Page 44 of Lessons in Touch

I step back slightly to make some space between us. "I'm flattered, but—"

"But what?" His eyes are bright with alcohol and something else I don't like. "Don't tell me you have a boyfriend! Come on! You can’t all have a boyfriend!!"

Before I can respond, another voice cuts through our conversation.

"Oh, how precious."

I turn to see Cassandra approaching. She looks absolutely stunning in a form-fitting emerald dress. Her smile is predatory, and I immediately feel my defenses rise.

"Good evening, Cassandra," I say carefully.

"Oh, don’t play the polite bitch from England!" she snaps at me immediately.

“I’m not playing. I actually am a polite bitch from England,” I reply.

My comment left her speechless for a second. Love it.

Cassandra looks me up and down, briefly assessing me.

"I have to admit, your makeover is impressive. You almost look like you belong here."

"She does belong here," Liam says, but something is off in his tone.

"Does she? That's interesting, considering you were saying just last week how amusing it would be to bring the orphan girl to one of our gatherings."

My stomach drops. I look at Liam, whose face has gone red.

"That's not—I didn't mean—" he stammers and starts hiccuping.

"Oh, but you did," Cassandra continues, clearly enjoying herself. "You see, Rose, Liam here is my ex. And he has very peculiar ideas about entertainment."

Blood drains from my face. I feel like I'm going to be sick.

"I thought you should know what you're really dealing with," Cassandra says, and her voice is dropping to a whisper. "This isn't charity, darling. You're the prey."

“So… you didn’t actually want me to come to the party, Liam? I’m just a piece of entertainment for you and your ex-girlfriend?”

Before he can answer, I look around, surprised by an odd movement.

Around us, the party continues, but I'm beginning to notice things I missed before. Some students have disappeared into alcoves. Intimate conversations have grown quieter. The atmosphere that seemed so sophisticated started feeling tense, dark.

As I watch this transition and try to process what Cassandra just said, I begin to understand what kind of gathering this is. The realization hits me like ice water.

This isn't just your regular student party.

I look around the old chapel, expecting a fancy Wolfswood tradition—speeches about legacy, oaths... Instead,fear and the feeling of alienness start crawling under my skin. My nerves are on edge, and my entire body is taut as if I’m being chased by a ghost. I panic, and my thoughts fly to Gabriel. I wish he were here to calm and protect me.

But it’s just me, and now Liam, who’s already slurring his words as he keeps getting drunker by the minute.

Cassandra has left and is now heading toward the far corner of the chapel.

I stare at the room, holding my bag tightly in my hands. People are starting to fuck out in the open, in every spot. On couches, against walls, and on the floor. I can feel my face burning as the shock hits me hard.

I turn to Liam and try to make sense of this.

“Liam, what is all this?”

He sways, unable to control his movements because of the alcohol, and his drink splashes onto the floor.