Page 116 of Pink Ink

I will drag my brother and Reyna to the other side of the world if I have to. We’re all getting the fuck out of here.

At least that sounds great in theory, but I know Spencer won’t go. He’s only aware of afractionof what really goes on in the Order. Every acolyte knows that the only way to end their tenure is death, whether by natural causes or at the hands of one of Shepherd’s soldiers.

Most members think that people like me are the only ones who do the killing. They don’t realize it can be part of someone’s initiation into the Order. If people know what the grim reaper looks like, they’ll know who to hide from.

So my brother lives blissfully naive thinking that the only people who pull the trigger for the Order are those who want to. He’ll learn the truth once he reaches my rank as medicus. Until then, he can sleep his way through the student body, drink, party, play football, do everything that makes him feel like a normal human before it all goes away.

Taking Shepherd out won’t change anything. His replacement could very well have a more brutal touch. Either way, he’s too well protected by the Order to be brought down, especially by someone like me. I now have not one but two weaknesses, and apparently, everyone knows it.

Shepherd looks at me blandly. “Take my suggestion, and your brother will do nothing more than the basics. Every man should know how to throw a decent punch.”

Fuck.

Fuck.

I was willing to drop Abigail and risk Spencer for the sake of having Reyna, but now that reality is in front of me, I don’t know if I can guarantee her survival, because Reynawillbe the next hit that’s called out if I don’t keep my distance. If anything happens to her…

Begging will only feed into Shepherd’s agenda, and he’ll hang it over my head daily as a reminder that he doesn’tsuggestthings. Every order is a threat. Do it or else.

“Am I to turn away every student seeking assistance?”

“Yes. If it’s discovered that you are speaking with Reyna Sinaga, further, more drastic measures will be put in place.”

My breaths come out hard as I stare him down. Hearing her name come out of his mouth sends streaks of red across my vision.

“Such as?” I grit out.

“You require your hands to paint, do you not?” His head tilts to the side, staring down at me even though I’m standing above him. “Although, you won’t be painting if you’re dead.”

The Order is untouchable. But anything that happens to me or Spencer would impact my father greatly.

“A fortunate possibility for someone who doesn’t wish to see Roland as a high saint,” I say.

The grand magistrate has somewhat of a soft spot for Roland for reasons beyond me. He’s much too virtuous to pull strings to ensure my father’s election, and I find it difficult to believe Shepherd will take any steps to jeopardize Roland’s campaign.

I step back when he slowly rises to his feet, buttoning his jacket. “Perhaps,” Shepherd says simply, heading for the exit.

The object he tosses my way clatters onto the floor.

“I suggest you start wearing your ring.”

REYNA

Four days of recovery is ample time to spiral into despair.

I hate being left alone with my thoughts.

I hate being ignored more.

I haven’t heard from Maddox since I went grocery shopping yesterday morning. While I was there, I had the misfortune of running into a guy from one of my classes—Alex—and had to pretend I was fine when he started asking why I look like I’ve been run over by a bus three times. It ruined my mood.

Then to be ghosted by Maddox after that? After he asked me to send pictures of my “proof of life.” It’s nearly unforgivable if you ask me. If anyone gets to ignore the other person, it’s me. I’m considering having a chiropractor on retainer because of how much whiplash that man gives me.

I’ve been left stewing and running through every possible theory on whether a secret society could actually exist. I mean, the idea wouldn’t be so far-fetched. The world is already corrupt as it is—or maybe I’ve just watched one too many movies involving cults.

“Seriously, though, if you need someone to carry you because you think you’re dying, let me know so Lawrence can have his knight-in-shining-armor moment.” Kimi winks as she climbs the campus steps beside me.

I send her a death glare. I’d provide a proper response if I weren’t trying to preserve my energy. Physically, I’m fine, I think. But my anxiety has manifested itself into flu-like symptoms. Which means needing to talk to the Lord of Darkness to see if there’s a real future for us.