Page 25 of The Revenge

“You have exams—”

“Which they said we could defer to next year if we need to.”

Pursing my lips, I grab Penny’s hands. “If you were either a member of the Elite or directly affected by Declan’s death, and you’re neither.”

“I would say the death of the person who tried to kill my best friend qualifies me for that,” Penny says, stubbornly. “And even if it didn’t, I don’t care. I have two exams, both of which are for classes where I’ve already gotten enough points to scrape a pass.”

Her suggestion to leave is still as tempting as it was this morning, but I’ve already made up my mind.

When I don’t say anything, Penny tugs her hands free and crosses her arms, pouting. “I know how important this is to you, but I think that if there’s anything left to find, it’s not worth the risk.”

“I know.”

“Fine.” She gets off her bed and moves over to her closet to pull the last case of mine out that she’s storing in here. Only, she doesn’t walk back to me with it. Instead, her focus is on another behind it, which she wheels out and sets on its side.

“What are you doing?” I ask as she opens it.

“Coming with you.”

I stare blankly at her as she proceeds to head back to her closet to rifle through the dozens of clothes hanging there. “I’m not leaving, Pen.”

“Still prefer that option.” She pulls a few clean, tailored blouses from the closet. “But I mean Denali House.”

“You’re not a member of the Elite.”

Before Penny drops the shirts into the case, she looks at me and shrugs. “Guess how many fucks I give about that.”

My automatic reaction is to point out that’s the last thing Syn will agree to, but as I realize that, I stop myself. Instead, I get up and move over to the case. Tempting as it is to help her pack just so I can annoy Syn, it’s not fair to Penny to put her in any danger.

“Two weeks, Penny. Not even that. If there’s anything left to find out, that’s all I’ve got. Much as I would love you with me,if they’re going to let any secrets slip, they’re only going to do it if their guard’s not up with you being there. Please, just trust me.”

“Fine.” She dumps the handful of clothes she’s accumulated on the side of the dresser and then turns to me. “If you want to be an idiot about this, go ahead.”

I understand her irritation. I’d be just as annoyed if the roles were reversed. If telling her everything wasn’t going to put her at risk, I’d do it just so she’d understand. But then it would be more likely that she dragged me out of here altogether…

She doesn’t look at me as I leave her room.

“Everything sorted?” Royal asks as I close the door behind me.

Keeping silent, I head for the exit, fighting every urge in me to run back and do something stupid.

If I know my friend—and I hope I do—we’ll be okay.

X

Tori

If I was returning next semester, I’d make the effort to attend my exams, but since I’m not, there was no point. Despite this, I woke up early.

After returning from speaking to Penny, I went straight to my room and haven’t left it. I’d taken my chair and wedged it under my door handle, then popped some painkillers, hoping to get a good night’s sleep. Instead, I tossed and turned all night.

Although I’m still tired, my appetite is back, and my grumbling stomach is enough to drag me from the warm bed.

I head into the bathroom, bracing myself before I look at my reflection. Considering how my face was looking yesterday, I half expected my eye to be swollen this morning, but somehow, I’ve miraculously avoided that. The worst of the bruising is on my cheek, but the deep reds and blues are starting to turn yellow at the edges.

The red line around my neck, however, seems just as stark and obvious as it did yesterday. Thankfully, my throat doesn’t seem to hurt as much as it did—though I’ve not tried to speak yet.

Taking care near my still tender injuries, I wash my face, fix my hair and dress before I head downstairs, trying to remember what food is in the cupboards.

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