Page 85 of A Lesson in Deceit
River’s eyes expanded, looking between Grayson and myself. My hands shook as I looked down at them. My veins pulsed like something was growing, but it didn’t hurt much. It stung a little and was cold as if something foreign was being directly injected into my body. River reached for me and I forced him back, shooting out another stream of magic, but he jumped to the side, dodging it.
The magic sailed through a crowd of people who shrieked and tried their best to move out of its way.
“What the fuck…” I was walking backwards, whispering to myself as everyone in the room started talking, pointing at me and attempting to find an exit.
“Riley…” River started.
“No! Stay over there!” I yelled, the magic bolting from my hands again. I saw Grayson looking over at the stage ofoverwhelmed faculty and staff, blinking rapidly as if he couldn’t believe what he saw, then he looked at me, something like sympathy in his eyes.
The room turned into chaos, but I saw Asher circle around the stage and push past some of the people trying to find their way out or shouting at anyone who would listen. I didn’t know what he was doing or if he was trying to get to me, but he needed to stay where he was.
People were quickly exiting the auditorium, while the staff were trying to contain an already hectic situation. I heard my name being yelled from the stairs below and then I heard it closer as if River was trying to get my attention, but the rampaging crowd was too much.
Grayson ran towards me, grabbing me around my waist and encircling us with his shadows. The room disappeared around us and there was silence.
43
Riley
Istumbled forward when we got to our destination. Grayson’s shadows dispersed and he stood back. I took in a few deep breaths, trying to take in my surroundings. We had landed in a massive room, a study. There were tinted windows, floor to ceiling bookcases, and multiple couches made of velvet. A bar cart was in the corner and a chaise sat by one of the windows, a quilted blanket draped over one end.
Chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling and a coffee table that looked like it was hand carved was placed in the middle of the room.
“Grayson, where are we?”
He ran a hand through his hair, looking towards one of the doors.
“Grayson. Where. Are. We?” I repeated, my tone sharper.
His eyes looked sad when he answered me. “Riley, I’m sorry.”
I furrowed my brow, cocking my head to the side. “Sorry? I don’t understand why…”
The double doors near the far end of the room flew open and River’s dad walked in, looking pleased. He strolled past us as if he didn’t even see we were there.
He headed to the bar cart, beginning to prepare a drink. “I almost thought you were going to go against me, but you did as you’re told like you’ve always done.”
His back was turned to us, so I had no idea who he was talking to.
“I knew you would be conflicted, but I have to say the anticipation was a little thrilling. I was astonished myself when I came to figure it out,” he prattled on, putting ice in his glass.
“What the hell are you talking about?” I pressed, feeling that surge of energy. It was hectic the way it moved through my veins.
Mr. St. James turned around, his eyes finally accepting our presence in the room. “Oh, sweetie, that’s a very long story. You’ll have to be more specific.”
I started to point my finger at him and shout, but the glass was yanked out of his hand and thrown at the wall. His face grew red with anger, and he stomped towards me. I put my palm out and he was thrown backwards, knocking into the bar cart and hitting the wall.
He smoothed a hand over his hair. “You insolent fucking girl.”
I didn’t let his anger bother me. I was too busy trying to understand everything that was going on. “You told that student to tear my necklace off, didn’t you? To destroy it?”
All he did was give me a sly smile, confirming my accusation.
“Now, now, let’s play nice and this will all get resolved.” A voice sounded from beyond the door. It was one I’d heard before.Charismatic.
I looked over my shoulder to see Chancellor Fowler, unbuttoning his suit jacket as he came into the room. He looked over at River’s dad, noticing the glass that littered the floor. He stuck out two of his fingers, making a sweeping motion. I watched as all the pieces gathered together and set themselves on the bar cart.
He sighed, casting a glance at Grayson. “Your parents should be so proud of you. You know how to get things done and succeed. You can breathe easy, my boy, at least when it comes to me your senior year will be without hindrance.”
