Page 149 of A Taste of Torment
“No apology necessary. Her actions aren’t your responsibility.”
“Either way, I’m sorry. And I’m glad you’re okay. We—we won’t be seeing you for a while.”
I sit up quickly and instantly regret it. My head spins and pounds at the same time.
“Easy there, killer.” He grips my elbow, steadying me.
“Ow,” I mutter, pressing my palm against my forehead. “What do you mean, you won’t be seeing me?”
“Bea’s already gone back to our world for a while. I’ll go to join her. I—She’s not going to be safe here for a while. If ever.”
I sigh. “I already told Jarron not to retaliate against her.”
There’s a pause. “You did?”
I nod. “I think he agreed, if only because you saved us.”
“Thank you,” he says, looking down at his hands. “When I saw him not long ago—well, he wasn’t in the talking mood. Some space between us is probably for the better anyway.”
“Yeah. I guess I can understand that.” I lie back against the pillow. “Thank you. For coming to help us.”
He forces a smile. “All the teachers are going to be pissed I destroyed the arena.”
I snort. “Right, cause our headmaster turning super evil villain and convincing his students to enter the Akrasia Games is your fault.”
His chuckle is short lived.
“Hey, Trevor?” I realize I may never have another chance to ask about the elephant weighing on my chest.
“Mr. Vandozer said something. Something I’d like to understand more.”
Trevor shifts uncomfortably. “Okay?”
“He said that Liz was Jarron’s chosen.”
Trevor’s mouth falls open, a look of utter shock on his face. “That’s…” He stares off past my shoulder, gaze unfocused.
I wait, as he works through his thoughts. Finally, he blinks and responds. “What did you want to know?”
“If it’s true.” I look down at my hands.
He rings his fingers together. “Has anyone told you what it means? To be a demon’s chosen?”
I nod.
“Well, you should also understand that it’s forbidden to talk about it. At least before the bond has been accepted. It’s sacred.” Trevor frowns. “Did Mr. Vandozer imply he targeted Liz because she was Jarron’s chosen? That’s a grave sin to our people if so.”
I bite the inside of my lip. “I don’t know but he said something about discrediting Jarron’s right to the throne. I don’t know if he planned that before or after Liz…”
Trevor nods absently, but his attention is cast to the floor.
“If it’s sacred and no one is supposed to know or even talk about it, how would he have known?” I ask.
His smile is sad. “We don’t talk about it, and the truth is Jarron will never admit who his chosen was. But there are signs. And those closest to him have a pretty good idea.”
“He won’t admit it?” I frown. “Ever?”
He shakes his head. “Especially if his chosen died before accepting him—”
