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Sienna ~

“Well, unfortunately, they’re our roommates,” I heard Dahlia say.

Naima’s sharp eyes widened at us like we’d just confessed to treason.

She sighed dramatically and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Roommates. Of course, the goddess loves to be entertained?”

“There’s nothing we can do about it,” Dahlia said with a shrug like this was just another Tuesday.

Naima raised a brow, lips curling in disbelief. “Have you fed on them yet?”

I froze mid-breath. Dahlia, too. The air suddenly felt too thick.

Naima’s gaze darted between us, her face twisting with frustration as understanding dawned. “Oh, for the love of—” She let out a string of curses so creative I was impressed.

My brow also arched in confusion.

“But—” I started, “in our defense, you told us to find males to feed on.”

“Yes,” she hissed, waving her hand like I was missing the point. “Males. Could have been anyone, not them.”

Her glare could’ve burned through steel.

“You two listen to me,” she said, her tone icy and low. “Those boys? They’re dangerous. You need to be as careful with them as possible, they're not the strongest in this school for nothing. I don’t care if they look like sin wrapped in leather, they’re not worth the risk. Do you understand me?”

We both nodded stiffly, though I couldn’t help but wonder if that was even possible.

“And don’t forget why you’re here,” Naima continued her voice firm. “Focus on the gemstones. No one can know what you’re really searching for. Use these challenges to stay in the background and blend in while searching and finding clues. Got it?”

“Yes,” we mumbled in unison.

“Good.” She pivoted on her heel and strode back toward the crowd.

Her voice rang out above the chatter. “Each challenge you win earns points. Gather ten points, and you graduate… if you survive. First to straddle their opponent wins. Pairings begin now.”

The students erupted in whispers.

Names were called one by one and I hoped I wouldn't be paired with any of the vicious boys, I needed a break.

“Caleb!” Naima said. Dahlia gave me a resigned look as she rose to her feet.

“Kaden,” Naima added with a heavy sigh.

I didn’t miss the way Dahlia stiffened. But when Kaden didn’t show up, Naima just shrugged and moved on.

“Looks like you’ll have to go find your partner,” she said, her voice held hints of pity.

Dahlia muttered something under her breath and stalked off.

Naima resumed the pairing.

“Theo!”

My stomach sank.

“Orion.”

The goddess must have a sick sense of humor. These names were picked at random, how the fuck could I be paired with him out of the 200 other students here.

I wandered through the training grounds, my heart pounding as I searched for him. I knew he’d make this difficult for me.

And then I spotted him.

Orion stood near the edge of the field, leaning against a marble column. His tall frame was impossible to miss, with his red hair catching the sunlight like a beacon.

His gloved fingers toyed lazily with a switchblade, flipping it open and closed in a way that made my stomach twist.

He looked up as I approached, his green eyes gleaming with mischief.

“Hello baby girl,” he drawled like he hadn’t just made me search everywhere for him.

“You were just here all this while?” I shot back, crossing my arms over my chest. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”

“Hmm.” He tilted his head, studying me. “Do you always follow the rules, Sienna?”

My pulse fluttered, his voice slow and dangerous in a way that made it hard to think.

Wasn't he supposed to be the reasonable one of the group?

I cleared my throat. “Let’s just get this over with.”

His smirk deepened, and he pushed off the wall, closing the space between us.

I fought the urge to step back.

“Do you know how good you look in that outfit?,” he said, his voice was low and it was almost like he had not heard a single word I said.

My cheeks burned, and I shushed him quickly, glancing around to see if anyone was watching.

“Can we focus on the challenge, please?” I snapped at him, though my voice came out weaker than I intended. “How will it go?”

His hand shot out before I could even think, turning my back to him and wrapping around my throat in an iron grip. I struggled to breathe, my fingers clawing at his arm as he pressed me against the heat of his body.

“This is how it’ll go,” he murmured, his breath was hot against my ear.

He let me go abruptly and my chest heaved as I tried to steady my breathing.

I stumbled back, swallowing hard as he leaned closer, his lips quirking in that maddening smirk.

“I’m letting you win this round, baby girl,” he said softly.

I blinked at him, still catching my breath. “Why would you do that?”

He shrugged, his eyes gleaming with something I couldn't decipher. “Because I feel like it.” then with a chuckle he added, “If you think I'm passing up on an opportunity to let you straddle me, then you're sorely mistaken.”

Oh…

He lounged recklessly on a nearby boulder and motioned for me to come towards him with a single curve of his fingers.

“Well?” he nudged, one brow arching.

I hesitated and glanced around sharply to make sure no one was paying too much attention.

Everyone was focused on their tasks, fighting it out as though their lives depended on it, so I approached him and his smile widened. His gloved hand reached up to his mask and pulled it down, revealing his luscious soft lips, I couldn't help but admire the beauty of this man— why was he showing me his lips?! I was going to get distracted.

I took a deep breath and wrapped my legs around his waist and the heat from his body wrapped around me like a cocoon.

And then his hands slid down from my back and rested at my hip as he pulled me forward.

The touch was light but scorching, and every nerve in my body felt like it was on fire.

“What are you doing?” I asked as panic rose in my chest.

“Submitting to you,” he teased, fingers flexing against my hip, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

“One point awarded to Theo!” the announcer said and I immediately got down from Orion and put as much space between us as possible.

“You're blushing,” he called after me with humor in his voice.

“I am not,” I hissed, garing at him over my shoulder speed walking away.

He laughed softly as his fingers leisurely ran through his hair.