A prestigious school.
A missing student.
A secret worth killing for.
St. Augustine Academy isn't just a school-it's a trap. A playground for the rich. A graveyard for secrets.
Cassian Moreou
Untouchable-rich, powerful, and protected by his family n...
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I hated going home.
But every bloody weekend, I found myself back in the same car, taking the same route to the same miserable estate I'd been raised in. The driver didn't speak. Just kept his eyes on the road while I sat in the backseat, watching as the city faded into sprawling countryside.
By the time we pulled through the gates, my jaw was already clenched tight. The house-if you could even call it that-loomed ahead.
It wasn't a home, Just another cage, bigger and emptier than the last.
The car rolled to a stop, and I forced myself to move, slinging my bag over my shoulder.
The front doors swung open before I even reached them. "Welcome back, Master Cassian."
I sighed, "Drop the 'Master,' Bernard. We've been over this."
The old man only smiled, stepping aside to let me in. "Old habits."
Right.
"Can I take your bag?"
"No I got it." I strode through the foyer, barely glancing around. The place hadn't changed-not that I expected it to. Everything was pristine, suffocating, devoid of warmth. Just like he liked it.
"Cass!"
A small figure darted across the marble floor, and before I could brace myself, arms wrapped tight around my waist.
For a second, everything else faded.
I let out a breath, my shoulders relaxing as I wrapped my arms around her. "Alright, alright," I muttered, ruffling her hair.
She didn't let go, "You trying to kill me, Soph?"
She only squeezed tighter, burying her face against my chest. "Maybe."
I huffed a laugh, pressing a quick kiss to the top of her head. "Miss me that much?"
She pulled back just enough to glare up at me. "Obviously, you arse. You barely write."
"Sorry, Soph."
Before she could say anything, the sharp click of heels echoed through the foyer. I turned as our mother appeared, as pristine as ever-poised and elegant "Cassian," she said smoothly.
"Mother."
Her gaze flicked over me before finally landing on Sophie, still latched onto my side. A brief look of distaste crossed her face. "Sophia, let go of your brother."
I sighed. "Mum, it's fine. Honestly."
Mother's lips pressed into a thin line. "It's not fine. That is not how a young lady carries herself." She gave her a once-over, eyes narrowing. "And stand up straight, Sophia. You're slouching."
Sophie rolled her eyes but straightened her posture just enough to avoid another lecture.
"Don't roll your eyes at your mother, Sophia Moreau," Mother said, voice crisp.
Sophie pressed her lips together, clearly biting back a comment. "Yes, Mother. May I take Cass to my room? There's some time before dinner."
Mother gave a curt nod. "You may. Also, Cassian, your father expects you in his study. Be there in ten minutes."
Sophie's grip on my sleeve tightened just slightly.
I met Mother's gaze, "Of course," I said smoothly.
She nodded once, satisfied, before turning on her heel and walking off.
The second she was out of earshot, Sophie sighed dramatically. "God, she's exhausting."
I huffed a quiet laugh. "You're telling me."
She tugged at my sleeve. "Come on, I've got loads to tell you before you go off to death."
"Can't wait," I muttered, letting her drag me down the hall.
**
I reached the heavy oak doors and knocked once.
A clipped, familiar voice answered. "Enter."
I pushed the door open. My father sat behind his desk, papers neatly stacked, a glass of whiskey untouched beside him. He didn't look up right away, finishing whatever he was reading first. A power move.
Classic.
I stepped inside, shutting the door behind me.
Finally, he glanced up. "Cassian."
"Father."
He studied me for a second, sharp eyes assessing, cataloging. Whatever he found, he didn't seem impressed. Not that he ever was.
"How is everything at school?"
I almost laughed. Of course that's what he opened with.
"Still top of my classes," I said, careful to keep my voice even.
"Good." He leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping once against the armrest. "Do I have to remind you what happens if you don't do well?"
My jaw clenched.
He flipped a page in his folder. "Do everything according to plan." He paused, "Or would you rather Sophia pay the price?"
My hands curled into fists at my sides. I forced myself to stay still, to keep my breathing even. He wanted a reaction. He wanted proof that he still had control.
"Leave Sophia out of this," I said, my voice low. "She's a kid. She has nothing to do with this."
His smirk barely twitched. "She has everything to do with this. You keep your end of the deal, and I will."
I exhaled sharply, every muscle in my body wound tight. "Fine."
His smirk widened, just slightly. "Good."
And just like that, I was dismissed.
I could swallow it all-every demand, every expectation, every fucking insult.
