Page 13 of The Claiming

My inner voices are loud tonight because there’s the weak part of my soul I have tried to shake so many times, telling me that the only reason I will agree to the challenge is for Frankie Majerio to claim my soul.

* * *

After a fitful night,I wake and head to the shower located down the hall. As newbies we are to room in the dorms for the first year. Then we move to one of the houses set in the grounds. They offer greater freedom and give you more space and the dorm is a rite of passage I accept.

Once I shower, I head outside and notice a pretty girl checking her phone as she leans against the wall, apparently waiting.

“Hey.” She glances up and smiles, tucking her phone into her pocket.

“I’m Eloise. You’re Cassie, right?”

“I am.” I return her smile and she jerks her head toward my room.

“Word is, you’re sharing with Frankie Majerio’s cousin. Bad luck.”

“Why is that bad, and she has a name, Siri.”

Eloise blushes. “God, I sounded like a bitch. I’m sorry, it came out the wrong way.”

My hackles lower as she appears flustered.

“I didn’t mean anything bad about Siri. I heard she’s cool, but when your cousin is the most feared guy on campus, it sets you up as a target.”

“I would have thought it had the opposite effect.” I’m confused and Eloise leans closer and lowers her voice.

“Listen, word of advice. There is a king in every school and our king is Frankie. Kings need a queen and Kennedy James believes that position is hers and it was until this semester, but it appears there’s a vacancy she won’t want to see filled.”

“Why does that concern me?”

I’m confused because the hell I care about any of this and Eloise whispers, “My sister is friends with Kennedy, which is how I know. Apparently, Kennedy is pissed that Frankie is ghosting her and may target your roomie to get close to him. If you don’t want to get caught up in the crossfire, perhaps you should remain a short distance away.”

“But why target, Siri? She hasn’t done anything.”

I’m irritated by such a stupid statement and Eloise shakes her head. “Kennedy is smart. Her plan is to make Siri her new best friend and, in getting close to his cousin, she hopes to catch the king.”

“That’s her plan?” I roll my eyes. “Then I wish her luck.”

As I make to leave, two other girls head our way, giggling between them and as they reach us, one of them stops and says with excitement.

“Hey guys, have you heard about the ceremony?”

“The Claiming?” Eloise sighs. “Yeah, my sister told me. It’s all anyone can speak of, and I’m guessing that dungeon isn’t big enough for all the girls who want to sign up.”

They turn their attention to me.

“Are you up for it?”

I shrug. “I haven’t made up my mind.”

One of the girls appears to swoon.

“Well, I’m taking my place for a shot at Frankie. That guy is seriously hot, and it’s all around Rockwell there’s a vacancy.”

They smile as they pass and Eloise makes for the shower and then turns.

“The Elusives had a party last night and word is, Frankie was a no show. Perhaps he’s already found his queen.”

“The Elusives?” I raise my eyes.

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