Page 62 of The Prom

Cold knives press against every organ inside me as she says almost conversationally, “She would be the perfect pet to join us. Perhaps you will indulge me this once and bring me a sacrificial lamb to the slaughter to prove your allegiance?”

“And if I don’t.” I keep my expression impassive and my voice even, and she shrugs.

“Then we may just take her, anyway.”

She peers up at me. “Nine pm tonight, Drake. The students enjoy their game as we do ours. All occupied at exactly the same time, so our business remains secret. If they discovered that was the reason they remained undetected for so long, they would be shocked. Wouldn’t you agree?”

She glances down at the photograph and trails her fingers over Imogen’s body, licking her lips as she whispers, “Well done for bringing her to my attention. You will be rewarded for your service to my secret society.”

If I was waiting for the moment the penny dropped, this is it. I may finally have my lead and as my nerves scream at me to waste this monster now, I hold back and prepare to deliver the intelligence to Ryder instead.

Principal Constable by day, a serpent at night, but is she the one really calling the shots, or is Christian, or somebody even more depraved than the woman who is expecting me at nine pm on the dot? Even worse, she knows my Achilles heel and I’m fully aware that was her reason for mentioning Imogen. Jesse must be one of her recruits and after one word from her, Imogen will be in danger and I’m the fucking idiot who put her there.

TWENTY-NINE

IMOGEN

It’s the final Claiming ceremony before the prom and enthusiasm is high for the event of the semester.

As we walk to the dungeons, we chat with excitement about the event itself.

“I understand it will take place in the ballroom, also known as the gym.” Summer remarks, and Cassie shakes her head.

“Apparently, it’s being held in the great hall and they intend to provide break out rooms where students can relax, chat and eat?”

“It sounds cool.” I say, loving the sound of it.

“Our costumes arrived today.” Cassie nudges me. “Togas and golden masks. Mine has white feathers attached.

“I ordered gold ones.” I remember, and Siri nods.

“I went with black and Summer chose white. At least we’ll all be able to tell one another apart.”

“True.” Cassie grins. “Frankie and the guys are dressing as gladiators. I can’t wait to see him. It will suit him.”

“All of them. They’re certainly buff and could wrestle an alligator if they needed to.”

My attention turns to Siri, who smiles dreamily. “It’s so romantic. We get to dance and everything. They are evenbringing caterers in and I was told the DJ is that cool one from the local radio station.”

“Who, Grayson Jones?” Summer’s eyes widen. “I love his show.”

“It will beat trudging through these tunnels for kicks.” She adds with satisfaction and Cassie chuckles.

“I don’t know, there is a certain appeal to this. I wonder if we’ll have any trouble tonight?”

“Who knows?”

We’re wondering because last time two centurions got into a fight over the same woman. Luca and Frankie had to drag them apart and leave them to cool off in the cells. The girls were pissed because it meant that two of them were out of the game and it got a bit heavy. The girls are allowed back tonight, but the guys were put to the back of the line, so neither of them got the girl they chose in the end.

“Where are you tonight?” Cassie whispers, and I shrug.

“I’m with Jesse in the tunnel chamber. At least that’s what he told me.”

“But that’s where Siri and I usually are.” Cassie sighs and yells to Frankie, who is a few steps in front of us.

“Frankie, where are we tonight?”

“In my bed!” He calls back, and she yells, “You know what I mean. At the challenge.”

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