The Power of The Merge (Book 1 of the Daearies series)

(Chapter 10) EMMIE

I said nothing as I walked through the sleeping quarters and to my bed. I didn't even bother to change as I climbed into bed pulling the blankets over me. I just wanted to be left alone, to shut out the world and so I forced myself to sleep. I woke the next morning to find Kit gone, most probably already down in the food hall with the others. After I showered and dressed I braided my long hair and pinned it up. I sat on the edge of my bed; my stomach growled and ached with hunger. When was the last time I ate? I contemplated joining the others for breakfast but I didn't feel like facing Cora, Kit, and the others. I had been beaten, electrocuted, grilled by Cora and Kit, cornered by Killian, and thrown in the pit, and yet somehow I was the one made to feel like I was in the wrong. Screw them. I would rather go hungry than face that food hall alone.

"Hey" I heard and turned to see Cora standing by my bed. She hesitated, fidgeting with her hands before she took a seat next to me.

"Are you okay?" She asked. I didn't want to admit that I wasn't okay so I just shrugged off the question.

"About yesterday...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I just want you to be okay" She reached for my hand and I knew I couldn't stay mad at her for long. She is my best friend after all.

"It's okay" I replied squeezing her hand back.

"What happened yesterday? With Killian"

"He cornered me and got a bit... handsy" I rolled my eyes.

"He what?!"

"He was spouting something about how I was supposed to be his daearies and not Kit's"

"If he dares try anything like that again, I'm going to transport him straight into the middle of the ocean" Cora huffed. We both sat there in silence before turning to each other and burst out laughing.

"I will" Cora laughed.

"I know you will" I confirmed, still laughing with her.

"What did Kit say about it?" The question put a stop to the laughter.

"He doesn't care"

"If he didn't care then why did I see him shove Killian into the wall?"

"He what?" I asked in disbelief.

"Yeah" Cora nodded. "Threatened to kill him if he ever laid a finger on you again. Everyone heard him." I sat back almost in shock. Why did I think he didn't care? He has never stood up for me like that before. I knew he would if he felt he had to but it has always been me standing up for him.

"Come on" Cora held my elbow and motioned for me to stand. "Let's get some breakfast" She insisted and before I could protest Cora had already guided me halfway towards the door. I guess I should eat something; I'm going to need all the strength I can get for the assessment today.

I walked through the food hall with Cora clenching my fists to hide my shaking hands. As predicted people stared and whispered as we walked by. Cora glared back at some of them which made me smile and I appreciated having her with me. We filled our trays with a mixture of fruit, porridge, and orange juice before making our way over to join the rest of our friends at our usual table. Cora took the seat next to Cameron leaving me with the only remaining seat opposite Kit.

"Hello Gorgeous" Milo winked and I knew that complement was an attempt to flatter me into forgiving him for not having my back yesterday.

"Good morning." I smiled at him as I sat my tray down and opened my orange juice.

"Your boyfriend here was about to tell us about the assessment." Milo pointed his spoon at Kit.

"You know something about the assessment?" I said before taking another sip of OJ. Kit leaned forward and placed his elbows on the table and the rest of us mimic him to hear what he's had to say as though what he was about to share was some sort of top secret.