Wicked Games Academy

CHAPTER 22

I somehow expected something like that, but it took me a long time to process. When Clive was next to me and I saw his heavenly beauty I forgot about the act of killing.

As we spent the whole day together, I never had time to think about Clive killing his own brother in such a fashion until class. I zoned out, knowing I wouldn't keep my spot as number two if I didn't stop. But I chose to think about Clive, and the mask he wore.

This beautiful mask that when he waved me over during lunchtime scared me even more. I saw his smile although everything was a lie and he laughed and teased Wyatt as the hunt was happening soon.

Clive had a manner of pretending to smile and laugh that I remembered those faces, animated and exaggerated. It began to scare me, those innocent looking smiles as she talked to Wyatt and Samuel. Only when he turned to me did he relax his facial muscles and the lips turned to a small smile that seemed real.

During the time we were in our room we began planning. We would make them follow us as we brought them to a better area with no snow, and then during night when they got sleepy we would attack, as we were used to killing at night.

I knew it was practice, but I saw Will and Wyatt's faces, both serious and determined to be the best knights for their family. Then I would somehow picture their faces on the men we killed and I would have a sickening feeling.

"I think that's a good plan. We need to get used to camping too, I heard it's bad as professors don't let them attack one another unless they've camped at least one night, preferably two," I mused.

"We should go scout out the location. It's the forest we first killed those rebels, remember?" Clive said.

"It's the same forest?"

"Yes," he replied, and looked at me strangely. "Why?"

"Nothing—I was just not expecting you to remember small details like that." His eyes widened in a questionable way, as though I had said an insult. "It's good you did, I'm impressed," I added.

He was silent before replying, "Let's go scout it out tonight," in the most monotonous voice I've heard him use. Unused to this situation I nodded meekly.

When dinner ended we showered in our small shower stalls next to one another. When we finally went into our dorm Clive got dressed.

"Isn't it still early?" I asked, drying off my hair. My short hair was drying, but Clive's now nape length hair was wet and he could catch a chill.

Clive didn't reply as he grabbed the cloak—then I reached out and held his wrist.

Despite being my height he was still so small and delicate. I felt the fine bones in his wrist and then his slender finger, calloused but still so small by looks alone.

"You're going to get a chill!"

"I won't." Same cold voice.

"Come on! You can't get sick now—the hunt is beginning—"

"And I can't fail, right? That's all everything ever means to you!" he spat.

Clive pulled away his hand and I stood there in shock, hand clutching the air. I looked up at him and was surprised at how instead of hurt I was angry.

Why would he be so vulnerable one night and confuse me before he drew away again? If he hadn't planned on staying, why did he tell me about his past?

Why couldn't I say any comforting? What was I doing wrong?

"I don't understand you anymore." The words that came from me were as cold as his. "If you don't see me as a partner—as a lover—then I will stay behind."