CHAPTER 35: CH 35: ESCAPE.

Time’s a shady little thing—dragging its feet when you’re watching it, then sprinting the moment you look away.

The next few days blurred together in a messy streak, and before Aegon even had the chance to catch his breath... it was already the day of the party.

It was a Friday afternoon after classes as he sat on the edge of his bed with his fingers intertwined and his feet heavy against the floor.

There was way too much pressing down against him and things were too... Chaotic.

He glanced over at Quinn. Sprawled on her unkempt bed as her face positioned down into the pillow still snored loudly.

Things had been rather salty between them ever since he told the entire they were in a non-monogamous relationship.

He thought her punching him would fix things, but it appeared to only be a momentary patch.

Tilting his head slightly upward to the harsh glare of the sun, yet that wasn’t what hurt— it was more now what the sun represented— Nightwalker.

He was, sooner or later, going to come after him. And if he did so now it’d be less than squashing a bug. Even his son Micheal—

He hadn’t been seen much ever since being embarrassed by Ava Therin, and then being ignored by his dad in the open.

It didn’t feel right that the most attention worthy person in this world... Or novel, was now silent.

Speaking of silent, there was also Mira who he hadn’t seen much of, maybe she was just busy, or maybe she was avoiding him.

On contrary to that there was Cara, who had agreed on a ceasefire as they could both bury one another.

He could tell everyone she’s connected to Aethera and cost her expulsion and she... She could literally bury him. Whether temporary or permanent, he needed the truce.

They however, continued late night training with the rest of the bottom Novuses and Mr Collins.

He’d also asked for her help in hacking into the school’s more informed network but it seemed it wouldn’t be possible till she reached the Adept rank.

He shook his head furiously immediately the thought came to mind, he’d been trying to avoid thinking of it for so long.

The Adept Trial. The next trial before him that crept in closer and closer until now. The trial was on Monday according to calculations.

The teachers were training and preparing them physically and mentally but emotionally they were doing the opposite of helping.

Every time a teacher opened their mouth about anything trial it was always followed by these key words. Death. Pain. Anomaly. Survive. And the most common "You know nothing."

Which was the entire point for him going to this party. From recent events he’d got a notable popularity amongst people... Even if it was infamy.

Regardless, it meant people wanted to jump his bones and maybe that’d be his way to survive the next trial. Or worse outcome, he’d get super wasted.

That was the only thought that gave him the slightest iota of peace, enough for him to lay his head down on his bed and let exhaustion claim him.

"Get up, slut. It’s time." Eli’s words jolted Aegon out of sleep. "The cars are gonna leave soon."

"What?" He muttered whilst rubbing his eyes. "What time is it?"

"It’s time to party. That’s what time it is."

Aegon turned to the window to see it was indeed nighttime as the stars sparkled far away.

"Wow." The remnants of exhausted burnt out as soon as his eyes set on Quinn.

Her auburn hair curled yet most of it was tied up in a high ponytail leaving a few intentional strands to sway before her green eyes.

A dark blue bralette crop top that accentuated her form and perfect skin covered only by her black jean jacket.

Lower, her midriff was out, only touched by diamond in her bellybutton which he’d never seen before.

Form fitting tight jeans that hugged her curves like it’s life depended on it. Going down to black boots that perfected the look.

He stared at her for a second longer than friendly before shaking the inappropriate thoughts coming to his mind.

"You’re coming with us? Why? You hate... Everything."

"I’m not going with you," she corrected, inching closer to Eli. "I’m going with Eli."

Eli, beaming from ear to ear said nothing. His eyes and face said it all, he was having the best time.

"Come on man. Let’s go."

He said opening the door of the room. "They’re gonna leave without us if we aren’t there in time."

"The party isn’t in school?" Aegon asked while draping his jacket over his shoulders. "Then where is it?"

"It’s in Claire Davenport’s place in the city—"

"I’m sorry who’s Claire Davenport?"

"She’s the richest, most popular girl in the school and you’ll know her when you know her." Eli swung the door open. "So can we go now?"

They moved out the silent dorm together, ducking behind trees and shadows whenever a security guard’s flashlight moved a little too close.

Eli in front leading them to God knows where while the other two followed close behind him.

He finally stopped in front of one of the walls at the far end of the school. Eli walked up to the wall and gave what could only be described as a peculiar knock before stepping back.

The once stiff began to vibrate like every cell within it was just set into resonance. Slowly at first, then so fast the wall became a blur of red.

Eli turned to them, his arms stretched out as he walked backwards through the wall.

Quinn and Aegon both turned to each other with skeptical looks, this would inadvertently be a very dumb idea. But it’d be super cool.

Quinn’s expression turned to a rare smile as she ran into the wall leaving Aegon alone.

He took a deep breath. Gathering all the courage he could just before he stepped through. It didn’t feel strange, in fact, it didn’t feel like anything.

He turned back to see someone’s hand on the wall making the effect before focusing on Eli as he stepped onto a long bus that waited for them beside the road.

’Alright, man. Take to get laid like your life depends on it.’