Page 40 of The Prince of Demons

“Yeah, the facade of choice is kind of misleading.” He pulled me into a hug against his bare chest, surprising me. “Be careful,” he whispered in my ear. “Houses build a ranking list based on who they think will make the strongest pledge class. But if they feel like your identity is based on deceit, they can drop you before the final initiation.”

Choked gasps rang out around us, causing Lukas to drop me. The temperature dropped quickly enough to kill.

“I always knew this process was predatory,” a cruel voice sounded, “but do you really have to force your half-naked body on impressionable freshman girls?”

At the hilltop, cloaked in shadows, stood my dealmaker.

Fear bolted through my veins. My heart pounded against my chest. There were so many people here, running around and scampering back home in heels and suits. Would he really try to act on his bargain with me? Now, in public, with witnesses?

The hairs on my neck stood up as he studied me, eyes swirling with mischief.

I should have run, but I couldn’t hide. And neither could any other freshmen here, many of whom were petrified.

“Let me guess… you, humans, would call this… hazing?” He stepped forward.

“Get out,” Lukas ordered.

“Now, Luna! Run!”

He shoved me.

I bailed, sprinting like my neck didn’t burn with each breath I took.

ChapterTwelve

THE ORACLE MUSINGS

Our mystery murderer is a shapeshifter! Despite my best attempts, all images I conjure shift between forms. No amount of bribery—nor carnal favors from Siren House, thank you very much—can clear up my visions.

One thing is certain, however: The Houses have been slacking and will reap the consequences of their own incompetence.

Our human-slayer is aiming big this time. The long-term effects of this future killing will take out one of our illustrious House leaders. The future is fickle and undecided—whoever it will be is a surprise even I cannot predict.

But do not lose faith, dear reader! A heroic rescue may be upon us! One lucky reader will have a chance with our local heart stopper. And that story is only just beginning.

I can’t wait until our damsel in distress picks up her skirts and learns to save herself!

HYDRA ALERT!HYDRA ALERT!

Run, Hide, Fight! Another student has been reported missing. A mysterious otherworld demon has been spotted carrying a mutilated body through the Whispering Woods.

My phone buzzed, waking me. A week passed since Reaper’s last appearance, and campus had been quiet—too quiet—ever since. “Stars,” I breathed, reading the latest alert. Through the thin walls of the dorms, I could hear everyone else’s devices popping off, too.

My phone tolled again.

Flora:Get on it, girl!

I gave her all of one text yesterday:‘His name is Reaper’before she blew up my phone and forced me to come in. My fingers had turned so purple on the way in I thought I’d lose them to frostbite. Could she send that chill all the way to my neck? Then maybe the necrosis would kill off Reaper’s deal, too.

Luna:On my way!

I threw on my boots and coat and ran down the stairs.

“Off to see your crush?”Gaksi asked.

“Off to get intel,”I told him. I took off running to the Whispering Woods. The air felt so cool on my skin I had to remind myself I was on a stealth mission.

There was something so spontaneous about a University campus at night. Stars shined as bright as all the futures built here, and the dreams waiting to come true.

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