Chapter Sixteen
Audrey
I barely make it through breakfast in the morning with the concerned looks Brenden is shooting my way. I shake off his worry, telling him it’s just the lack of sleep. He looks far from convinced but lets me head to my first class.
Not that I’m looking forward to the class. It’s not that Professor Novak isn’t a good teacher—in fact, I’d say he’s a phenomenal teacher—but we’ve been here for two weeks, and I still haven’t been able to access my magic. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to get away with it. Something tells me that being unable to access my magic is definitely something that will get me sent for judgment.
I can’t allow that to happen now that I know how I died. Now that I know who killed me.
All I’d been able to do while Brenden slept was think about what had happened to me and worry about my sister. I still don’t know what I overheard that made Michael feel the need to kill me, but I know it’s something big. Not just that, though. I know whatever it is, it’s putting my twin’s life in danger.
I don’t know how I’ll do it, but I need to make sure Wren is safe. I need to warn her that her husband isn’t who she thinks he is.
Hell, I need vengeance for what he did to me.
The only way I have a chance at any of that is by becoming a reaper. One of the things we’ve learned is that once we’re a fully-fledged reaper, we’ll be able to travel between earth and the underworld freely. We can even live on earth and make a new life for ourselves there if we want. It’s the only chance I have to get to Wren and Michael. If I’m sent for judgment, my memories will be taken from me, and who knows when I’d even be reincarnated.
Because I surely wouldn’t end up in Elysium. Now that I have my memories back, I know I haven’t lived a life that would allow me to live the rest of my afterlife happily with no worries. The lust for vengeance I have would make me ineligible.
Tartarus is also out of the question. I don’t care what my past lives might have looked like. This last one definitely wouldn’t send me there. Which means I’d end up wandering in the Asphodel Meadows with no memories.
That cannot happen.
“Miss Maddox,” Professor Novak’s voice penetrates my thoughts, and I jerk in surprise.
The smile he gives me is soft. “Still not able to access your magic?”
Glancing around, I realize we must have reached the part of class where we’re supposed to work independently on our magic. I was completely zoned out for the lecture portion of class. Luckily, based on the look on the professor’s gorgeous face, he didn’t notice.
Clearing my throat, I shake my head. “No. Still nothing.”
“Don’t let that get you down,” he assures me with another smile. “It takes some people longer to access their power. It’s not unheard of.”
“But not exactly common, is it?” I sigh as my eyes flick around the room. There’s only one other student who hasn’t been able to access their magic yet, a summer fae across the room who looks just as frustrated as I feel.
“There’s nothing wrong with being special.” He chuckles. “I think it might be best if we do some independent tutoring. There might be some things we can try to get it to emerge.”
I perk up at the idea. I’ll do whatever I need to in order to remain at the academy. And it’s not like spending time with Professor Novak would be a hardship. Not only is he kind, but he’s hot as hell. “Really? You wouldn’t mind doing that?”
“Not at all. Miss Barbara and I,” he says, gesturing to the summer fae, “already have something set up for this week. You’ve made it through the first two weeks of classes. I would hate for this to be the reason you don’t become a reaper.”
Nodding, I try not to seem too eager. “I would really appreciate that, Professor Novak. I want to be a reaper, and this is the only class I’ve been struggling with. Or at least the practical application part.”
“Of course, Miss Maddox, it would be my pleasure. Is there a day of the week that works better for you? Miss Barbara has chosen Fridays, so I’m not available then.”
He acts like there are a ton of things taking up my time outside of classes, though I guess this will take away from time with Brenden, Diana, and Celeste. “Ummm... Wednesdays?”
I’m not sure what makes me pick Wednesdays. It just kind of popped out. I know I won’t be able to focus if we do it today, but beyond that, I have no reason for one day over the other.
He nods. “Wednesdays work for me. We’ll start this week, and we’ll continue to work together until you’re able to access your magic. If we need to continue after that, we can. I just want to make sure that we get you to where you need to be.”
“Thanks again, Professor Novak. Hopefully, we’ll be able to figure it out. I’m not going to lie, I really miss my magic.” Shaking my head, I stare at my hands as if that would make the magic suddenly appear. “I can feel it inside of me. It just doesn’t seem to want to cooperate.”
He hums. “It’s good that you can feel it. That’s a positive first step. I’ll do some research the next few days to see if I can find some different methods to help draw it out. I have a few in mind, but I’m sure I can find more.”
Professor Novak glances at his watch. “Okay, everyone, that’s the end of today’s class. I’ll see all of you tomorrow. Miss Maddox.” He nods as he walks back toward the front of the class.
My eyes follow him as they always do. I don’t know what it is about this professor, but I can never seem to look away. It has to be more than the fact that he’s hot. There are a ton of hot men on campus—Brenden and even that guy I met on the first day, Donovan, who I haven’t seen since.
“Excuse me,” someone murmurs, breaking me from staring at the professor’s ass as they try to pass me.
Shaking my head, I allow them to pass before grabbing my stuff and heading for my next class.
I have enough going on inside my head right now. I don’t need to start obsessing over one of my professors too. Plus, Brenden and I just started whatever this thing is between us. Why am I checking out other men? It kind of makes me feel like an asshole.
Pushing away all thoughts of men, I hurry to the combat building. At least that’s something that’ll pull me out of my head. Professor Redding never goes easy on us. It’s hard to think about anything else when you feel like you’re fighting for your life.
And honestly? I could use a break from being in my head, even if it’s only for an hour and a half.
Leaving Professor Gregory’s class, I’m so ready to crawl into bed and just sleep the rest of the day away.
When my phone goes off, I pull it out to see who’s messaged me.
Diana
Daily check in.
Celeste
Still here.
Me
Me too.
Exhausted. Ready to go to bed.
Diana
Brenden keep you up all night? wink wink wink
Me
No. And definitely not how you’re thinking.
Had a bad dream and couldn’t go back to sleep.
Celeste
A death dream?
I pause, considering her question. Do I want to admit it to them? I’m still not really ready to talk about it, but I’m sure Brenden won’t be able to let it go when he sees me.
Me
Yeah.
Not ready to talk about it.
Diana
No worries.
You coming back to the room tonight?
Me
Not sure yet. Haven’t heard from Brenden yet.
Celeste
That’s abnormal.
And it is. My heart pounds as I switch over to my conversation with him and type out a frantic message.
Me
You okay?
I chew on my lip, glancing around as I step out of the Shade. Nope, no Brenden waiting for me. Surely he hasn’t been sent for judgment, right?
Fuck.
I don’t know what the hell I’ll do if he has been. I don’t think I can deal with that right now.
I ignore the flurry of messages coming in from Diana and Celeste, keeping my eyes locked on the conversation with Brenden, waiting for the three dots to appear to prove that he’s okay as he types me a message.
Only, they’re not appearing, and I’m freaking the fuck out.
“Audrey!”
My head jerks up at the sound of Brenden’s voice, and my feet move on their own accord, running me to him. I throw my arms around his neck as a suppressed sob slips from my lips.
“What’s wrong, firecracker?” Brenden wraps me in a hug, kissing the top of my head.
“I didn’t have a text from you, and then you didn’t answer mine. I was worried.”
Brenden sighs, trying to pull back from me, but I cling to him like a starfish. “Firecracker… Audrey… Baby, I’m sorry.” He laughs. “C’mon, firecracker, release your hold so I can look at you.”
I’m pouting as I pull away from him, allowing him to cup my tear-stained cheeks in his hands.
“I got out of class early and dropped my bag off at my dorm. I thought I’d make it here before your class let out, and I must have left my phone in my bag. I didn’t mean to scare you.” He leans in and kisses me softly.
Sighing, I shake my head. “No. You’re okay. I’m just so fucking exhausted and overreacted.”
“At least I know it means you care.”
I laugh, slapping my hand on his chest. “Now you need to feed me. Let’s grab dinner and then go to your room. We can stay there again.”
“You’re getting spoiled since I have my own room,” he teases, grabbing my bag from me as he throws his arm over my shoulders. “Your suitemates are going to think you don’t love them anymore.”
“Shit! Diana and Celeste!” Lifting my phone, I switch conversations to find they’ve blown up our chat.
Me
Sorry, girls. I might have freaked out when I couldn’t reach Brenden.
I’m claiming exhaustion.
He’s here and okay. We’re going to stay in his room again tonight.
Diana
Thank goodness. I was worried.
Celeste
We both were.
We get you tomorrow night. Brenden can come over if he must.
Me
Lol. The two of you can join us for dinner in his dorm tomorrow night. Then I’ll come back to the suite with you.
Either we’ll spend a night apart or he can come over just before bedtime.
Diana
Yeah, that boy isn’t going to let you sleep alone. He’s too obsessed.
“She’s right.” Brenden laughs. “Unless you tell me you don’t want me to stay over, I’m going to assume we’re sleeping together.”
“That’s good to know, nosey.” I stick my tongue out at him.
Me
Yeah. He said as much.
I’ll text you before bed and then again in the morning.
Celeste
And after class to remind us to meet you at Brenden’s dorm. I’m sure I’ll forget.
Diana
You definitely will.
Me
Love you!
Diana
Love you too!
Celeste
Back at ya!
Sliding my phone into the pocket of my cardigan, I cuddle further into Brenden’s side as we climb onto the shuttle cart that will take us back to his dorm.
After dinner, Brenden leads us up to his room and tosses me one of his T-shirts to change into.
“Shit. Do I have another uniform here?” I can’t remember how many I brought over last night.
“One more. Guess it’s a good thing we’re going to your suite tomorrow.” Brenden is already pulling off his shirt, and I grin as I watch him change. “See something you like?”
Pulling my shirt off, I chuck it at him. “You know I do.”
He catches my shirt with a laugh before tossing it on the bed and changing into his pajamas. It’s too early for us to head to bed just yet, but there’s just something about hanging out in your pajamas at the end of the day.