Page 7 of Revenant

She giggles. “Yeah, well, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little intrigued.”

“In what way?”

“It’s just…they’ve never outwardly defended anyone not in their group. Even the professors turn a blind eye. They could get away with murder.”

“I don’t think anyone was defending me—”

“Please.” She gives me a sideways glance. “Pryce and Eryx were practically having a dick measuring contest in the middle of the lecture.” Moriah looks past me, her playful smile dropping just a touch, but she recovers quickly. Before I can ask what happened, a familiar voice sounds behind me.

“Just the girl I was hoping to find.” Turning around, there’s nothing I can do to stop the stupid organ in my chest from doing flips at the sight of this man.

Feeling playful—rather bold considering what just transpired in the classroom—I look over my shoulder. “Moriah, Pryce was looking for you. How sweet.”

“Beautiful and funny?” Pryce comments, pressing his hand over his heart and dropping his shoulders with a breath. “Where have you been all my life?”

“I’ll just…leave you to it,” Moriah says with a mischievous glint in her eye. Even though mine scream for her not to leave, she continues on her way, as if she’s none the wiser.

“Where are you headed?” Pryce asks, not paying Moriah’s departure any mind, as if he barely recognized she was here to begin with.

“Lunch.”

“Perfect.” He grabs the books out of my hands, the gesture stunning me too much to resist. “So am I.”

“I don’t think—”

“It’s the least I can do. Think of it as an apology.”

“An ‘I’m sorry’ would be just fine.”

“Actions speak louder than words, tesoro.” My brows pull together, not understanding the last thing he said, and I make a mental note to look it up later. “I must make it clear that I am very stubborn and will not take no for an answer.” He shrugs his shoulders in response, telling me it’s non-negotiable.

I fear in this moment, with him standing there looking like a Greek god, mixed with the completely mastered innocent puppy dog face, I’m doomed.

I roll my eyes in an attempt to seem annoyed, but judging from Pryce’s soft smile rapidly spreading across his face, I know it’s futile. Because even with our few interactions, somehow, it’s like he can see right through me—like I’m made of glass.

The cafeteria booms with chatter, utensils clattering against plates and bowls until it all suddenly crawls to a halt. It’s as if his presence commands attention, even when he doesn’t ask for it. Eyes turn toward us as we make our way to the back table.

Of course he’d choose the table farthest from the entrance, ensuring the longest possible walk as my anxiety climbs to an all-time high. My eyes stay glued to the back of Pryce’s feet, not wanting to make eye contact with anyone until I absolutely have to.

I hate being the center of attention. And it seems no matter where I go, I find myself with a damn spotlight. Or maybe it’s all in my head and it’s just the people I surround myself with. At this point, it’s hard to tell. For my mental state, I’m choosing to believe the latter.

Pryce’s steps come to a halt, and much to my dismay, when I look up, I’m greeted with the same pair of intriguing eyes from class. The ones that are two different colors and unwillingly set my soul on fire. I quickly avert my gaze, only to find the other two strangers don’t seem to be paying me any mind.

Pryce clears his throat. “You guys don’t mind if Alicent joins us today, do you?” The question seems to strike a nerve because he doesn’t wait for a reply. He pulls a chair out and gestures for me to take a seat.

This is the most awkward interaction I think I’ve ever had.

As luck would have it, Eryx is right across from me, still just staring. I have the thought to tell him to take a picture, but I’m not sure I want to poke the bear just yet. Pryce and another guy flank me on each side. Pryce leans in to whisper, “Don’t be shy, tesoro. He doesn’t bite.” He takes a pregnant pause. “That hard.”

His comment earns a snicker from my right, and I can’t help but turn toward it. The guy’s Cheshire grin reaches his eyes, as if he thrives in chaos and destruction. He analyzes me, studying me as if trying to figure out what makes me tick. “Pryce, what have I told you about bringing strays around?” His voice skates across my skin, beckoning to me like a siren’s song calling to a ship. And I’m afraid all of my good intentions are going to crash on the jagged edges of the rocks.

But another part of me catches on his words and refuses to let go. I school my expression, pretending it doesn’t sting. He doesn’t owe me kindness—or anything at all—I know that. Still, being dismissed as if I’m nothing more than a piece of lint gets under my skin, even though I know he’s only teasing.

It doesn’t matter how hard I try to suppress the look of disappointment; he clocks it instantly. “Aw, come on. You’re gonna have to toughen up if you’re going to hang out with us.”

“Bastian, with all due respect. Fuck off.” He chuckles as though Pryce’s comment was endearing. There’s something about his presence that’s magnetic—and terrifying in equal measure. My instincts can’t decide whether to move closer or flee.

“Careful, I love a chase,” Bastian comments, but it’s low, like the words escaped him against his will.