Welcome back you sexy beasts! You're about to start reading Ch. 14 of the story, which is officially the first chapter of the second book. This means that, if you're a new reader, you might be a little confused if you plan to start here. A lot happened in chapter 13! If not, well, don't say I didn't warn you.
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Amara stared at the inside of her wing. The bony frame, the deep red skin that stretched between it, the way it twitched when she repositioned. It was pitch black under her covers, but ever since Halloween, she'd developed impeccable night vision.
Even the darkness couldn't mask how much she'd changed.
She was lying on her side, her wing holding up the comforter she'd pulled over her head. Her phone rested next to her, as she was desperately waiting for a text. It vibrated, and she hurriedly grabbed it, then sighed with disappointment after seeing who it was from. Looking through her messages, she counted 57 unread texts from Nick, 21 from Tessa, and 6 from Chloé.
None from Vee.
How many times had she texted her? Dozens, easily, and she had no idea if they were even being received. She wouldn't blame Vee for blocking her, not after what happened, after she'd almost--
Shut up Amara, you didn't, doesn't that matter?
She threw her phone down again, burying her face in her hands and pulling her knees closer.
But I almost did. I can still feel her blood.
She looked at her hands, running her fingers over them. Her skin was smooth, warm to the touch, and completely unblemished from the fight. She had no idea what had happened to them, what they'd turned into that night. She'd only ever used her shapeshifting to turn into other people, but could she alter her own body? What other explanation was there?
Her curiosity urged her to try, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She doubted she could shapeshift anyways, she'd just passed a week without sex. Food had long ago lost its flavor, and she couldn't remember the last time she'd slept for more than an hour or two.
11 AM
She reluctantly left bed to use the bathroom.
12 PM
Unread messages from Nick jumped from 57 to 59.
1 PM
Grabbing her phone, she opened her most recent tab. The local newspaper's website stared back at her, and she read the article in its entirety, despite having the whole thing memorized.
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STUDENT INJURED IN HALLOWEEN FIRE
A local Halloween celebration ended in disaster last night when the site of the party unexpectedly caught fire. Although most students were evacuated safely, one student was injured in the blaze.
Emergency services were dispatched at approximately 12:30 AM, having been automatically notified when the building's fire alarm activated.
The residence in question, commonly referred to by local students as The Jade Palace, had long ago been converted into a Chapter House for a local fraternity. As part of the renovation, a full fire suppression system was installed.
Authorities are still uncertain as to the cause of the fire. While students on scene confirmed that the sprinklers were activated, the fire was able to consume the building despite this countermeasure.
Foul play is not suspected at this time, although the investigation is ongoing.
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What if I turned myself in?
No, they'd want to know how I did it. It's not like I can tell them I'm a demon, and I don't actually know how to start fires.
I'll bet arsonists can burn down buildings without beating their friends half to death.
Amara flinched as she recalled her last moments with Vee, seeing her friend utterly convinced she was about to die. The image had been seared into her brain, haunting her every time she closed her eyes.
She wanted to cry, but had run out of tears days ago. Her body wretched and shook as it attempted anyways.
The hours kept passing, and the most exciting thing Amara did was turn to her other side. Even that took quite a while, given the size of her wings. Her phone went off a few more times, texts from Nick and Tessa, but she continued ignoring them. It was almost 4 when she heard a knock at her bedroom door.
"Amara?" Nick asked, "I know you're in there."
"Go away!"
"Not this time, Amara. When's the last time you left the house? Ate something?" He paused for a moment, than awkwardly mumbled, "Had sex?"
"Is that why you're here? Need a slut to get your rocks off?" Amara hissed.
"C'mon, that's not fair. We both know that if you're not having sex, your body shuts down. I just want to help."
"Maybe you should help yourself, and leave me alone!" Amara threw the comforter off, shouting at Nick through the door. "How do you know I won't snap? That I won't go berserk and you wind up dead?"
A different voice spoke up, and Amara realized that Nick had brought Tessa with him. "Vee attacked you, what choice did you have? You were defending yourself!"
"You know why she attacked me, Tessa? Because I lied to her! Because you told me to! Still think that was the right call?"