Every Broken Part (Series)

Chapter Thirty-Six.

D E V I N

"Are you mad at me?"

I jumped as Locke set his tray of food down in front of me. I had been avoiding him since he challenged Aphelia. I still can't believe he's going to fight her. He doesn't think he has a chance, does he?

"Why would I be mad at you?" I hesitantly asked as I took a sip from my drink. Locke scanned me over with a suspicious look. He seemed off. It looked as if he had barely gotten any sleep. His hair was a mess. His usual bright eyes were bloodshot.

"You've been avoiding me all week. Are you taking his side?" Locke grew impatient with me as I stared at him with a blank expression.

"His?"

I wasn't following him. He looked paranoid and frantic as he questioned me.

"You know exactly who I'm talking about, Devin. You always take his side!"

Locke was drawing attention to himself as he raised his voice. I was completely taken aback by his attitude. He was acting like an entirely different person. His eyes felt like daggers as he gazed into me, anger radiating from him.

"Locke." I said to him in a calming tone.

"Maybe you should get some rest, try and calm down a bit?" I quietly suggested to him.

I placed a hand on his shoulder, only for him to violently slap it away. Everyone's heads turned in our direction at this. I winced as I held onto my hand in shock.

"Don't you dare try and tell me what to do."

He marched away in anger. I stared off into space with wide eyes as I just replayed the situation in my head. I had never seen that side of him before. He's always so nice to me. His friendly demeanor was replaced by a cold one.

"Someone is on their man period."

Aphelia laughed as she came up to me. I gently smiled as I sat back down at my table. My food suddenly wasn't appealing anymore. I slid it away from me as I leaned back in my chair.

"He seemed off." I mumbled as I stared at the ground.

I couldn't help but feel responsible for the whole situation. This wouldn't have happened if it weren't for the feud I created between Locke and Graizen. Now, Locke is going to be banished when he loses to Aphelia.

All because of me.

"Honestly, I would be too. He probably has no idea where he's going to live after he loses."

I nodded in agreement. Where can he even go? Is it even fair to do this to him? I couldn't imagine being kicked out of here. I didn't even know they could do that. Although, they can pretty much do whatever they want. It's their city.

"Hey, Locke will be okay. It's just his time to move on. Who knows, maybe he'll even start a city of his own."

I lightly smiled at Aphelia. Maybe she's right. Locke doesn't really seem to fit in here anymore. Maybe, if I talk to Graizen after the fight, he'll let him stay. Locke doesn't deserve to just be thrown out after all these years of him living here. This is his home. He should be able to choose whether he stays or goes.

"Why do you always eat lunch alone?" Aphelia asked.

"Well, I usually start eating lunch alone, then Locke or Rayner join me. Plus, I don't really fit in with anyone here. None of the girls seem to like me."

"I like you. I like you a lot."

"Of course, you do." I laughed. "You have to like me. I'm Ryker's little sister."