expected to see Ethan on his bench? I’m unsure where he goes when he skips class, but the exercise yard is his favourite haunt. I haven’t seen him or Zeke, and Dorian disappeared. That unsettles me as much as Samuel’s death.
Disgusted by the lack of sympathy and action, I make my way back into the building, ready to retreat to my room.
Something different takes up students' interests.
Dorian Blackwood is accused of murder.
My first reaction is shock—a week ago I’d be smugly satisfied that he’s facing solitary or worse. But I’m almost certain Dorian didn’t do this. Why would he try to stop Samuel and then push him off the roof? He hasn’t attacked anybody apart from Zeke, and if he’s regaining powers, Dorian wouldn’t lower himself to human-style murder.
I witnessed Samuel’s distress and incoherence. Whatever happened runs deeper than an apparent suicide—maybe even deeper in the academy than plans to eradicate hybrids.
Students move from Francesca’s class to the next, loitering or walking slowly, nobody interested in how their day is. There’s no point looking for Ethan, so instead I search for Zeke’s distinctive figure.
No Zeke either. His tightest friends walk by and I bite my lip, too much of a coward to ask where he is.
I’m prepared to face consequences for skipping lessons and skulking in my room instead, because right now I need away from this place and people, even if that retreat only happens in my mind.
I’ve barely reached the end of the hallway before I come face to face with Marcus. Hoping he isn’t looking for me, I avoid Marcus’s eyes and follow a group.
“Eloise.” Great. “I heard you’re distressed by what you witnessed yesterday. I’d like to speak to you about what you saw.”
“What happened to Dorian?” I ask.
He tips his head to one side. “Is that your greatest concern?”
“No. Samuel’s death is.”
Without another word, Marcus gestures towards the opposite hallway which leads to the staff rooms. With trepidation, I follow Marcus to his door.
Marcus’s room is always filled with truths I don’t want to face, and I’m not keen on being inside here again.
“Have you re-considered my proposal?” he asks as we both remain standing. “I hope you can now see we need to deal with Dorian. He murdered a student.”
“He didn’t.”
With a sigh, Marcus gestures for me to sit. “You were one of the witnesses. I know you’re friendly with Samuel, and his death is an abhorrent act.”
“I saw Dorian and Samuel shortly before this happened. Samuel’s behaviour was weird—he wanted to get onto the roof and jump—and Dorian tried to stop him.”
Marcus stares at me as if I slapped him. “What?”
“Dorian didn’t kill Samuel; he tried to help. Where is he now?”
“Away from other students.” Marcus takes a pen and focuses on writing something, his brow pinched.
“Solitary?”
“Temporarily. He’s an evil creature who would kill you, if you don’t kill him. Use your friends’ help and deal with him.”
“No.”
Marcus’s brow pulls deeper. “You do know Dorian is trapped now? He has no way out of where he is. That makes your task easier.”
Although my heart races and perspiration covers my back, I hold his angry gaze. “And when Dorian dies, who’s next?”
“Pardon?” He places the pen down.
“He won’t co-operate with you, obviously, and I don’t want to either. Will you kill me too? Persuade Ethan to rip me apart?”
“Where have you got these delusional ideas from, Eloise?”
I choke a laugh. “This isn’t delusional. What’s happening here? Why are students going mad and throwing themselves off buildings?”
“Pushed.”
“Wrong. That was a lucky coincidence for you.”
Marcus stands. “Who do you think you are, speaking to me in this way? Be careful of your words, as you’re the one in the precarious position.”
“Send me to Nighthold. I won’t work for you. I’ve already escaped people who want to use me for evil; I won’t join others with the same plan.”
Stepping back, Marcus runs his tongue along his teeth. “I think you should leave this room and reconsider your actions and opinions.”
I glare at him and along with his anger, he’s flustered. Marcus expected my anger at Dorian’s latest murder would change my mind, but the situation backfired for whoever planned this.
Now, more than ever, I’m determined to find a way out.
But how?
Chapter Forty
Following my meeting with Marcus, I no longer want to be alone. I want Ethan. Zeke. Both of them. I’ve ten minutes left to grab dinner even though I’m nauseous. One or both of them must be in the dining hall.
Usually the room is filled with