Page 88 of The Diávolos: Part Two
As much as the institution tries to convince the young women that it’s a privilege to be at the Sisterhood, Iris doesn't quite believe it. Or they weren’t able to successfully brainwash her.They did kidnap her, after all.How could she forget that detail?But Iris was much older than most of the girls when they first arrived here. Some of them are as young as four or five when they are abducted. For what purpose, Iris isn’t sure.
Stepping into the bathroom, Iris stares at her reflection in the mirror, almost not recognizing herself. She looks…different, flustered; her cheeks tinted red, her lips plumper, her chest higher.
She brings her fingers to her mouth, the hot air of her breath tickling her skin. It’shim.He’s making Iris feel this way.
Ready to rid herself of these foreign feelings, she hops in the shower and attempts to wash them all away.
An hour later, Iris is in the dining hall, waiting for Lydia to join her for breakfast. When Lydia sees her, she waves and gives the biggest smile.
“What are you so happy about this morning?” Iris asks.
“Can’t I just be happy to see my best friend?”
“Nope! You’re up to something.”
Lydia grins a wicked grin. “Okay, okay, you caught me. I’m being initiated tomorrow!”
“Oh my God! It’s your birthday tomorrow!” Iris shouts.
Her friend nods with enthusiasm. “It sure is, and Sister Selene told me that I’ll be sworn in on the same day.”
Iris hugs her tightly. “I’m so happy for you, Lyd!” Truly, she is. Lydia’s been here much longer than her and has been waiting for this day for so long. Being a nun means no more class, no more studying. You’re free as a bird.As free as you can be within these walls, that is. But still, as an actual sister, you’re granted some leave and can go out on occasion. There’s no curfew and you get to hang out in the restricted areas of the establishment.
“Thank you! I’ll miss you, though,” she says, solemnly.
“I’ll miss you too. Don’t forget about us little people,” Iris responds with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood.
They hug again, and Iris squeezes her, closing her eyes. When she opens them, her gaze lands on someone. The man from the basement. The person who’s been plaguing her thoughts and dreams.
Iris’s body freezes at the sight of him, and her eyes linger on him a second too long.
He’s just as tall, handsome, and broody. But when he notices her, there’s the slightest smirk that only Iris can see.
He stands at the end of the hall, some folders in his hands, next to the other young guy that was with him that first night. Without taking his gaze off Iris, he says something to the other man. Then, both of their eyes are on her. The second guy then nods and walks away.What?
“Are you okay?” Lydia asks.
“Uh, yeah. Why?”
“Your body is as straight as a stick!”
“I just remembered I forgot to finish the readings for sister studies tonight,” Iris lies.
Lydia laughs. “Don’t worry, I’ll fill you in before class.”
The girls join the line to grab food, and Iris can feel the man’s eyes on her the entire time.
Days later, Iris walks to her quarters after class, briskly moving through the echoing hallways.
The Sisterhood is notorious for its strict regimen, pupils finding themselves bound by a never-ending web of regulations. The teachers, with a watchful eye, enforce discipline, leaving little room for deviation.
She turns a corner and bumps into someone. “I’m so sorry! I wasn’t looking,” she blurts out, mortified.
“It’s no problem at all,” a deep, gravelly voice responds. A sudden jolt of electricity courses through her veins. Iris doesn’t even have to see the person’s face to know that it’shim. She inches her gaze up and her jaw drops. He’s even more handsome up close. “Dean Kouvalakis,” she mumbles.
“Hello, Iris,” he replies, his voice a blend of professionalism and a subtle hint of something more. Iris freezes,how does he know her name?His tailored suit emphasizes his authoritative presence, yet his demeanor is casual as he lets his eyes roam over her.
“Where are you headed in such a rush?” he asks, a smirk curling his lips.
