Evermore Academy (Evermore Academy #3) - Audrey Grey Page 0,56

“But in every past Selection, we knew the risks beforehand and accepted that our survival relied on skill and strength. This was different. They didn’t die because of their own mistake. They died because of hers.”

Mack leans forward, arms crossed, an argument that would make her dads proud loaded on that quick tongue. But I shake my head.

For once in my life, I agree with Reina.

By now, the visiting Evermore from the stands have gathered, and the crowd parts for the Winter King and my mother. I don’t dare look at her face. At the disappointment I know she wears on that flawless face.

In my current state, her shame would destroy the last of my composure, and bawling in front of everyone is not going to happen.

“This is the consequence when we let a mortal pretend she’s one of us,” Inara drawls, the glib sparkle in her ice-colored eyes saying she’s enjoying every second of this. “If the school won’t deal with this glaring mistake, it’s up to us to make her leave.”

Valerian stalks toward her. “This isn’t the time to take out your personal vendettas, Inara.”

The Winter King hides his annoyance between his favorite apathetic glare, but I catch the flash of anger in his cruel eyes.

“I’m simply worried about the welfare of our shadows. At this rate, there won’t be any left to protect us.”

Laughter erupts from the crowd. Laughter—when three people lay dead not ten feet away.

Rage flares to life in a rush of fire, but it’s extinguished just as quickly by shame.

Shame that burrows deep into my heart like a cancer, feeding my insecurities.

I should have asked the Potions and Poisons Professor before I chose the moonwraith. I should have known today was a full moon. I should have realized that pairing shadows and Evermore students together was a bad idea. Even the most seasoned shadow Guardians in the real world have to be careful around their Fae keepers.

I was stubborn, trying to prove that we can all co-exist. That we’re all equal.

But Torren shattered any notion of equal when he murdered three trained shadows without suffering a scratch.

If only I had researched that list more thoroughly . . .

It hits me like a slap to the face. Kimber gave me that list. She wasn’t being friendly.

It was a trick.

For some reason, after everything, that is what breaks me. I find her in the crowd. The vampire stands with Inara, her face partially hidden beneath a dark veil.

“Coward!” I shout, searching beyond the dark lace for her eyes. I can’t see her expression, but her shoulders tighten.

Eclipsa reaches for my arm. “Summer, it was—”

“No.” I tug out of her reach. My chest jerks violently up and down as I try to force air into my lungs. “I just need—”

What? There’s no way to make this better.

I know I shouldn’t run away, know I should deal with this horrible tragedy because I caused it. Even if Kimber purposefully gave me that list, I should have done more research.

But there’s too many people, too many accusing faces and contempt filled sneers. Even Mack’s look of pity cuts deep.

Everywhere I turn, there’s a painful reminder that I don’t belong here.

That I’m just a pretender.

That this place will only break my heart along with those that I love.

So I do the only thing I can—I flee.

Maybe my mother was right. Fae are apex predators that will always represent a threat to humans.

But what does that mean for me?

22

I run blindly, ignoring Mack as she chases behind me, calling my name. Her voice grows softer until it disappears altogether. A part of me feels bad for fleeing, but I just need a minute alone to completely fall apart.

My run takes me past the lake. I’m sprinting as hard as I can, purging my emotions with every wild pounding of my heart. A swarm of wild water sprites flutter into the air as I pass, their shimmery wings reflecting the dying glow of the setting sun.

By the time I stop, I’m gasping for air, my lungs aching and thighs burning. The path took me into the woods on the far side of the lake. Not the safest place after dark, but at least it’s private.

When I’ve caught my breath, I pull out my phone, using the light to orient myself. The ringer was set to silent, and countless messages and missed calls from Eclipsa and Mack flood the screen.

Ignoring them, I put in my passcode and dial the one person who’s always