth to say the words to another person. Every time I tried to open up to Valerie that first year, she cut me off, among other things. The memory of her cold rejection still stings.

Pushing her out of my head, I slide out of my Jeep and slam the door shut. Students mill around, but for the most part, it’s pretty low-key, especially considering the owner’s sister would arrest anyone out of line. The air is thick with anticipation, the energy of the night buzzing around me.

I’m barely through the front door when Tori crashes into me. Her eyes are wide with excitement, her cheeks flushed. “Frankie! I thought you weren’t coming!”

“I needed to get out,” I say, my voice barely audible over the music. The warmth of the room envelops me, contrasting sharply with the chill outside.

“You and your disappearances,” she teases, but there’s concern in her eyes. “You okay?”

I force a smile. “Yeah, just needed some air.”

I gently pat her on the back, and when she pulls away, her beer breath spills over me.

“You’re cut off,” I tell her, turning her giggling self toward an empty table.

Hiccupping, she says, “I talked to Mom, and I have an idea.”

“That’s never a good sign.” I make sure she is sitting before flagging Andy and miming for water. Her red curls sift around her face as she nods and takes off.

“No, hear me out,” she insists. “We have six weeks until spring semester.”

“We do.” I fold my arms on the perpetually sticky table, the wood worn smooth from countless drinks and conversations.

She licks her lips nervously before flipping her hair over her shoulder. “Stay with us.”

“What?” Shock ripples through me.

“I’m serious. Mom said she’d make up the spare bedroom so you wouldn’t even have to sleep with me again.” She gives me a silly grin. “It’ll be fun.”

My belly churns and sloshes. “I?—”

What should I say? I’ve always just stayed at the women’s shelter, but Marcus made sure I wouldn’t have a place to sleep there anymore. What about those who can stay there? I mean, I’ll be close.

Tori reaches out and lays a warm hand on my arm. I just stare at it. “Think about it.”

Jerking my head up to look at her, I nod. “Okay.”

Aside from the women’s shelter and dorms, I’ve never lived in a home before. I know how bizarre that sounds, but having someone give a damn about me and where I sleep at night feels both terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time.

“Oh,” Tori squeaks, “don’t look now, but Leo and Matteo just walked in.”

I do exactly what she tells me not to do—look.

Turning almost entirely around, I see when Leo finds me, a huge smile stretching across his face. My stomach flutters as he grabs Matteo and drags him over to our little table. Keeping eye contact, he grabs a chair, spins it around, and plops down beside me.

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