Page 17 of The Bleak Beginning

Her gaze sharpens, lips tight with irritation. “I suggest you watch your tone. You’re already on thin ice, and your attitude is not helping matters.”

I bite my tongue, realizing I’ve overstepped. But the frustration still simmers beneath the surface, threatening to boil over at any moment.

“As for the Legacy boys,” Maxwell continues, her tone clipped, “they were simply engaging in some harmless banter. It’s part of the school culture here at Altair. You’d do well to develop a thicker skin if you hope to survive here.”

What. The. Actual. Fuck?

I want to argue, to point out how their “harmless banter” felt more like targeted harassment, but I know it would fall on deaf ears. Instead, I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself, but it doesn’t work because, again, what the fuck? She’sdefendingthem?

I dig my nails into my hands, the pressure helping me hold it together. The injustice of it all threatens to overwhelm me, but I force myself to take another deep breath. I can’t afford to lose control now, not when I’m already in hot water and I’ve only just arrived. Altair was my last option, after my father had cut off all financial support for me.

“I understand, Chancellor,” I manage to say through gritted teeth, though the words taste bitter on my tongue. “It won’t happen again.”

Maxwell studies me for a long moment, her eyes searching my face, as if trying to gauge my sincerity. Finally, she nods, though her expression remains stern. “See that it doesn’t. Now go clean yourself up and be sure to change into your proper uniform tomorrow for class.”

I bite back a retort as I start to step away.

“Just a reminder,” she says, bringing up another point, and I inwardly groan. “Altair’s university colors are black, ivory, and gold. Brown is not an approved shade, regardless of your chosen dress code for the night.”

“Understood,” I say, nodding my head in agreement, to try to end this conversation quickly.

I raise my hand and give a two-finger salute before turning away from her. I am more than ready to leave this building, change out of these clothes, and ditch this school altogether. At least two of those things can be done with a quick walk. As for the third, I’ll have to wait a little longer.

As I leave the assembly hall, Sutton’s voice calls after me. She had been engaged in conversation with another student in the hallway, but she ditches them as soon as she sees me. “Hey, Alex,” she says eagerly.

I respond with a bland “hey” and continue walking.

To be honest, I wasn’t in the mood for any more talking. I had reached my limit for social interaction today.

She hands me a small handkerchief without explanation, the silk fabric a deep burgundy with delicate floral designs woven into it.

“Sorry,” she apologizes. “It’s all I had on short notice.”

“Thanks,” I say absentmindedly, not really paying attention.

“It’s for…well, you know,” Sutton says, pointing her finger in my general direction.

“I understand. Thanks again,” I mutter dismissively. I wasn’t trying to be rude; I was just exhausted from the events of the day.

“No problem,” she says, walking beside me. “Consider it a thank-you for this morning. Your idea to put the flyers under students’ doors was brilliant.”

“I’m glad I could be of assistance.”

As we continue walking in silence, I glance at her from the corner of my eye. She’s chewing on her lip, her expression difficult to decipher.

“You know, what Bishop, Sly, and Cam did to you earlier was completely wrong.” She stops abruptly and steps in front of me. “The Legacies can be…intense.”

I let out a deep sigh, feeling completely drained. “I appreciate you for trying to help, but honestly, I don’t need someone else to tell me what’s obvious.” It’s clear that what they did was wrong.

With a slight sidestep past her, I make my way outside. It’s done, over with.

As I step into the night air, I wrap my arms around myself in an attempt to warm up. It dawns on me, as I take in my surroundings, that I didn’t leave through the same entrance I came in through. On the bright side—if there is one—at least it’s not raining anymore.

This place was still a maze to me, and if we’re being honest, I wasn’t paying much attention to where we were going when Professor O’Donnelly dragged me toward the auditorium earlier. After the assembly, I followed a few students who seemed to know where they were headed in the hallway.

As I look around, I realize that I’d exited through the back of Altair’s main building. The rear view was just as stunning as the front, with its steep gothic roofs and pointed turrets. The only noticeable difference was a massive body of water instead of a well-manicured lawn.

The shimmering water spread out before me, its surface gently moving with the breeze. Beyond it, the moon cast different shades of deep blue, green, and gray across its surface.

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