32. Chapter 32 #2
“Don’t forget to stop by that place we spoke about!” Tabby yells after me, and I blush. After last night, I fully intend to head straight to the clinic after meeting with the Dean and get the birth control shot.
The whispers follow me all the way up the steps. “Is she getting kicked out already?”
“Probably. I heard after the Council sent her to the Wastes, the rebels kicked her out because even they didn’t want her—”
Bursts of laughter follow.
“No way, idiot! I heard she has some insane power, and Greed’s offering a reward for her. Maybe the Dean’s cashing in.”
My stomach clenches. That one hits too close to the truth, but I keep my face blank.
The grand entrance hall swallows me whole the second I step inside.
The enormous central courtyard fountain is still there, spilling crystalline water into its basin.
And next to it is Atticus in his immaculate academy uniform.
He’s surrounded, of course, as Pride students cluster like his loyal subjects.
Daphne stands closest to him, her manicured hand moves to rest on his forearm. My stomach twists, but he immediately shakes her off without a glance.
His gaze lifts right to me, like our growing bond has become a beacon. The look on his face nearly ruins me.
Longing and Pain… so many raw feelings beneath that perfect, controlled mask.
The Dean’s office door swings open, shattering the moment. I tear my eyes away from his and step inside.
Dean Bellows crosses to her desk and gestures toward the chair opposite it.
“Well,” she says, “this will be quite a different discussion from last year.”
“That’s putting it mildly.”
She raises a brow at my sass, but continues. “I’ve received reports from Councilor Willshire and Councilor West.” Her eyes narrow. “But I would prefer an account from you directly on the events of the summer.”
I launch into the specifics of my time with Greed and Gluttony as pity hints at her features. She recovers quickly.
I need help. Now’s not the time to hold things back. I confirm my bonds with both Maddox and Atticus and express worry about my power.
When I finish, the office sits in heavy silence. Dean Bellows leans back in her chair. I think this is the first time I’ve seen her relax her posture.
“Well,” she says at last. “This situation is… unusual. Having an active outside faction bond with another student while still attending the academy is unheard of. There’s a reason we send students home for private tutelage within their new faction.”
I panic. Would she send me to Gluttony or to Pride?
“However,” she continues, ignoring my panic, “the Councilors have given explicit authorization for you to remain enrolled and continue training here despite the bond ties you have.”
I feel my shoulders sag in relief.
“Since you now possess an active sin power,” she says, sliding a stack of papers across her desk, “you will no longer attend the sin rotation courses you participated in last year. Instead, we will place you into Gluttony specialization classes since the power you produced aligns with that faction.”
My relief vanishes. Gluttony classes? But I’m a Wrath!
“You are going to be significantly behind in potions, and we will have you take the freshman classes as well.”
I groan. “Is that necessary?”
She stares at me, unimpressed.
“I’m also assigning you to Gluttony power training with a small group of second-year students who possess active manifested powers outside of the traditional potion specialization that we usually see.”
My stomach flips. Power training with other people? Someone could get hurt.
“And,” she added, glancing down at her notes, “given your demonstrated combat experience…”
I straighten.
“…you will now be permitted to attend combat training classes.”
My mouth drops open; all thoughts of power training vanished. “You’re serious? You beautiful, terrifying woman.”
I stand and rush to give her a hug. She pushes me away, but her lips press together like she’s fighting a smile. “That decision was mine. Not the Council’s. You’ll have more time now that you’re not in every sin power class.”
Warmth hits my chest.
“I expect you to justify that choice,” she says. “Train hard. Gain control of your abilities.”
“Of course. Absolutely. I won’t let you down. Any chance at all we could negotiate on the uniforms?”
The hint of a smile drops from her face.
“…Never mind.”
“Tomorrow at nine a.m.,” she continues, “you will meet with me, two Gluttony professors, and Combat Master Brady in Room 403 for a power demonstration.”
Ice fills my veins, and I try very hard not to show any signs of panic. The scene of the dismembered man floods my mind.
“Your academy phone from last year is back in your desk, and your belongings remain in the same room. For now, you can remain in the Wrath dorms. You are dismissed.” She finishes, tucking her files back into the cabinet.
I rise, gathering my bags with shaky hands, and make it halfway to the door before her voice stops me. “Oh—and Arwen?”
I turn to find a small smile on her face. “We’re glad to have you back at SinVail.”