Page 84 of Storm of Shadows
“What happened to you? Why didn’t you leave me any clue?” I say out into the open room and it’s then my eyes spy something on the surface of the desk. Names scribed into the wood. Scores of them. And among them, hidden in plain sight, my sister’s.
Amelia.
I trace my finger over the grooves.
This was one set back. I’m not giving up yet.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Briony
Monday I wake up with a new determination in my gut. A determination boosted by the fact that today is the day of my very first history class.
Professor Cornelius is a scholar of history – of historical events, facts and records. Which means he must know everything that’s ever happened in this academy – every unusual, unique or peculiar event. And if he doesn’t, he’d be able to tell me where I could find more information if I wanted to conduct my own historical investigation.
I’ve neglected Amelia these last few days, and my promise. I’ve been too caught up in making new friends, navigating my way through this strange new world and generally trying to stay alive.
Professor Cornelius might present me with my first real opportunity in days to actually make some progress.
However, all that hope and excitement vanishes as Fly and I approach the classroom. Waiting at the front of the line is Dray Eros, blazer once again slung over his shoulder, chewing gum inhis mouth as usual. Today, it seems he’s not just on time, he’s early.
After what happened with Beaufort on Saturday night, I am very much expecting him to blank me – either that or give me a piece of his mind.
I’m learning that Dray Eros does nothing that I predict him to do, because when he spots me, he smiles with what looks like genuine eagerness and pushes the boy standing next to him to one side, almost sending him tumbling to the floor.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he calls over to me, beckoning with his hand. “I saved you a spot.” He points down to the ground right beside him.
I glance at Fly who shrugs his shoulders. I can feel all the other students lined up around us, watching me.
“I’m just fine where I am,” I mumble.
“Idon’t think so. I think you’d be a hell of a lot more comfortable resting right here.” He tilts his chin back, his eyes full of wickedness.
“Thanks, but no thanks,” I say flatly.
He chews on his gum, those eyes flicking all over my face.
Then something catches his attention behind me.
He pushes off the wall and strolls towards me. I take a step back but I’m too slow, he’s already slung an arm around my shoulder.
“Hey Odessa,” he purrs.
I twist around in his hold and find the Hardies’ thrall has joined the back of the line.
Horror is written all over her face and she pales right in front of us, dropping her gaze straight to the floor.
I’m guessing whatever happened on Saturday night, she didn’t share the details with her little band of friends. None of them seem cowed like she does and several of them flick their gaze between her and Dray with puzzlement.
“Beautiful day today, isn’t it? And doesn’t Briony here look fucking amazing? Definitely the most beautiful girl in the school, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Erm, yes, Dray,” Odessa murmurs.
Fly and I glance at each other a second time. What the helldidhappen on Saturday? As far as I can tell, she’s not injured or hurt. But she is not acting like her usually obnoxious self. They must have scared her half to death.
“Come on, sweetheart,” Dray whispers in my ear as the classroom door swings open and an elderly man wearing a tweed suit and bow tie, his hair and beard white and bushy and his glasses so thick it’s impossible to see through them, beckons us all inside. “You can come sit next to me.”
I duck out of his hold and grab Fly’s arm.
