“No,” I answer. But I realize I probably shouldn’t have. It’s an easier answer than the alternative. No one is supposed to know of a demon’s chosen. No one at all, not until the bond is accepted. Yet, several people have learned of Liz’s role as Jarron’s chosen, and that’s exactly what put her at risk. Mr. Vandozer targeted her to get to Jarron.
One would think her death would have resolved that conflict, but demon culture demands every ruler bond to his chosen before they take the throne. It’s an important show of worthiness. Though a demon can choose a replacement to be their lover and partner, they cannot replicate the original bond in the eyes of their people.
Liz died before she accepted Jarron, which means if the right people find out she was his chosen, he could lose his right to the throne.
“You were in a relationship with him before you entered the Akrasia Games yourself,” she states.
I nod, ignoring the uncomfortable twist in my belly.
I hate that it’s known that I entered the Akrasia Games. It’s another source of tension in the school. People think Jarron dumped me and then I went seeking my own form of power, but the truth is that I only entered in order to hunt down the truth behind my sister’s death.
Weeks before, I’d learned that the true cause of her death was the games, and I’d spent weeks searching for more information on them. When I got invited myself, how could I pass up the opportunity to face my sister’s killer?
I never intended to actually enter the competition. I went along with their instructions to uncover information.
And it worked. Sort of. I figured out who was behind it. I learned the Akrasia Games are real. I now know who is worthy of my revenge fantasies—Mr. Vandozer.
But it sure as hell looks really bad to everyone else here. They all think I’m desperate for power.
Don’t get me wrong, I want some form of power, but I wouldn’t ever be desperate enough to rely on someone else for it. That’s just asking to be manipulated. Magic isn’t the only form of power, and anyone entering the games gives up their power willingly.
Plus, I would never kill innocent classmates for my personal gain.
“And you think his passion for justice has nothing to do with you?” Ms. Bhatt asks sweetly.
I just shrug.
“So, you don’t think Jarron will return to this school?”
I squint. “Why would you think that?”
“Rumors. Just rumors.”
I bite my lip. “I don’t know what Jarron intends to do.”
“And his brother, Trevor?”
My eyes widen. “I don’t know, but I assume he’s not coming back.”
“Why?”
“Because his chosen, Bea, is in hiding.”
Her eyebrows rise. “From whom?”
“Jarron.”
She tsks. “You’ve certainly made a mess of things here, haven’t you, Miss Montgomery?”
I want to clap back and deny any fault, but the truth is, I have made a mess of things. Not that any of it was really my fault, but it sure does revolve around me and my sister.
Bea is the one that paved the way for me to enter the Akrasia Games. I used her manipulation to my advantage in the name of my investigation, but Jarron was beyond pissed about it. Like “I’m gonna kill her” pissed. She won’t be coming back here any time soon.
As for Jarron… I don’t know.
I broke things off with him for good once I learned about his would-be relationship with Liz. He and Liz weren’t ever actually together. They kissed once several years ago and Jarron insisted they hadn’t seen each other since. I’ve chosen to believe him, but it doesn’t make any difference.
I can’t ever get over the idea that she was hischosen. I can’t ever stop thinking about them together.
