“In my country, the consensual age to have sex is 16 years old,” sounds of giggles and shock hit my ears, “What age is it here?” “18, when we find our bonds. Does that mean you've already had sex with someone who wasn't your bond?” he grins and then shoots Theo a fake sad pout. I feel the colour r
Chapter 18 By the time we arrive at my next class, I'm starting to feel claustrophobic. I really hope Alice is wrong about me having five bonds, I don't think I can deal with five men surrounding me full-time. “Don't worry, she will be fine,” I hear Dot say in annoyance. “Any issues just shout
Chapter 19 Mr Collins takes his place on the podium and the room falls silent. Anger radiates from him and I'm unsure if it's at my outburst or for some other reason. “Thank you all for arriving here promptly and I apologise for the disturbance but this is not a matter that can wait. This morning
Chapter 20 I quickly close my eyes again and try to keep my breathing even, feigning sleep. I don't want to face Mr Collins right now. I'm still hurt and I'm too embarrassed at my reaction to his stunt. He won that round and broke me. I won't let him see me weak again but need time to compose myse
Chapter 21We sit at Dot’s table for dinner. Damien joins Sunny and another group at the next table. Sunny gives me a small wave, which I return. I choose a carbonara-type dish with garlic bread and chocolate cake for dessert. Dot is unusually quiet, she avoids eye contact with me and I start to fee
June teaches me some breathing exercises and calming techniques that involve diverting my thoughts from triggering situations to happy memories. She goes through some group exercises that involve a lot of touching, which is kind of uncomfortable in front of June, but the guys don't seem phased by it
Chapter 22 I wake in the morning, 5 minutes before my alarm is due to go off. Nerves flutter in my abdomen at the thought of what today will bring. I practice some of the breathing techniques that June taught me before a panic attack can fully take me in its grip. “I've got this. Everything is go
Chapter 23 The men move silently. A group of about 12 standing side by side. My heart beats wildly in my chest. Here we go. I spot Theo in the line of men, he gives me a reassuring smile and motions for me to breathe. The seer walks down the line of men, she stops in front of Theo and places a hand
Chapter 17** Harper’s POV **Archie and Dillon bombard Finley with questions about Chase, and I can’t listen anymore. I’m torn between fear, intrigue, a need to help my bond, who is clearly struggling, whilst protecting my others, and a sense of injustice.Before I started the academy, I had been w
“I know,” Chase says, voice distant now, like he’s already retreating into himself.I don’t look back. I don’t dare because I’m not sure what I will do. As much as he terrifies me, he’s also my bond, and it’s in my nature to want to be with him.Archie closes the door behind us and we all stand in t
Chapter 16** Harper’s POV **“Get out!” Chase growls.No one moves.The room feels like it is suspended in a breathless stillness as no one dares move or breathe. Chase’s growl rumbles against my chest, his head still resting there like I’m the only thing anchoring him to this world. I keep my arms
Chapter 15** Harper’s POV **Fear trickles down my spine as I stand in the dark apartment. I’ve been slightly afraid of the dark since living in those underground tunnels, buy I refuse to let the fear control me. I take a steadying breath and let my eyes adjust to the darkness. With every passing h
Chapter 14** Harper’s POV **Demi looks different today. She has a glow about her and her smile is brighter.“How is life with your bonds?” I ask.We texted yesterday, and she told me the names of her bonds, but I have yet to see them.“Oh moons, last night was amazing! I was so nervous but they we
Chapter 13** Harper’s POV **After class, we wait for Dillon by the door. He rounds the corner a few moments later and I smile. I’ll never get bored with seeing his eyes light up whenever he notices me.“Hey, are we ready to do this?” he asks as he approaches.“Yes, although I’m not sure what exact
Chapter 12** Harper’s POV **The dining hall is not as busy this morning. I suspect it will get more crowded as students wake up, but for now it’s manageable. We join the small queue together and I’m already missing my dad’s famous pancakes that he would make almost every morning for the whole fam
Chapter 11** Dillon’s POV **Harper is an angel, or maybe a devil is a more fitting description, because seeing her in these tiny pieces of fabric makes me want to sin. I feel bad for looking at her whilst she sleeps, but I can’t pull my eyes from her. She had fallen asleep about an hour ago. I kn
Chapter 10** Harper’s POV **Having Dillon and Archie’s hands on me is bliss. I had felt so out of place in the dining hall, but here, with these two, I feel home. It’s as if their touch alone can strengthen me, and make me more myself. The guys don’t go further than touching. Archie grazes my ni