Page 48 of The NemeSis
There are several laughs in the lecture hall at that comment.
“The oracles were messengers.” One of the girls speaks up behind me.
“Were they really, though?” the professor questions.
“No, they were just hyped up on drugs or incense or something.” Another guy nearby speaks up. I think his name is John, he’s one of the students who requested to write about the gladiators for the big paper.
“So why did people want to hear them?” Professor O’Clery smiles then rubs at his salt and pepper beard. He clears his throat and waits to see who will speak.
“They weren’t just messengers,” I speak up and I can feel all eyes on me. “People didn’t travel to hear the gods.”
“That’s literally what the oracles were about. Messages from the gods,” John interrupts.
I laugh. “No, they came to hear what they already wanted to hear.” I turn to face him. “They wanted their desires reflected right back to them, wrapped up in a bow of mystery.”
The professor stays silent, watching and listening. I think he truly enjoys the discussions in this class. It’s why class participation is such a huge part of the grade.
“The oracles were supposedly bribed. So, who is really in charge?” Another girl nearby speaks up. She’s soft-spoken. “It’s like modern day politics. Someone says they’re doing it because God told them to. Was it really God or was it their desire to make something come to fruition?”
“Or both?” The professor adds.
Was it someone’s desire to make something happen or fate? It’s the same question I’ve been asking myself about whatever is happening between me and Ares. We need to end things before I become a bigger mess. It’s already going to hurt being around him without being with him after being with him. It feels like I’m drowning.
My inner turmoil takes over and I’m quieter than I mean to be for the rest of class. The conversation continues around me, but all I can do is think about the other night. I can only avoid Ares for so long. If I stay away, nothing else can happen. It’s all too easy to melt for those eyes. I need to end things before I fall too deep—if I haven’t already.
Class ends and I sit in my seat a few moments longer. Everyone packs up their belongings, but I take my time closing my laptop and gathering up my notes. I’m not trying to linger, I’m simply lost in thought.
“Kyra, do you have a minute?”
I glance up to see Ryan. He’s standing just a couple feet away, holding a stack of papers. He’s wearing a soft smile on his face so I can’t help but wonder what this is about. I look around and see it’s just the two of us left in the room.
“Sure.” I pack up the rest of my stuff and grab my bag to stand. I don’t mind taking one minute, but I can’t let him think I can simply hangout when I have another class to get to.
“How have you been?”
“Fine and you?”
He rubs at the back of his neck. “I was thinking and I needed to tell you.” He takes a breath before continuing. “I miss you. It’s weird not talking all the time like before.”
“School keeps us both pretty busy.” I laugh.
“We were so good together. Everyone thought so.”
Is he serious right now? “I think we’re better off just friends.” Not that I’m even sure about that in this exact moment.
“Kyra, think about it. Who else has as much in common as us? Between history and Greek life on campus.”
“Ryan.” I shake my head. “Friends have things in common.”
“Would you be willing to give me a second chance? Please.”
Before I can answer. I hear the door creak open. We both turn to face the door.
“There you are.” Ares glide in the room like he owns it. “We’ve got some family business to discuss.”
His sleeves are rolled up. A signature look that always has me admiring his tattoos and hands. Those damn hands I want on me. He looks calm and collected, but when I meet his eyes. They are not calm.
“Hey. We met at her birthday party.” Ryan speaks up, clueless. “You’re her stepbrother, right?”
