Chapter 3
I breathed a sigh of relief.]]
Seemed like every time I ran into Thaddeus, he saved me from some mess.]
Last time was summer after graduation. I sat nervously in the Morales family living room, waiting for the old man.[]
Thaddeus appeared first.]
I shot up immediately.
He smiled gently. “Relax. I’m Vincent Morales’s grandson–Thaddeus.”
I knew. He was famous at school
I twisted my shirt hem anxiously. “I’m Luna Voss.”
He poured me tea. “You’re early. Grandpa pulled an all–nighter gaming–he won’t be up for hours.”
I stammered, “I can wait.“||
“Play chess with me?”
I blinked.
Thaddeus Morales. National chess champion
He pulled out a board. “Heard you were good back in middle school.“]
We played all morning.
He made me feel calm when everything else was chaos.[]
Same now.
“Can I submit the form later?”
Don’t fill it out yet. Don’t tell anyone. Don’t let Camden know.[]
I had a feeling he’d lose it if he found out.
Thaddeus agreed.]
After a pause: “Let me know if you need help.”
Last day to submit team forms, I got fired from the coffee shop.
Manager hinted I’d pissed off the wrong person.]
I stood outside the shop, lost.
Nowhere to go.
Rain fell silently.
But my mind was chaos.
Visited Mom at the hospital she lay there quietly.]
Aging fast, barely recognizable.[]
The Fosters said she was going to play poker that day.[]
Why bring my mom along?]
Camden texted.[]
“Come to Cheers. I’ll give you a grand.”
1 replied, “Transfer first.“||
Cheers was the bar near campus.]]
Sharp alcohol smell mixed with pounding music.
Camden waved me over. “Here.“]
I sat beside him.
The seat was still warm. I started to get up, but he pressed down on my shoulder.]]
“Why didn’t you come to me?“]
He leaned close to my ear.]]
“Without coming back, anyone teaming up with you?“]
“Think Professor Smith will let you work alone?“]
I said nothing.
He bit my earlobe viriously. “What gives you the right to stay quiet?”
“To act like nothing happened?”
“To pretend everything’s fine?”
“Marcus Voss is deadr
“Helen Reed’s a vegetabler“]
10
DO
I pressed my lips tight, biting my cheek until I tasted blood to mask the pain
Sophia came back from the bathroom to find someone in her seat.]
She stormed over and threw her drink all over me
“Get up! That’s my spot.”
I was almost grateful
“Okay.”
One word, and blood filled my mouth.
As I stood, someone tapped Camden’s shoulder.
Looked at me strangely.
“She.. teamed up with Thaddeus Morales.”
