Page 124 of House of Crimson Kisses
We escaped by night, by day, by boat and by carriage and once in the bellies of a farmer’s barrels.
We were industrious, and for a time, we were proud and filled with the glory of winning.
But even winning can wear a person down when there’s no rest or recovery.
They were relentless, their slow inevitable march towards us, our slow inevitable march towards capture. The months shrank to weeks. Then days.
Until we forgot how to dream, how to win, how to run.
We grew so tired that even clinging to each other by our fingertips felt wearying.
Oh, how we loved each other.
Oh, how we lost each other.
But I suppose that’s the problem with dreams. They always come to an end...
Chapter36
RED
“Stay here, stay seated,” Octavia says as she deposits me at a table in the corner of the room and hands me a drink. Then she heads over to speak with Xavier.
The Chief finds me and slides into the seat next to me. My skin prickles. My blood simmering a million degrees beneath my skin. Fucking traitor.
How dare she come and sit next to me like nothing is wrong? I want to fling my drink at her. Smash the glass across her face.
I want to throw my uniform at her and forsake the entire Academy. How fucking could she?
“Hey,” she says, her brow creasing as she takes in my appearance. “You don’t look so hot.”
“Thanks,” I deadpan, grateful that I appear sick enough that my tone will come across as humour, rather than the seething fucking rage I’m actually harbouring.
“I’m sorry. But you’re sweating and ghost white.”
“Yeah,” I say, unsure what else I can add. I am both of those things and there’s not a lot I can do about it.
“Is the competition getting to you? Do you want me to take you back to the Academy? For a time out and refresh?” she asks.
“No,” I bark, unable to tolerate the nicey-nicey bullshit. But then I remember to cool it. Octavia doesn’t want me confronting the Chief, and she’s not confronting her mother. Not yet, anyway. “Sorry, I’m fine. A bit tired.”
The Chief puts her arm around my shoulders and rubs, like she’s comforting me. But her touch is like acid: sharp, stinging, and full of poison. I force myself to be calm and touch her hand, patting it like I’m grateful for her affection. Lure her in. Make her believe I trust her. Then I can flip this deception on her arse.
“Don’t worry, Chief. I’ve not told anyone. It’s our little secret.”
She beams at me.
Cunt.
I want to knock the smile off her face.
“I was wondering… Would you let me take you for dinner. Just me and you? Perhaps we could talk about your future, what happens after… How we can work together,” the Chief says, her eyes glittery. Once upon a time, I’d have seen those eyes as of a mentor, a hero or an angel. Now they’re the eyes of the devil, a traitor, a villain.
I’m distracted by the sight of Sadie creeping through the crowds. Her eyes meet mine, and she cocks her head towards the door. I wonder if she’s finally decided to help give me my memories back.
I wonder what the price is.
I get up, leaving the stool I was sitting on and instantly feel light-headed.
