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17: BLACK INK ON WHITE PAPER

Author: annie-sullie
last update Last Updated: 2022-12-31 07:38:53

The next day I go through all the motions again with Bibah. I keep an eye out for William, but he doesn’t show up to any of the classes, and doesn’t even try to get in contact with me about the assignment we’d been paired up for.

The classes end up feeling long and boring despite everyone’s bubbling excitement over the mating ceremony being tonight. Teachers finished classes early, some lovebirds downright didn’t even bother to get out of their dorm rooms, and the overall anticipation was so thick I could barely breathe properly in the hallways. I felt a little cheated because when Jenny told me about the mating party, she’d worded it as the ceremony being in two days. I don’t know if that was a deliberate attempt to get me unprepared or not. If it was, then it had worked.

Three days ago, I’d been looking forward to the mating ceremony. But now? I couldn’t force myself to give a rat’s ass about it.

I toss the fifth black dress I’d tried on, and it lands on the pile of dresses next to
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  • The Mate Agreement   19: A MISTAKE

    We run through the woods, wind whipping my hair, branches and thorns trying to snag at my dress, the leaves under our shoes crunching, heels sinking into the soft earth, and my giggles echoing into the night. I can’t remember the last time I’ve felt so free. I can’t remember the last time I’d thrown caution into the wind like it was nothing but dust and followed what my heart desired.We make it to a clearing near the main school building, and I pause, laughing, trying to catch my breath, and shaking my head all at once. My face feels flushed, my hair wild and ruffled from the breeze. I try to tame it, running my hands through and turning to face William.There’s a genuine smile on his face. The most gorgeous smile I’ve seen in my life, and I feel my heart stuttering in pure awe of it. It feels like I could melt and die right here.Slowly, his fingers brush away a strand of my hair, tucking it back behind my ears, his touch soft and careful like I might be made of glass; like I’m an i

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