Chapter 13
Rose
The lecture hall feels overwhelming today. I sit near the back, with my notebook open but untouched. I can’t stop thinking about Gabriel and our first time in the costume room. I remember his body pressed against mine, his poem filling the air, and how I felt completely his.
Now, it’s a blur of excitement and guilt. He’s my professor, and this is wrong. And yet, I want him more with each passing day. Professor Thompson is talking about brand equity, but I can’t hear a word. All I see are Gabriel’s eyes.
During the break halfway through the lecture, I take out my phone and check for messages from Gabriel. But there are none. Unexpectedly, Liam takes the seat next to me. He winks at me, which I find irritating.
I notice his confidence right away. He takes the seat next to me and leans in, like we’re already mid-conversation.
“Hey, Rose, you seem distracted. Is this class tough, or is something else on your mind?”
“It’s just the lecture,” I say, eyes still on my notes.
Liam’s trying to be charming, and maybe someone else would enjoy the attention. But all I can think about is Gabriel—his voice, his hands, the way he looked at me like he already knew every part of me.
“Oh, right. There’s a new café in town. Do you want to go for coffee this weekend? It could be fun.”
“Thanks, Liam, but I have too many assignments. Maybe another time.”
I hope he understands that I’m not interested. With a shrug, he leans back, still smiling.
“No big deal, I’ll live. But you should come to this event next week instead. It’s part of Wolfswood’s oldest traditions. And it’s only for students from elite families. It’s kind of a big deal.”
The last gathering Liam invited me to replays in my mind—a creepy ritual in the grove, Marcus’s release vanishing in the flames, and Cassandra’s approving expression, as if this was all perfectly normal. The memory sends a shiver down my spine.
I hesitate, not sure I can handle another ceremony like that.
“We went to one of those events before, Liam”, I tell him. “It was… intense. What was that all about?”
“You mean the oath thing? Yeah, it’s weird at first, I get it. But it’s just tradition, Rose. These gatherings keep our circles tight, you know? It’s how we network, and how we make sure power stays with the right people.”
“It felt more like some kind of ritualistic witchcraft. The fire, the chalice—it made my skin crawl. Why would anyone want to be part of that?”
“Look, I know it seems over-the-top. But it’s symbolic. It’s a way to show loyalty to Wolfswood’s legacy. You’re a Devereaux now, so you’re part of it. These events connect us to people who run the world, to bankers, CEOs, and politicians.”
“And in what way do you think that ceremony was supposed to make me feel connected? If anything, it did the opposite—it made me feel like I didn’t belong at all.”
“That’s just how it starts. You’re new, so they test you. But showing up proves you’re serious. This next one’s at the old chapel, and it’s less… dramatic. It’s more about deals and alliances.”
“So, it’s just a fancy party? No weird oaths and… other stuff?”
“Not like last time, I promise. It’s mostly talk about future investments and family partnerships. You need this, Rose, to learn how our world works. You’re an heiress now.”
But I feel torn. I want to understand Wolfswood’s elite, but the memory of that night unsettles me.
“I’ll think about it,” I reply. “But if it’s anything like before, I’m out.”
“Fair enough”, he nods. “You’ll see, it’s worth it. So, the party is at midnight next Friday. I’ll find you.”
He turns back to his notes, leaving me suspended between doubt and curiosity. I wonder if I’m ready for this world.
“Alright, I’ll be there,” I tell him.
Liam nods, looking pleased, and starts texting someone on his phone. Across the room, Cassandra Vane is watching us. She gets up and walks over, looking just as mean as ever.
“Getting cozy with the locals, charity case?” she says loudly, making sure the others can hear her. “Don’t think you belong here. Orphans don’t mix with real heirs.”
“I’m a Devereaux, remember?” I ask her.
“A Devereaux? You’re a fake, Rose. They picked you out of pity.”
“So what? Why do you feel threatened by me? I’m just an orphan, after all.”
I tilt my head, letting my words hit her.
“Threatened? Don’t flatter yourself. You’re a nobody. It’s pathetic.”
“If I’m such a nobody, why are you wasting your time on me? It seems like you’re the one who’s worried, Cassandra.”
“Don’t be stupid, stray! I’m just reminding you of your place. You don’t have the blood, the history, or the class to fit in here.”
“My place is wherever I make it. What’s your problem, really? Scared I’ll outshine you?”
“You—don’t—belong—here!” she barks at me, accentuating every word.
Evelyn, another student, giggles, but I ignore her.
“Keep talking, Cassandra. It just shows how much I’m getting to you. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
She throws me a very mean look. She’s clearly not happy with how this conversation is going.
“Not for long, orphan.”
“What’s that supposed to mean, Cassandra? Do you really think some vicious little plan of yours will get me out of here? Let’s see how that goes.”
I gather my things and walk out of the classroom. There is still half of the lecture left after our break, but I can’t handle it right now. Not with Cassandra attacking me like this. And yet, I feel a spark of pride for fighting back even if I’m still an outsider in their eyes.
There is no one in the corridor, and I feel grateful for this solitude. I can gather my thoughts for a moment and focus on the rest of the day.
Heading back to my dorm, I nearly bump into Gabriel. He’s looking busy, looking into his phone. Surprise flashes in his eyes, followed by something deeper. It’s a yearning that mirrors my own.
“Hello, Rose,” he says softly, and sets his phone on a window ledge, fully concentrating on me.
I feel nervous and thrilled. We shouldn’t linger here.
“Professor Thorn,” I start, trying to sound casual, just in case someone might be listening or passing by. But my voice betrays my feelings. I want to be near him, to feel his warmth, but the risk terrifies and electrifies me at the same time.
Glancing down the empty corridor, he steps closer. Then, takes my hand in his.
“I can’t stop thinking about you.”
I cannot believe how much I want him, how much my body misses him. Even though we saw each other just yesterday.
“I feel the same,” I admit. “All this risk, and all this danger… It’s so exciting, isn’t it?”
His touch is so light that it sends shivers down my spine.
“Yes, it is. It’s the secret nature of our relationship that makes it so enticing,” he says.
His words pull me in, and I feel like I’m drowning in my need for him.
“What if someone sees us?” I ask, my voice barely a whisper. But I don’t pull away.
“Nobody’s around”, he confirms with a quick glance.
I reach out and caress his face, tracing his handsome features with my fingers.
“Stay with me just for a moment, Rose,” he says.
He makes me feel so desired, so cherished. Slowly, he leans in, giving me time to savor him.
Our lips meet, soft and tentative at first. This kiss is filled with all the longing we’ve held back.
I feel whole, and nothing else matters but this moment.
His hands cup my face, gently but firmly, and I taste him as if he’s a luxurious dessert.
The kiss becomes more urgent. Our tongues touch warmly, in a slow, dangerous dance. I’m lost in him, and I know it.
He pulls back, but rests his forehead against mine.
“I’ll send you a note, Rose. To schedule our next… lesson,” he says.
“I can’t wait… Professor,” I tease him.
He kisses my lips lightly one more time, not to say goodbye, but to assure me that this is real.
I watch him grab his phone and walk away from me. I linger in the corridor for a moment longer because I feel like I could fly with happiness at any moment. After he disappears around a corner, I walk back to my dorm as well.
The taste of his kiss is still on my lips.
Is there anything sweeter in this world?