Chapter 36: Divides

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The morning seemed to have come a little earlier than I would have liked, and as the bright sun illuminated my room, I groaned with disapproval. I rolled away from the light and wrapped the blanket around my head, refusing to get out of bed.

However, my bladder decided it was time for me to get up as the fullness hit me like a tidal wave. I kicked my feet and yanked the blanket from my head before throwing it off my body. I shivered as the cool air hit my skin, and I began to miss the warmth of my bed.

As I finished in the bathroom, my stomach growled loudly, and the hunger grew like a fire in my belly. I opened the bedroom door and looked around the hallway, seeing it was empty like usual. I walked toward the staircase and could hear the faint sounds of laughter.

I cautiously walked down the stairs, my eyes wandering all around me as I tried to find who was awake and where they were. Darius always assured me I was safe and wouldn't be harmed, but I always felt uneasy around the others without him.

The voices grew louder as I neared the kitchen, and the faint sound of dishes clattering echoed down the hall. I froze and stared at the door, focusing on the handle.

I bit my lip with hesitation and tapped my foot nervously. I had no idea who was in the kitchen, and I wasn't looking for trouble this morning. I sucked in a deep breath and reassured myself that things would be fine.

The voices became clear as I approached the door, and I could make out two males. I could only hope at this point that Grayson was one of them. I pushed the door open, my hand trembling slightly, and as I walked inside, my face fell with disdain to see Micah standing there with Devon. I stopped and stared between them, unsure if I should stay or leave, especially knowing Micah disliked me.

Micah grimaced at my appearance, and Devon smiled cheerfully. "Well, hello there, stranger," Devon said gleefully, and I gave him a half smile.

I stepped inside the room, and the door slammed shut, causing me to flinch a little. "Hi, Devon," I said in a low tone, my nerves getting the better of me as I stood in Micah's unwelcoming presence.

My eyes darted in Micah's direction, and he stood in the far corner of the kitchen, glaring at me with a venomous look.

Devon cleared his throat, and my attention turned back to him. "Are you looking for something or...someone?" Devon asked, a playful twinkle in his eye, and I shook my head.

I stepped closer to Devon, my eyes wandering to the pan of eggs on the stove. "I'm hungry and was going to make something to eat," I told him, and he clapped his hands together.

A broad smile graced his sharp features. "That's perfect! Because we were just about to make something to eat, too and to be honest, we aren't that great at cooking." He said shamefully and grabbed the pan from the stove, revealing the half-burnt eggs.

I chuckled heartily at their attempt to cook, reminding me of the time Dani tried to make me breakfast for my birthday and epically failed. Devon grabbed the eggs and held them out. "Please tell me you can do better than that." He said jokingly and pointed towards the pan.

I nodded in assurance and smiled at Devon as I walked around the island; the sound of Micah scoffing in distaste rang through the room, but I paid no attention to him. Then, I reached out for the eggs and opened the carton to see what was left. Devon walked over to the cupboard and retrieved a clean pan.

As Devon handed me the pan, his face lit up like a light bulb went off. "Oh, I heard that we will have the pleasure of your attendance at the celebration." He said excitedly, and I peered down at the floor.

I looked up at Devon and nodded. "Yes, Darius asked me to attend the ball with him," I said, and he smiled with approval.

Devon let go of the pan and opened his mouth to respond, but before he could get a word out, a loud bang echoed throughout the air.

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