Out and Proud

DELLA

The headmaster asked to meet immediately when Tenn called him. He said he wanted to check in on me anyway. So now the guys and I are all piled into his office, quietly waiting for him to get off the phone with his daughter. Apparently, she’s been having issues with a girl in her coven.

“So, what seems to be the issue?” he asks after hanging up.

Tenn takes the cue and explains the issues. He leaves out the fact that I’m a Sin-Eater even though I’m pretty sure the headmaster already knows.

“Are you sure it’s Raziel?” Azreal frowns.

“Yes. We overheard him in the library,” Micha states, gesturing at me and Sorin.

“And he mentioned you specifically, Kade?” he asks.

“Well, he said he would get ‘the punisher’ to do it. Because I was a demon and it was his job,” I explain, taking Kade’s clenched hand in mine.

“Oh dear. Okay. Do you have a safe place to stay for the time being?” Azreal asks.

“Yes,” Tenn says firmly.

I get a fluttery feeling in my chest knowing that he’s come to terms with the asylum and what it means to me. It’s been my safe haven, and now it’s theirs too.

“Okay. Well, I will see what I can do. I don’t want to get the Elders Council involved if I can help it. Only due to Della being a Scion,” he explains over the outraged voices of my consorts. “I’ve had them up my—~ahem~ breathing down my neck the last few days, demanding that I declare your demon status. We don’t want to give them any more reason to pay you closer attention.”

“Wait, isn’t the Council like the supe government? Shouldn’t we be able to trust—oh, never mind. I heard it as soon as I said it. Carry on.” I snort.

Everyone gives a sad chuckle at that reality.

“Okay, so hide? That’s the plan?” I ask.

“Until we know more, unfortunately that’s the best we can do. We don’t know if Raziel is working alone or if he’s notified anyone else about you.” Azreal frowns. Oh, shit. Yeah, good point. “I will monitor him and keep you updated, but go about your business as usual, stick together, and avoid meeting Raziel. And don’t go to the dorms, Kade,” he commands.

We all nod our understanding before heading out.

We head to breakfast as a group, with the exception of Tenn, who needs to go to work. Oz is already seated at a table, grinning at me when we arrive. I glance around and realize our auras are all decked out in vibrant pink and white. Well, there’s no hiding our colors now.

“Hey, guys. What’s…up?” Oz chuckles.

“You seem to be in high spirits,” I tease.

“Yes…well. He finally came around.” Oz shrugs, and I pull him into a hug.

“I’m thrilled for you,” I say, beaming. “I’m glad he finally saw sense.”

“Want something to eat?” Micha asks.

“A muffin, please?” I reply with a smile.

He nods and heads off with Sorin.

“So, you and Micha?” Oz probes.

“Yes,” I confess, feeling my cheeks warm.

“I was totally rooting for you and Sorin,” he grumbles.

“Hmm.” I smirk, and Kade tries to suppress his laughter.

“You might want to tread carefully around him. Sorin is quite the ladies’ man,” Oz warns.

“Really?” I grin, watching Kade start to cough. “He’s so sweet, I never would have guessed.”

Oz squints at me, and I respond with a playful eyebrow wiggle.

“You’re with both of them?” he asks, his eyes widening comically as Micha places a blueberry muffin in front of me and pecks my cheek.

“Thank you.” I split my muffin in half as usual and hand one half to Kade.

“What on earth is happening?!” Oz exclaims, looking at all of us.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I say, taking a bite of my muffin.

“We’re going to be late.” Sorin chuckles.

“All right. I’ll see you at lunch?” I ask the others.

They all nod, and I slide my hand up Kade’s thigh, high up, making him squirm in his seat before getting up. I leave Micha and Kade to look after each other while Sorin and I head to our divination class.

“Are you sure you’re okay with all of this?” I ask quietly.

“I’m more than okay. I’m actually happy.” Sorin grins, intertwining his fingers with mine.

“If that changes, let me know, okay?” I mumble.

He gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. “I told you. I was yours the moment you held that knife to my throat.” He smiles down at me, his crystal eyes melting me on the spot.

“Weirdo,” I whisper, pulling him down for a quick kiss.

“Your weirdo,” he murmurs against my lips. “Let’s go.”

Today’s divination class is all about meditation, much to my dismay. I have to admit, when I found out I was going to a magic school, I thought I would get a wand or something. Still, the history and mechanics of how everything works are fascinating. And I can’t even say that the meditation doesn’t work, because it does. The divination professor explains it as a quieting of the mind to outside influences—focusing on your inner knowledge. I may not be the best at it, but it’s still interesting to learn about.

We’re placed on colorful round pillows and instructed to “pierce the veil.” It sounds like a cool band name, but I know I’m going to be miserable for the next two hours. I can’t wait to learn how to read tarot cards or tea leaves.

I use the trick Micha taught me and focus on something. I focus on Raziel.

I sink into my center, finding that it feels a bit lighter and easier to approach. It’s still dark and small and rough, but it doesn’t look as ominous. I step toward it and feel the itch of a vision in my mind.

~Raziel is pacing in his office. There’s someone sitting in the chair across from his desk, but I can’t make out his features.~

“Kade didn’t go back to the dorms last night. I need to get this done fast, and I don’t have time to go searching for him. You have a history with her. You take care of it,” Raziel orders, his face twisted in a vicious expression. I can see the black taint in his aura even through the vision.

“Of course, your holiness. The bitch won’t get away from me,” the stranger hisses. Who on earth did I piss off that much? I see the stranger’s pearlescent wings spread as he stands up, obscuring his face.

“She should be in divination class right now,” Raziel adds. The stranger nods and leaves the room.

Raziel continues to pace until there’s a knock on his door.

“Enter,” he commands. He looks surprised to see whoever it is at the door. I find out why when my father walks into the room.

“Raziel. I’ve heard some very disappointing things about you today,” he says by way of greeting, sitting down like he owns the place.

“What about?” Raziel asks, feigning innocence.

“I’ve heard you’re plotting behind my back to kill my daughter,” Death clarifies.

“I told you I wouldn’t harm her!” Raziel protests, looking offended. He deserves an Oscar for this performance.

“I know, and yet I hear these rumors. You did say she shouldn’t exist. I brushed it off as you saying something you didn’t truly mean because of old resentments and feelings from our past. But should I be worried? I heard there’s a punisher that you’re trying to use,” he says, tilting his head.

“I didn’t. I won’t! I’m sorry that you’ve heard these rumors, but I assure you that they aren’t true,” Raziel pleads.

“Make sure that they aren’t,” my dad threatens. Seriously? That’s it?

“Of course,” Raziel says, bowing his head—he almost seems ashamed. This bastard!

Dad leaves, and Raziel is alone again, pacing and muttering in rage, “Can’t use the punisher. It’s a good thing I asked…”~