Page 105 of House of Malice
“I vow to never doubt your words and always trust you with my heart, and I expect for you to do the same, until we both decide otherwise,” Jolene said.
Val tied the third knot.
“I vow to do my best to create a life that makes us happy, satisfied, and content, until we both decide otherwise,” Leigh said, and a few tears escaped, rolling down her cheeks.
Val tied another knot, and Jolene brushed the tears away with her free hand.
“May your vows be heard by the Mother and the Father,” Val said. “May they grant you both the strength and love needed to fulfill them. I, as the High Priestess, acknowledge your union as wives until you both decide otherwise.”
The crowd cheered and clapped. Jolene and Leigh laughed, and then they kissed. Alecto clapped so hard, her palms hurt.
“And now, let the celebration begin!” Val announced, and another wave of cheers rolled over the crowd.
42
The party seemed like a huge success. The guests were drinking, feasting, and dancing all afternoon and well into the evening. The conversation was flowing, and laughter bubbled from around Alecto.
She, despite being happy for Jolene and Leigh, was sulking.
To distract herself, she made rounds of the lounge, smiling and nodding at people while she sipped on her bubbly wine.
From the opposite side of the room, she caught Val’s gaze. She stood with Galliermo, Octavia, Alatar, and to Alecto’s surprise, Dean Gondalez. Blaze was also there, and so was Rogue.
Well, that’s an interesting mix.
Val subtly widened her eyes, and suddenly, Alecto was on high alert. Slowly, she made her way towards their group, trying to appear unbothered.
“It is so unfortunate that two powerful Houses have lost their High Priests in such a short time,” Octavia said.
The Dean nodded empathetically. “I know. It was so unexpected and devastating. But the administration is working hard to prevent anything like this from ever happening to other Houses, and we are trying to support the Tigers and the Dragons in whatever way we can while they recover from their losses.”
“Not a great look on the academy,” Galliermo said, his eyes flashing. “Especially when your own administration is throwing themselves off the rooftops.”
The Dean nodded once more. “Yes, what happened to Miss Bellthrove was unfortunate.”
“The board is not happy, Gondalez,” Octavia said. “I’m sure you’re aware that they take these matters very seriously.”
“Of course,” the Dean said. “As they should. We are a serious institution.”
Alecto had a bad feeling.
“We don’t like to do this right now and right here, when we have gathered to celebrate a union of our youngsters,” Octavia said, “but I thought it would be best if we gave you a heads-up in advance, rather than have you receive the news blindly.”
The Dean appeared calm. He laced his fingers together behind his back. “I’m not sure I understand you,” he said.
“We have petitioned for you to be removed as the Dean, as soon as possible,” Octavia said.
The Dean pursed his lips and nodded. “That is to be expected. I understand that you are frightened by all the recent events and uncertainty.”
Alecto was shocked to hear Octavia admit to the Dean that they were trying to remove him from his position.
“But you must know that the board won’t remove me so soon,” the Dean said. “Not unless there is a qualified person to take my place while they make their decision. These things can take months upon months.”
His eyes flashed for a moment, and Alecto’s stomach sunk.
It was a threat.
Octavia smiled. “Oh, we have already proposed a replacement for you, Eliot.”
