Spotlight

Chapter 16

On Friday, I'm no closer to solving the riddle than I was two days ago. I just don't know what it means.

At 10 pm, I decide to take a stroll around campus. I'm seldom out this late.

In two hours, I will officially be out of the Blue Rose race.

All the streetlights are on and the wind is picking up gradually.

I walk past the combatant's training field and hear a soft laugh.

Right at the edge of the forest is the shed. The abandoned building students use to throw unsanctioned parties.

Two students, a guy and a girl walk through the door. They're both laughing and kissing each other.

I wonder what time Grey's party will end. And if he's worried about getting in trouble.

After careful consideration, I walk up to the building.

I knock twice on the door and it opens slightly.

"Password?" A girl asks.

"I'm here for my brother." I wrap my cardigan around my shoulders.

A head pops out and peers at me. "Oh, hey." She opens the door. "Your brother's at the drinks table. Come in."

She opens the door wider and I step in. There are more people than at Tristan's and the place is cramped. The music is lower, as are the lights.

I spot Grey talking to two guys at the table in the corner.

He spots me as well. "Look who's here."

I shiver. "Hey."

"I didn't know you were coming."

"Me neither. I was just taking a walk."

He gives me a disbelieving look. "At 10?" I give an insincere smile. "Do you want a drink?"

I'm about to say no, but change my mind at the last minute. "Sure. I might as well start mourning Blue Rose." I pick the nearest can and take a swig. "I wish I never tried out for it."

He walks to the nearest couch, clears his throat, and the couple making out get up and leave the building.

"Come on." He pats the space next to him.

"I'm going to be so embarrassed." I slump next to him and take more swigs of light beer.

He taps his knees. "Did you ask your annoying boyfriend for help?"

I nod. "And Kat."

He laughs. "Ah, Kat. I haven't talked to her since we left the Palace."

"Really?" He gives no inclination that he heard me. "Why not?"

He ignores that as well. "What did she say about it?"

No point arguing with Grey. "She said it doesn't make much sense. She said you can't hide concepts."

He sighs and takes a sip of hard cider. "Maybe she isn't hiding anything. Maybe you just need to work out the concepts."

"I've tried. All I came up with was the founding of the clubs."

"Where it was founded perhaps?"

I sit up slightly. "Articles don't mention what building they were founded."

"No," he agrees. "But they were all combatants."

The screws in my brain keep turning. "The combatant training space."

Grey laughs. "You think it's there?"

"There are two other lines."

He rests his back on the sofa. "What are they?"