Chapter Nine
Alexandr Miroslav
It was Rain Atlas Jett who jolted and spoke with thinly veiled disapproval, “Someone like August Myro would be considered deserving of the prestige that sitting on the board entails? Wouldn’t the board find it… preposterous?”
Thaddeus didn’t seem the least bit surprised by her views, considering her hereditary standing on said board.
I knew she’d only chosen August as her victim, when she’d much rather turn on me, because I was being sponsored and August wasn’t. Though I still hadn’t found it fair.
August, with all his stupidity, was bold and intelligent.
To a certain degree, of course.
Though, it wasn’t the boy in question who replied, and neither was it Thaddeus, “And why would you think such a thing?”
Rain directed her calm expression towards me and almost seemed to internally debate dignifying me with an answer before speaking, “Simply put? The board has long since upheld the standard of rightful inheritance. Deviating from that notion would cause a break in the trust and allegiance held firm between its members.”
While I contemplated her words and found she’d had a point, she continued, “There are rules that must be followed. Unwritten rules for those that understand them and uphold them.”
She’d spoken the last part in a patronizing tone, so cunningly masked, only I noticed.
“The board has personally selected August Myro. What weight do your words hold advocating for the very system whose decisions you’re criticizing?”
That seemed to shut her up, but only barely. Her calm expression remained, though with pursed lips into an understanding smile.
Thaddeus, only then, decided to step in, “Although I understand your frustration, Miss Jett, though my views do not align with yours, the board believes it is a new era. One is better protected when focused on skill rather than blood and name. Would you much rather someone such as Callum Queen be sitting here with us today? Sure, he has the grades, he has enough brainpower to think at least a few steps ahead, but he does not fit what the board is seeking. The legacy of your name simply does not cut it anymore. The world is changing, and although we cling to the old ways, we understand that to survive, some things must change with it.”
I vaguely remembered Callum Queen, the same boy who’d sat back while his lackeys held August down in that hallway a while back. Or, it felt like a while back, although it’d only been a couple days ago.
Despite that short interaction, he didn’t give himself a likable impression. The only thing worth remembering was that deeply unsettling cruelty in his eyes and his, even more unsettling, stark white hair.
Rain was more placated with his words than mine, but I didn’t mind. I certainly couldn’t say he wasn’t skilled in the art of diplomacy.
She seemed to consider this as she held his stare for only a moment longer before releasing a sigh and leaning back into her seat. Although a bit pettily, might I add, from the way she’s plastering herself as far away from me as possible.
Thaddeus rubbed his temple before speaking again, “If you succeed in meeting my expectations this year, you will be spending the better part of your adult lives in each other’s orbit.
Complete faith in each other’s abilities is crucial.
Because of this, I am also requiring that the seven of you have weekly dinners at The Gallery. ”
Wolf shifted. “What if we’re busy? Or have other engagements.”
Thaddeus offered him a smile; one I didn’t understand. “Think of it as a mandatory team-building exercise. Your prior priorities are simply that. Prior.”
Marigold seemed to be worried about something else entirely. “Isn’t T-The Gallery… a high-end restaurant?”
Thaddeus turned his smile towards her, but it wasn’t the same. “Do not fret. I will handle your reservations and expenses.”
When no one spoke, his brows furrowed, not at all pleased by our reaction. “Oh, come on… this will be fun.”
I wasn’t worried. If I couldn’t pay my own bill, the credit card I’d stolen off of that loud-mouthed bastard on the plane will, assuming it worked. But as insurance, Thaddeus’ watch will pawn off nicely.
Perhaps he shouldn’t attract so much attention to it.
Ajax was nodding slowly. “So, from this day forward, we have to like… trust each other and stuff?”
For a child born in wealth, he reminded me so much of the kids I grew up around. “Well, I assumed, from my words, that was a given. I wasn’t exactly being subtle.” Thaddeus clapped his hands together and let out an exhausted breath. “Alright, we’re almost done. I just need a vial of blood.”
August reared back, and though I didn’t move, that was my internal reaction as well. “I’m sorry, what?”
The words were spoken so casually that even I had overlooked the meaning of them almost entirely. Thaddeus rolled his eyes and spoke reasonably, “Oh, don’t say it like that. It won’t be yours.”
The other six students, along with me, seemed to shuffle as much as we could away from him. Leaning as far back in our seats as possible. Paris pressed into me as though, if push came to shove, she wouldn’t be the first person I’d use as a decoy. Or perhaps Rain deserved that title more.
I was sure the smell of urine would be wafting in right about now.
August nodded vigorously, letting a nervous, breathless laugh pass through. “Yeah… I assumed my reaction indicated as much.”
A vial of blood. A vial of someone else’s blood.
The dark turn this conversation had taken made my head spin.
Growing up, I’d seen my fair share of the thick, red liquid, and although it wasn’t something that made me nauseous, the idea of draining an innocent person for a vial of their blood at the request of a secret society was something sure to make me a little light-headed.
What would he even do with it?
Adrenaline filled me, but I wasn’t feeling giddy like I’d felt moments prior.
It was thick and made me want to curl myself into a tight ball, press my hands into fists, my head between my legs, and just squeeze.
The dark edge in Thaddeus’ eyes returned, and he tapped his crossed leg in a rhythm of twos.
“It is something required of all classes. An insurance of sorts. An incentive held against you to remind you that–”
“That you own us?”
Thaddeus met my wide gaze, and a sense of foreboding filled me. My heart began to beat too loudly in my ears, and an itch to run, stronger than I’d ever felt, grew under my skin.
“No. We cannot own what holds up our future. The consequences would be damaging. Simply, we wish to know where your limits lie.”
Ajax shook his head and leaned forward, tensing his muscles in preparation for a fight. “That isn’t any better.”
It seemed Thaddeus was holding back, and the ugly monster living within him rearing its head. “Did you assume we wouldn’t do our research on a topic so crucial? Do not mistake yourselves, I know every single one of your crimes. This… will be the least of them.”
Not a single word was uttered after. Guilty and shameful expressions filled the faces of those around me, and I knew then, I wasn’t alone in the sins I’ve committed.
I’ve birthed the Baba Yaga for my sins.
Thaddeus knew everything. Everything.
Everything?
“What about… my blood?”
Thaddeus brushed it off with a lift of his hand. “Quite frankly, I don’t care whose blood you decide to show up here with at our next bloody appointment, pun not intended, only that it isn’t each other’s.”
Not everything.
Wolf sent me a questioning look, considering he’d just stated as much, but he didn’t understand the emphasis I’d placed, quickly assuming I thought myself special.
But I only waved him off with a shake of my head. I already found my way out, and he should be worrying about himself.
Suddenly, his task didn’t seem so hard.
There were loopholes that perhaps only I was aware of, that only I could benefit from.
Thaddeus spoke again, “This isn’t a simple ask.
You do this, or the board, with all the knowledge you now hold, really will dispose of you.
And although you’ve been placed under my guidance, I would have no control in convincing them otherwise.
It would be a shame considering you’ve all begun to grow on me. ”
I doubted it but didn’t say as much.
He clapped his hands with finality when no one uttered a word afterwards. “Alright, that seems to conclude today’s meeting. You’ll be sent the details of your weekly dinners after our next appointment two weeks from now. I suggest you all write up those questions you’ve been dying to ask.”
August didn’t look like he wanted to do such a thing anymore, rubbing his left leg at the reminder.
When no one moved, he waved his hands at us. “Come on, hurry along. I have places to be, and you all are keeping me from them.”
Rain Atlas Jett stood first, and I knew she’d much prefer ushering us out like the leader she wishes to prove she was, though she didn’t have to. One by one, we shuffled out until Thaddeus called out to Wolf. Collectively, we all turned like he’d called on us as well.
Thaddeus raised his brow and smirked. “Look at that, already protective of each other. I see you’ve decided to take a step in the right direction.”
The mere idea was laughable at best, as he seemed to mistake our nosiness for loyalty.
Embarrassed at the insinuation, Ajax grumbled and walked out, Marigold close behind him, the rest of us following.
Upon our exit, when everyone disappeared past aisles and out of the library, likely back to the comfort of their dorms, Paris paused at the single chair situated in the corner.
Curious, I followed after her, looking over her shoulder at the empty chair. I furrowed my brows.
The book was gone.
“Strange, isn’t it?”
I focused on the back of her head, wondering how she’d known it was me standing behind her. Or she didn’t, careless of who she was speaking to, “What is?”