Page 73 of A Lesson in Obedience
“And last night as well.”
My best friend’s eyes nearly exploded out of their sockets. “What the actual fuck is going on?!” He looked from me to Asher, zeroing in on his brother. “Did you know about this?”
Asher sighed. “Yes, I helped her through it each time.” His tone was leveled and clear.
“I appreciate that, but fuck, is today give River a fucking heart attack day?” River placed his elbows on the counter, dropping his head into his hands.
“You waited to tell me about your mind fuckery while you were with Grayson, so let’s just call it even.” Riley rubbed his back while she stared at me. “Everything keeps piling up, so I wanted nothing to be a surprise. I already called Corrin this morning. She’s going to try to make something to help shield my mind.Trybeing the operative word.”
“Everything that happens to you is far more important than anything happening to us. We will never be even, gorgeous.” River grabbed her arm, moving it so he could hold her hand.
Asher drained the last of his coffee. “Well, since we are offering things up…” he looked at his brother. “I told dad where Riley was the night she got caught in her dad’s office.”
River choked on his coffee, groaning. “What the actual–”
Riley sighed. “It’s in the past. I forgave him and we can move on.” She batted her eyelashes at him and my best friend seemed to settle down, giving his brother a mild glare.
“Anyone else want to offer up anything worth mentioning?” Asher blinked over to Riley. “Unless you have more to say.”
She threw him a fake smile, rolling her eyes.
I reached behind me, rubbing the back of my neck, clearing my throat. “Theo Ellis.”
They all turned their heads to look at me. Asher furrowed his brows. “Who?”
“He’s a junior and also has a work study at the library. I went to talk to him yesterday after you left—” I nodded towards Riley. “— and he’s been in contact with Oliver and Chancellor Fowler.”
“And he just told you that?” Riley questioned, her voice almost full of disbelief.
“It didn’t take much, but I know how to get information when I want it. Especially when I know it’s for your wellbeing.” I raised both my eyebrows and I heard her breath hitch.
“You didn’t hurt him, right?” She walked around River, getting closer to me.
I sighed, knowing that question was coming. “No, of course not. He may have pissed his pants, sure, but he left unharmed and probably relieved he told someone.”
“Told someone what?” River pressed, the color of his tattoos sharper under the kitchen light.
I chewed on the inside of my cheek, leaning forward on the counter. “He’s the one who went and got Marianne.”
I watched Riley’s throat move as she swallowed. Her eyes glazed over a bit, like she was returning to that moment that broke her. She blinked a few times before responding. “Was she the only one?”
“Chancellor Fowler had him keep an eye on the coven as their shadow. He told him that ‘he’s using his powers so think of it like extra credit.’ Theo is also on a scholarship, Riley. He was literally shaking the entire time he spoke to me. Chancellor Fowler told him Marianne was someone who was threatening the coven, so if Theo wanted to be a hero, then he’ll do what he asked.” I clucked my tongue. “He asked me if she was okay, if everything endedup alright. I really didn’t have the heart to tell him so I just changed the subject. He told me he hadn’t heard from the chancellor since taking Marianne and he was better off for it. He kept apologizing to me and asked if I was going to tell his parents.” I rubbed my forehead with two of my fingers.
“He fucked with a lot of people.” Riley was speaking more to herself than to any of us. Her words were muffled under her breath as she stared right through me.
“Is the kid okay?” Asher asked, running his hand along his beard.
“Yeah, I guess so. I don’t know how Chancellor Fowler is picking his helpers, but at least we know he isn’t afraid to go for the most vulnerable and not just the strongest.”
“So basically anyone who isn’t in our immediate circle is a threat?” River asked, pursing his lips.
“It’s a little harsh, but yeah, for now that’s how it has to be.” Asher explained, crossing his arms over his chest.
River came up behind Riley. “Which brings us back to you joining Celica. We don’t know who is on his side. They may not know he was siphoning power but someone in Celica could be dangerous to you.”
Riley looked over her shoulder. “I can’t just sit around. Complying doesn’t mean giving up. It’s just giving us more time. I can fake smiles with the best of them.”
“Our little detective strikes again,” Asher joked, licking his lips.
