Kneel (The Ruin of Serpents Book 1) by Lily Wildhart

Author:Lily Wildhart [Wildhart, Lily]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bright Lights Publishing
Published: 2024-03-02T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

After a way too dramatic start to the week and a meeting with Ms. Feldman about my ‘state of mind’ and me wanting to transfer out yesterday morning, I was told in no uncertain terms by my dad last night that it would be a cold day in Hell before I changed schools. Which was thoroughly backed by Ms. Feldman again this morning, even with the stupid email that went out to everyone. Along with the pictures that have popped up online, plus the ones plastered through the halls and pushed under our dorm room door and through the grates in my locker…

I’m over this week already.

The people in control of my life are the only reason I’m still here, backpack slung over my shoulder, more books clutched in my arms as I begrudgingly head to the library for a study session with Kate, Vann, and the rest of their crew, before swim practice in an hour.

I find them in the back of the study area, having pushed tables together so they’re all sitting together. Except, when I approach the table, four of the girls, whose names I don’t remember, pack up their stuff and leave, glaring at me.

Trying not to think it’s about me, I slide into the empty seat beside Kate. “Hey,” I say quietly, because well, this is still the library and it’s busy as hell tonight.

“Hey,” Kate whispers back. “How was your day?”

I shrug as I slide my bag off my arm and pull my books onto the table. There's so much I could say, but rather than explaining it all, I go with, “I’m still here.”

Three more people get up and leave the table and Kate frowns.

“What’s going on?” she asks Rosie, who looks at me, then to Vann, then back to Kate and shrugs.

Letting out a sigh, I start putting my books back in my bag. “It’s fine.”

“What? Stop.” Kate insists, turning back to Rosie. “What is going on, Rosie?”

“They don’t want to associate with her,” Rosie replies, pointing at me. “We’ve all been victims of Lexi’s torture throughout the years, we did our time. It’s her time to shine right now, and no one wants to get caught in her limelight.”

Ouch.

Like, I get it, but ouch.

Clearing my throat, I finish packing up my bag. “It’s fine,” I tell Kate. “I’m going to study in our room.”

“Talia—”

“Don’t stress it, I’ve got to get ready for practice anyway,” I mutter as I get back to my feet and leave the library, books back in my arms, head held high.

This is exactly why I wanted to transfer. People don’t care about the real story, they believe what’s easiest. Outside of Kate and Vann, no one has even mentioned the article to me, but plenty of people have avoided me, even in the halls, like I’m a carrier of the bubonic plague.

Which is exactly what happens as I make my way back to my room. People move out of the way, whispering as I pass by them.

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