Sinful Things

18

Delilah scrutinizes me. "Have you figured out how to feed off of lust not directed at you?"

"I have." I remember the snacks I used to get from Araceli and Darel, before he was killed anyway. That’s not an option now.

“Good. That should help sustain you. One thing you could try is going to a strip club to feed on the lust in the air, but that can only do so much. You could also incite lust in people around you. You do know how to do that, don’t you?”

“Yes, but I don’t do it often, especially here on campus.”

“That’s understandable, but I have an idea for how you can do it without getting caught. I assume you sleep in dorms, as they do at Hellspawn Academy?” she asks, and I nod. “When all the little angels are asleep in their beds, send out a wave of lust through the building. You’ll give every student in your dorm a sexy dream that will sustain you for a short time.”

I sit up straighter. "That's a good idea. Nobody discusses their s*x dreams, right?”

She smiles, pleased at my enthusiasm. "Indeed. You'll have to start small though. A few rooms at a time at first. But that should tide you over until you find more lovers, at least."

"Nothing replaces s*x though, does it?" I ask.

"No, but we do what we must to survive.” She finishes the last of her tea and sets it down, then rises with the elegance of a queen. “I’ll return in a few months to check on your progress. I hope to see signs that you’re feeding better by then.”

I jump to my feet with a lot less grace. “I’ll try.”

Delilah reaches out and strokes my cheek tenderly with her red nails for a fleeting moment. I catch a quick glimpse of a gold ring set with rubies, and for some reason it reminds me of the necklace I wear, but then I’m ensnared by her mysterious green eyes, which look just like mine. She’s only the fourth member of my family I’ve ever met, and I almost beg her to stay longer. I have so many questions, but more than that, I just want to spend time with her. But the moment ends as quickly as it began, and she draws herself up and walks out of the room, moving with such confidence you’d think this is her house and not Uriel’s.

I stare at the empty doorway with a hollowness in my chest, but then collect myself and set out for the dorms. I have something new to try tonight.

Chapter Thirteen

Olivia

W

hen I get back to my dorm, there’s a piece of blue paper taped to the door, announcing something new called Family Day in June. I rip it off and scan it quickly. It says all parents will be invited to explore the campus and attend classes with us that day, plus there will be a big feast out on the lawn. I doubt Father will bother showing up, so I leave the paper on the kitchen counter in case Araceli wants it. Her mom will definitely come, but I’m not sure about her dad.

I head into my bedroom, drop my bag on my bed, peel off my cardigan, and then freeze. There’s a gold envelope on my desk, like the ones the Order sends…but it’s too soon for another meeting, isn’t it? Although last year I was only an initiate, maybe now that I’m a full member, I’ll be expected to attend more meetings. But when I rip it open, I see it’s not an invitation, but something that sends a chill down my spine.

Find a way to bring your roommate’s father to campus before the end of the year. Failure to complete your task will result in the punishment of a loved one.

I ball up the paper in my fist, and then notice my hands are shaking. I should have known the Order would want to manipulate me to achieve their goals. I just didn’t expect them to do something like this, or with such an open threat. Then again, they got away with murder last year—what won’t they do?

I sit on the edge of my bed as I consider my options. I think Araceli wants to reconnect with her dad, and after doing the same with my father, I believe it will be good for her. Convincing her to invite him to Parents Day or one of the upcoming soccer games won’t be too hard, and I’ll be doing it for her benefit, not for the Order. Plus, he must know something about getting to Faerie…which is probably why the Order wants him, of course.

If they want him, it can’t be for anything good. What will they do to him if he comes to campus? Kidnap him and force him to open a portal to Faerie? I can’t let anything happen to one of Araceli’s parents. Then again, it will be easier to stop the Order if we can set up a trap for them, and her father’s arrival would be perfect for that. And maybe if he comes to school, he can help us find Jonah too.

My head spins, trying to decide what to do. Manipulate my best friend, and risk her father’s life with the best of intentions? Or ignore the Order’s task, and put someone I care about—possibly Araceli herself—in danger?

I hear the front door open and Araceli’s combat boots stomping through the living room and the kitchen. She pauses, and I imagine she’s looking at the Family Day flyer. Probably debating whether or not to invite her father. All I have to do is go out there and convince her it’s a good idea. Easy.

No. I’ve resolved to be a better friend this year, and that means no more lying or deception. The old Liv didn’t trust anyone and relied on no one but herself, but I’m trying to change. It’s hard for me to accept that I don’t have all the answers, and even harder for me to put my trust in someone else, especially after the Princes betrayed me, but Araceli has never done anything to make me question her loyalty.