Page 13 of The Bleak Beginning

I realize that I won’t be able to check the time on my phone, because I no longer have a phone. It’s dark outside, I’m startingto get soaked from the rain, and now I’m alone without a way to track time. Could this night get any worse?

“Is it just me or does it smell like wet dog out here?”

Bile rises in my throat, as I realize the cruel irony of the situation. I chance another peak at those stupid birds perched atop their landings and they continue smirking down at me with their glossy, oversized beaks. And there are the boys from earlier, sneering just like the eagles, their arms folded, heads tilted in amusement. Or is it disgust?

“So are you trying to intentionally skip out on the assembly?” Sylvester, the blond one, asks disapprovingly. “That’s not very polite, especially since Chancellor Maxwell has declared you the guest of honor for tonight.” He shakes his head in mock sympathy.

Wait, what?

Something in my chest thumps as I process Sylvester’s words. Guest of honor? Chancellor Maxwell had mentioned the assembly at our meeting, but she made no mention of what it was about or that I was the main guest. Or maybe she had, and by that point I’d zoned her out? A mixture of confusion and dread washes over me, momentarily overshadowing my discomfort from the rain.

“What are you talking about?” I manage to stammer out, my voice barely audible over the patter of raindrops on leaves.

Camden steps forward, his smirk widening. “You didn’t know? The whole school is waiting for you in the assembly hall. Chancellor Maxwell wants to formally introduce the newest student to everyone.”

My stomach drops. This can’t be happening. I’m soaked, not dressed properly, and completely unprepared for any kind of public appearance. The thought of facing an entire assembly of students and faculty in this state makes me want to melt into the forest floor.

“You’re joking,” I say, even though I can tell they aren’t.

“We volunteered to come get you and make sure you arrive on time.” Bishop’s mouth twists into a cruel sneer, matching the ill intent in his eyes. His eyes were like emeralds on fire, both captivating and intimidating. I couldn’t look away, no matter how much I wanted to.

I feel my heart rate quicken, my chest tightening with something I can’t describe. The rain seems to intensify, as if nature itself is conspiring against me. I briefly consider turning back and running, but I know it would be pointless. These boys would only chase me down and make me look even more foolish.

“Well, isn’t this just perfect,” I mutter, running a hand through my damp hair.

Camden chuckles, a sound devoid of any real mirth. “Come on now. Don’t be shy. Everyone’s waiting.”

As if on cue, a distant rumble of thunder punctuates his words, making me flinch. And yet, these boys seemed perfectly content in the weather. Their jackets are thick and warm, unlike the t-shirt I was wearing.

“No.” I decide, much preferring to continue to stand in the pouring rain than go anywhere with them. Who cares if my hair was starting to mat to my skull?

Camden’s eyebrows shoot up, genuine surprise flashing across his face. “No?” he repeats, as if he’s never heard the word before.

“That’s right,” I say, injecting more steel into my voice. “I’m not going anywhere with you three.”

Sylvester steps forward, his expression hardening. “Look, we’re trying to do you a favor here.”

I snort at his response.Bullshit. “I don’t care. I’m not some puppet you can parade around for your amusement.”

Bishop’s stare remained cold and focused. “You don’t seem to understand your position here,” he growls, taking a step toward me. “This isn’t a request.”

An overwhelming wave of heat washed over me, my skin prickling and my pulse thickened. A deep sense of shame coursed through my veins, and I knew that if I looked closer, I would find the source of it. Bishop's mouth, with its intimidating curve, only added to my sense of vulnerability and confusion.

I take a step back, breathing through my nose to dislodge my unraveling nerves at being near him. The rain seems to intensify, droplets stinging my eyes as I try to keep all three of them in my sight.

“My position?” I repeat, a hysterical laugh bubbling up in my throat. “And what exactly is that? New student? Unwilling participant in whatever game you’re playing?”

Bishop’s smirk falters for a moment, replaced by something darker. “Your position is whatever we say it is,” he says, his voice steady and flat. “You’re new here, so let me explain how things work. When we tell you to do something, you do it. No questions asked.”

I feel a surge of anger cutting through my irritation and puzzlement. Who do these guys think they are? I open my mouth to retort, but before I can speak, Sylvester lunges forward, grabbing my arm. I try to wrench away, but his grip is like iron.

“Let go of me!” I shout, my voice nearly drowned out by another clap of thunder. I jump as the rain falls like a silver curtain, obscuring my vision as it bounces off the ground and forms more puddles around me.

The droplets glisten as they slide down my shadow’s smug expression, highlighting the glint in his eyes. “What’s the matter, Prescott? You afraid of a little water?”

I swallow nervously—so what if I was?

In the grand scheme of things, I’ve faced much more terrifying situations than being caught in a rain shower. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that I enjoy being drenched by water. I suppose I am technically capable of knowing what it takes toswim, as my father had attempted to teach me the basics one summer at the public pool with Clara. The instructions were simple enough: lay on your stomach, stretch your arms out, keep your head up, extend your legs, and kick your toes. It all seemed easy enough at the time.

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