3
882 Words
The student body is a blend of wealthy legacy people—like Kane, Jude, and Preston—and ambitious scholarship students, drawn to Graystone for its connections and prestige—like me.
What people don’t know, however, is that beneath this shining exterior, the university hides a shadowy influence: Vencor. The secret society tied to its and the town’s founding families. Power here is not just earned but manipulated and handed down through generations.
Every corner of this place whispers power for the elite families who shaped the town.
The Davenports, Callahans, Armstrongs, and Osborns live in a gated enclave called Ravenswood Hill on the outskirts, in the mist-filled forest that looms above the town. Behind heavy iron gates, their secluded mansions reflect a legacy of influence and control over the town. The roads leading to Ravenswood Hill are lined with towering oaks and hidden security systems, creating an air of exclusivity and mystery.
The Hill has always been off-limits to outsiders, which is why I have to approach these three at college instead.
Or more like one.
Kane is my best bet. I don’t think he’s an i***t I can fool easily, but he’s at least a pacifist. Over the past few weeks, I watched many of his games online and in person—call the stalking police—and have never seen him indulge in violence. Not once.
That’s kind of a miracle in a physical sport like hockey.
If anything, he’s an expert at breaking up fights. His cool is never ruffled and his authoritativeness can be felt through the screen. Probably why he effortlessly snatched the captain’s position.
I’d rather not get close to any of them, but I have to, so it has to be Kane.
“Anyone you’ll invite this time?” Kane asks Jude as he skates to the bench area.
“No,” the latter says without turning around. “Sure about that?”
“Yes. f**k off.” And with that, Jude leaves the ice and heads to the tunnel, disappearing out of view.
A faint mechanical hum from the ice machines overpowers the silence as Kane looks at Preston for a few heavy seconds. “You?”
“Contemplating it.”
“You’re expected to vet and bring someone to the initiation, Pres.” “You didn’t tell Jude that.”
“It’s better he doesn’t. He’ll just force someone off the street to accompany him, and we don’t want to deal with that mess.
You’re different. Use your conviction skills. I mean manipulation skills.”
“Last time I did that, she didn’t want to drink my blood. Nearly killed her before she was kicked out.” He frowns. “How could anyone refuse my blood?”
“Normal people?” Kane asks what I’m thinking. Seriously, maybe that guy is only in Vencor because he was born into a founding family.
He obviously doesn’t belong there.
“How about you?” Preston asks with a raised brow.
“I’m all set. Worry about yourself.”
All set? Does that mean he already has someone in mind?
I was supposed to worm my way into his life so that I’d be that someone.
Not too long ago, I applied to be an intern for the team’s physician, which is still on hold. My classmate said it was impossible that they’d accept a girl for the position while gloating that he’d be the best person for the job.
If he’s right, then my chances of getting closer to the team are slimmer than ever before. I could apply as an assistant to the administrative manager or even volunteer. However, those aren’t guaranteed with a popular team like the Vipers. “All set, huh?” Preston repeats with a knowing tone.
“Go home, Armstrong.”
“Aye, aye, Captain.” Preston mock salutes, a sadistic smile painting his lips before he skates away. “Time to drown
Callahan in the showers.”
As silence befalls the arena, Kane stands in the middle of the rink for a few seconds, then picks up the pucks they left lying around and stores them in the appropriate compartment.
My legs hurt from the strain, and I know if I don’t leave soon, I’ll fall over and give my position away. I bite my lip and remain motionless.
I’ll leave after Kane does.
There’s no way I’d be able to sneak off while he’s there.
Stop being a Goody Two-shoes and go already.
The sound of skates blends with the ice machines and I get distracted with massaging my legs, so I don’t notice that Kane has skated to my side of the stands.
As I lift my gaze, he stops right opposite my hiding spot.
Cold seeps into my bones, and the air becomes so crisp that it hurts to breathe.
In the oppressive stillness, Kane’s calm voice carries through the empty arena. “You can come out now.”
I hide further, hoping—no, praying—that he’s speaking to someone else who was brave—or foolish—enough to sneak into Vipers Arena late at night.
“I know you’re there. I suggest you show yourself while it’s only me. I can’t promise the others will be as understanding.”
- Writer
