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So instead I shrugged. “What’s the worst that could happen, Sweet Lamb?”

44

TESS

The Cadillac careened down the backroads of Valemont to Atwood University’s campus. I stared out the window as the trees parted and a large estate rolled out.

Sitting at the top of a hill, Atwood’s stone buildings formed a shining city of their own. Elegant stone buildings sat at the crest, a manicured lawn of the college Quad sprawling out in front.

My eyes caught on lampposts at the edge of the Quad, plastered in posters. There were the usual babysitting requests, tutoring services, and volunteer events. But there was also The Messenger.

On a clear blue sky, Rubin’s face looked up to the heavens, holding his arms up.

“His robes are fucking ridiculous.” Nash groaned, catching the same poster.

As the car continued on, we realized it wasn’t just the one copy. On every streetlight we passed, at least one image of Rubin was crudely taped to the post. He was everywhere.

“Shit.” Blade pressed her face to glass, trying to get a better look at the details as Cyrus kept driving forward. “All this expensive education, and these kids still fall for cult shit?”

Cyrus grumbled from the front seat. “They’re young, insecure. And Rubin is promising women and power.”

Of course she was right. That’s what drew all people to cults. Life could be lonely, scary, and harder than I’d ever expected as a child. A man in humble clothes and a soft voice telling you it would all be okay, that he had the answers…

It was undeniably appealing. Even for a skeptic.

Getting closer to the center of campus, I scanned the large lawn that extended across the length of the hill. Students sat on the grass, some tossing frisbees, others studying.

But some of the students stood on the lawn and stared up to the sky, their eyes wide as their lips moved ever so slightly. Around one guy was a group of students on their knees, all placing hands on his body while they muttered words with him.

His body swayed slightly as he stood, unable to hold himself steady.

“Damn.” I breathed.

Goosebumps rose along my arms as the zombies faded behind us. The Messenger’s influence had snuck into every corner of Valemont, it seemed. Would it spread beyond the mountains that sheltered this valley from the rest of the world?

Before I could worry too much about it, the Cadillac slowed in front of a wrought iron gate. We were at the very end of Frat Row, surrounded by sprawling mansions that each toted their own elegant, gothic illustrated bird banners.

As soon as the nose of the SUV stretched into the driveway, the gate swung open. I looked up at the security camera pointed down at us.

Someone is watching closely.

Cyrus’s jaw tensed from the driver’s seat, and her grip on the wheel tightened as we drove up the gravel driveway. At the top of the hill, a gorgeous Victorian mansion presided over the grounds.

Unlike the other frat and sorority houses, the Laniidae house was set far back from the street. Trees along their fence provided some privacy to the sorority.

If they’re anything like my Freaks, privacy would be necessary.

Shaking my head, I took in the line of luxury vehicles parked around the circular driveway:a green Suzuki motorcycle, a blue Range Rover, a gray Maserati, and a deep red Rolls-Royce.

“This is a waste of time. What do a bunch of spoiled rich kids have to offer us?” Blade hissed.

We were all thinking it. After the lives we’d lived — thrown to the side since adolescence — it was hard to believe that sheltered sorority girls would be able to help us with the gritty details of stopping the flow of an illegal substance.

Cyrus’ nose lifted to a snarl as she tried to play nice. “I’m not sure. But Dom wouldn’t have sent us here if they were useless.”

With the Cadillac parked in front of the house, Nash leapt out of the front passenger seat and peeled open my door. “After you, Sweet Lamb.”

Taking her strong hand, I climbed out of the SUV and onto the rounded stones of the Laniidae driveway.