Chapter 16

"I wonder if she’s fucked her step-dad recently.”

"She's such a freak."

"Ha, just proves the Goddess doesn't love every one of us."

These were just a few of the things I've been hearing for over a week

since I came back to school. Eventually, words around that Danica “The

Freak’ Monroe was mated to her mother's husband and wanna guess

what happened? The story got bigger and bigger until it reached to the

point where they began to say I slept with him and boy did it get worse

when they saw me marked. I would be a liar if I said it didn’t bother me

and make me want to just leave sometimes but people will talk and I

can't control what is being said. I know the truth, those who matter

know the truth and that is all that matters

I turned up my music in my earphones. My new favor song Castle by

Halsey was playing and I gladly allowed myself to be pulled into the

lyrics of the music.

I'm heading straight for the Castle

They want to make me the Queen

But there's an old man sitting on the throne now saying that I probably

shouldn't be so mean.

As I entered my class, my teacher nodded to me and I nodded back,

taking my seat in the front of the class.

"Now class" The teacher began,” Today we find out which of you are

eligible to graduate in three weeks. I'll be calling out the names,

whoever isn't called means that you repeat this class next year. Listen

carefully.”

I crossed my fingers and prayed to the Goddess that my name would

be called.

"Avery Michaels, Wade Killan, Iris Thomas, Summer Haides....."

Small cheers and high fives errupted around the class as multiple heard

their names being called. Mine was yet to be called and as the number

of whose uncalled grew smaller, I began to slowly lose hope.

"Skylar Quinn, Kellan Grey, Danica Monroe....."

"HELL YES!" I jumped up and shouted then quickly sat back down and

blushed profusely from my outburst. My teacher smirked at me then

continued to call the names on his paper.

I did it..I'm going to graduate!

After school finished, I rushed home to tell my mom the good news.

Things weren't exactly 100%. In some ways, it was awkward to be

around her and felt weird but I'm glad I still have her and that she never

disowned me.

As I walked along the sidewalk, my mark began to burn and itch like

hell. Trying my best to ignore it, I continued to walk as quickly as I could

to home. Despite the burning from my mark, my spirits were high and

nothing could ruin it for me.

I rushed into my house and dropped my bag at the door.

"Mom! Mom! Where are you! I have great news!"

"Kitchen Dani!"

I used my enhanced speed and bolted into the kitchen and frown as

soon as I came in.

"Why is he here?" I asked, pointing to Aiden who was casually sipping

orange juice without a care in the world, like we didn't just have a

disagreement this morning.

"Oh Jaden-" my mom began but got cut off by Aiden.

"Aiden."

"Same thing" Mom shrugged, "Aiden came over to see you.

"Okay then well mom I have news!" I squealed and clapped my hands.

"What?" She asked then took took a gulp of her juice.

"I'm graduating!" I screamed and the juice she had taken a gulp of was

now on Aiden as she spit it out and began to scream with me.

"Oops, sorry Jaden."

Aiden groaned in disgust.

"It's Ai- you know what forget it.”

“I'm so proud of you Dani!” My mom exclaimed and gave me a hug.

“Thanks mom." I said with a smile and pulled away from her embrace

then face Aiden who had a sad smile on his face.

"What did you want to talk about?"

I hoped he wasn't going to mention this morning when I have just got

the best news I've gotten in a real long time.

"Well..." He said and scratched the back of his neck.

"What is it Aiden?" I asked with a tilt of my head

"We found Richard.”