Page 66 of Cruel Destinies

“Thank you, Director,” Arthur said, bowing slightly. “My intern and I could use a bite to eat.”

Niko anxiously shuffled his feet behind the general. Perhaps being back in the Dome was an uncomfortable experience for him. He hadn’t been gone that long.

“Come, Intern Candida,” the general instructed. “Show me the way.” Looking once more at Caesar, he said, “I’ll see you this afternoon. And Kai? Good work on your latest creation.”

Lord Dracul turned around and made for the exit of the research lab, and I gratefully turned my attention back to my kitsune friend.

Kai folded his arms proudly. “You know, I think that’s the first time he’s ever called me by my name.”

I chuckled dryly.

This day was not going the way I expected. I hadn’t heard from Shea since I texted her that we should talk, which was making me more anxious than before. Had something happened to her? Should I check on her?

And now I had Arya’s safety to worry about. She didn’t deserve this life we’d handed her. She was young and innocent. Her biggest worries should be her grades and boy problems, though hopefully not even those. I didn’t want Arthur digging his talons into her, but seeing as she was our greatest hope against Hadrian, none of us had that choice. Not even her.

Chapter 21

Tobias

“Tobias!”a deep voice called from behind as I walked toward the dining hall.

My first thought was that my father was at the school, but the timbre of the voice was off.

I turned, a scowl forming on my face as Niko strutted toward me with a wide grin.

“How’s it going, man?” Niko asked, easily dodging my attempted punch to his shoulder. It was a half-hearted attempt, anyway. I was glad to see him.

I rolled my eyes and stepped back to lean against the wall with one foot hitched behind. “Not practicing myArthurimpersonations, that’s for sure.”

“Well, when you spend every waking minute with the general, it’s almost expected.”

I couldn’t tell if Niko was joking or if he was merely pointing out the irony of his unhappy situation with sarcasm. “How’s that going?”

Niko shrugged. “I’d rather be here, if I’m being honest.” He moved to lean against the wall next to me, as if the action proved his words.

“You don’t have to tell me,” I said. “I wouldn’t want to spend every waking minute with the general, and he’s my father.”

“It’s not too bad, and my mom’s happy,” Niko offered. “Especially when I told her that I’m basically Arthur’s assistant. And since Arthur just travels around having secret meetings, I’m a glorified coat rack and coffee runner.”

“Well, I’m glad it’s not me,” I said, clapping a hand on Niko’s shoulder.

Niko ran a hand over his near-shaved head. I knew this was his way of prepping himself to ask an awkward question or say something that caused trepidation, so I waited.

“How’s Ashlyn?” he asked after a moment.

The mention of her name angered me. “Being reckless.”

Niko’s head snapped to me. “Reckless?”

“She and Arya snuck out to the city yesterday.”

“They left the Dome?” His tone was incredulous.

I nodded. “They said they needed agirls’ day.Whatever that means.” I scoffed.

“It’s probably my fault,” he said quietly after a moment.

“How so?”

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