Page 210 of Glutton for Punishment

“Ryker was just leaving,” I reply evenly.

Ryker’s jaw tightens, but without another word, he turns and walks away into the darkness.

Atticus watches Ryker disappear before turning back to me. “I’m all for teaming up against Ryker,” he says, one brow arching, “but what was that about?”

Groaning, I rub a hand over my face. “It doesn’t matter.”

I turn toward Maddox and slip my hand into his. “What did Dean Bellows say?” I ask. “Are we all in trouble for leaving during lockdown?”

Maddox lets out a long breath through his nose. “Probably. This was more than sneaking into Academy Hollow after curfew, after all. She’ll probably need to convene with the entire Council.”

“Technically,” I point out, “I was kidnapped. So I shouldn’t be in trouble.”

Atticus’s lips twitch.

“Speaking of kidnappings...” I look between them. “Did you find Daphne?”

Every trace of amusement vanishes from Maddox’s face. “We haven’t found her yet. It looks like she’s no longer on campus. But I’ll find her.”

Atticus continues, “He forced me into a game of rock-paper-scissors over who could exact revenge first. Maddox gets to go first, but I intend to collect, eventually.”

I blink. “You two are unbelievable.”

“The academy is also searching,” Maddox mutters. “Hopefully, we’ll find her first, but we can’t pursue her right now. The Dean has summoned all three of us.”

When we reach Dean Bellows’s office, Maddox opens the door without knocking, and we step inside together as a united front.

Whatever happens next, I refuse to let either of my bonded—or any of my friends—carry the blame for coming after me.

Dean Bellows remains dressed in her academy clothes. Considering the hour, I wonder if she’s slept at all. Judging by the stack of reports covering her desk...

Probably not.

Her expression gives nothing away. “Take a seat.”

The three of us settle into the chairs opposite her desk. I don’t even wait for her to begin.

“Dean Bellows. Maddox and Atticus had no choice but to come after me,” I continue anyway. “If anyone should be held responsible—”

“That,” she interrupts, “is not what we’re here to discuss. Don’t get me wrong, the events surrounding multiple students leaving Academy grounds in direct violation of lockdown protocols will be discussed in the future.”

Her tone remains calm.

“But that is not why I’ve asked the three of you here tonight.”

A cold knot settles in my stomach. “What happened?”

Dean Bellows folds her hands together atop her desk. “In the short time since your return, I’ve already begun receiving reports from contacts within Gluttony. The things they’re saying... If they’re true, they place all of us in a precarious position.”

My heart pounds as the room suddenly feels too warm. Vex. He got away. He knows about my new powers.

“Arwen. I understand why you think it may be in your best interest to conceal the truth.”

She leans forward.

“But I need you to trust me. I may be one of the few people in a position to offer you any meaningful protection or guidance. I’ll be frank.”

Her eyes never leave mine.