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 had to hand it to him. He lasted longer than I expected.
I'd wagered two days-three, at a stretch. And yet, as I lounged on my bed, flipping through the messages on my phone, I heard it. The telltale knock, firm but hesitant. The kind of knock that said, I don't want to be here, but I've got no choice.
I smirked to myself.
"Come in, Mercer," I called, already knowing who it was.
Elias came in, dragging a hand through his hair, clearly restraining himself from punching me. "I need your help."
My smirk widened. "Say that again?"
He exhaled slowly, like he was regretting this already. "Cassian-"
"No, really. Say it one more time."
"Cassian-"
"I just want to savor this moment."
"Cassian."
I grinned. "Fine, fine. I'll stop."
Elias muttered something under his breath-probably wishing I'd drop dead-before dragging a hand through his hair. He looked exhausted, dark circles under his eyes, tension lining his shoulders.
I stretched out on my bed, hands laced behind my head, watching Elias like he was a particularly amusing TV show. "I told you, Mercer-I wouldn't be so helpful the next time you came crawling back. And guess what?" I smirked. "I don't feel like helping you."
His eye twitched. "I'll get you your information."
I let out a slow, unimpressed breath. "Nah. That deal's expired, mate."
His jaw clenched so tight I thought he might crack a tooth. "So you won't help? Guess I wasted my time then." He spun on his heel, already heading for the door.
I sighed, "Didn't say that, did I?"
He stopped, shoulders rigid, but didn't turn around. "So you'll help?" he muttered.
I tilted my head, dragging this out just to watch him suffer. "Yeah, yeah, I'll help." I let the moment hang before adding, "But you'll owe me something-with the information."
Elias finally turned back, wary. "I'm not doing anything illegal."
I grinned, all teeth. "Good thing I didn't ask you to, then."
"You might."
I waved him off and flopped into my desk chair, spinning slightly. "So, where exactly are we starting, Mercer?"
His jaw twitched, but instead of snapping, he hesitated. For a second, he actually looked uncertain, like he was debating whether or not to say something. Then, without a word, he reached into his pocket and pulled something out.
A ring.
Old. Tarnished.
I stopped spinning.
Elias set it on my desk. "This is all I have of my dad," he said quietly. His fingers curled slightly like he didn't actually want to let it go, like he was afraid I'd snatch it up and never give it back. "Do you know anything about it?"
