Chapter 20 #3
“I was wondering where you got off to,” she says. “I can’t be responsible for lost students right now.”
I press my lips together, suppressing a smile. “I understand.”
“I’m sure you do.”
She isn’t saying anything, but that makes it more torturous. The slight smile on her lips says she suspects something. We had sex, and it’s probably written all over us. It wouldn’t be as embarrassing with any other teacher, but Professor Connolly’s opinion matters to me.
What if she thinks I’m unprofessional?
“I’m walking Margaux back to her dorm,” Jun says. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure we both get back in one piece.”
“Wonderful. But…” Her gaze shifts before landing on us. “Before you go, could I have a word with the two of you in my office? It won’t take long.”
We’re done for. Not only does she know about our entanglement, but she intends to lecture us, likely on the disastrous effects of semi-public sex or coming on school property.
It’s not as if we made a mess. I’m better than that.
“Sure,” Jun says, answering for both of us.
My posture is rigid as we follow, with hesitant footsteps, into her office. It’s a place that once felt so warm, evoking memories of private conversations about my performances and pep talks from the wise demoness.
Now, it will only remind me of awkward sex talks—and this may truly be more uncomfortable than having the talk with my comically old mother.
“Sit,” Professor Connolly says, gesturing to the seats on one side of her desk.
We listen.
The smile fades from her lips as soon as she takes her seat. The expression that replaces it is severe; her lips turn into a frown.
“I know what you’re doing,” she says.
I swallow, not daring to exchange so much as a look with Jun. “What do you mean, Professor?”
She’s silent for a moment, and it’s the longest of my life.
“I know about your connection to the Order,” she says.
My hand flies to my chest, and I inhale slowly, my eyes closing. “Oh, thank God.”
Better that than her catching us hooking up in a classroom.
“I have no clue what you’re referring to,” Jun says, even though I’ve likely given us away.
“Yes,” Professor Connolly says, “you do.”
His jaw tightens. Neither of us says anything.
“When I received news of you two joining the Order, I didn’t want to believe it. That two of my finest students would join such a community…” She shakes her head. “It made my heart sink.”
“What do you know about the Order?” I ask, leaning forward.
Because it sounds like she knows something, and Jun and I are still shuffling around in the dark. How does she know about the Order if she’s not a part of it?
Have we finally found another sane person?
Her lips press together. “I don’t know if I should tell you.”
Jun and I exchange a look. Our feeding bond gives me some insight into a wave of uncertainty coming from him.
I ignore it and barrel forward.
“We aren’t joining the order,” I say, turning to face her. “We’re trying to learn about it.”
“Ah…” Her smile returns, and her eyes twinkle. “Exactly what I was hoping for.”
“Really?” Jun relaxes.
“Yes,” she says. “I have been attempting to end this Order business for years. I was working with a fellow teacher—a witch—but she’s no longer with us.
Now, there are a few students who spied to share minimal information, but that’s all I have to work with this semester.
They’ve both been eliminated after the first trial. ”
“Is that where you heard about us?” I ask.
She nods. “They shared your names—and a few others.”
“Are we going to”—Jun scoffs—“I don’t know. Get in trouble?”
“I am the only faculty member who cares about what the Order is doing,” she says. “It’s the worst-kept secret in Strode.”
“Then how did I go so long without knowing about it?” I ask.
It’s embarrassing, considering my father’s role.
“You saw what you wanted to see. Sometimes, our mind chooses ignorance to keep ourselves safe. That is no longer an option for me, and I have a feeling it is not for you either.”
“It isn’t.”
“Then you have an ally in me.”
“And what can you tell us?” Jun asks. “We don’t understand what is going on, and we can’t give you information without something in return.”
“I don’t have many answers. All we’re told in the faculty is that the Order is important to keep the school safe. Everyone believes your father blindly, and no one dares question it.”
“My father is the one behind it?” I ask. “Truly?”
“He is. While your father did not begin the Order, he took it over many years ago. He was involved even before he moved to Castine.”
“And”—I swallow my fears—“do you think it’s connected to the murders?”
“That is hard to say. If it is, these murders have likely been going on longer than they’ve been reported. They’re getting sloppy now, and we must find out why.”
I look at Jun, and he gives me a soft nod.
“We will,” he says, turning to the professor. “Consider us your new allies. We’ll be your eyes and ears.”
“And in return,” she says, “I will do everything in my power to keep you safe. You’ll need it. I know you’re playing their silly games now, and it seems harmless, but don’t underestimate how dangerous this Order is.”