GODDESS OF WAR

Chapter 9

AMARA

"Where the fuck are we going?!" I demanded, struggling as Sage dragged me down the hallway. I quickly realized we were heading toward the gymnasium.

"Shut up," she hissed, her voice barely a whisper. Her grip on my wrist tightened. I didn't feel any physical pain, but I could feel the radiating heat of her anger directed entirely at me.

The moment we crossed the threshold into the empty gymnasium, she released my wrist and gave me a harsh shove. "What the fuck is your problem?!" I screamed, turning on her.

She glared back at me, her eyes burning. Pointing aggressively at a chair behind me, she commanded, "Sit."

Oh, wow. Do I look like a dog to her?

"Excuse me?"

"I SAID SIT, AMARA!" she roared directly into my face.

I didn't even flinch. I simply took a deep, slow breath and lazily dropped my weight into the chair.

"What did you say to her?" she demanded, her tone dropping into a stern, menacing pitch.

"I already told you that earlier," I replied smoothly, leaning back and crossing my legs.

"No, you're lying. What did you really say to make her slap you?"

I let out a soft, incredulous laugh. "If you think I'm lying, then why did you take my side out there?"

"I'm not taking anyone's side, Amara. I'm asking you straight up. I know Cassandra. You provoked her-that's a guarantee." She was incredibly brave to confront me like this. She had absolutely no idea how easily I could overpower her if I wanted to.

"If you know her so well, why did you drag me here and leave your little bitch friend behind?" I raised an eyebrow, mocking her. Tired of the game, I stood up and turned to leave, but she instantly grabbed my arm, spinning me back around to face her.

"Because I want to know you more, Amara." she softly said.

The words struck me like a physical blow. I froze, stunned. A sudden, sharp ache blossomed in my chest. Panicking internally, I shoved her hand away and ripped my gaze from hers. "Don't bother," I snapped firmly.

"There's a reason behind all of this, Amara. A reason why you're being so cruel to Cassandra... I just want to understand you." I slowly turned my eyes back to her. What the fuck does she mean by that?

Sage took a step forward, completely erasing the small gap between our bodies. She gently, cautiously slid her hand into mine. I flinched instantly. The pure warmth of her touch penetrated straight through my skin, striking my very soul.

This was entirely new to me. It was so gentle. So remarkably soft. I had never been touched like this in my entire existence. The unfamiliar comfort made me panic, and I yanked my hand back.

Sage took a long, deep breath. "I saw it, Amara."

My brows furrowed, a cold dread pooling in my stomach. Don't tell me... "I don't know what you're talking about," I lied.