Steel Princess (Royal Elite 2)

“Why do senior year students get four towers?”

I lift a shoulder. “To reflect well on the school since they’ll be the ones admitted to colleges.”

“You sure it’s not because of their rich parents?”

Laughing, I shake my head. “That’s exactly the reason. You’re going to fit in here just fine if you learn the hierarchy of things.”

“Is that important?” He fingers his headphones.

I stop at the threshold of the eighth tower. “What is?”

“Hierarchy. You can switch it up if you don’t like it.”

I resume walking and he joins me. “It’s been this way for centuries. It can’t be just switched up.”

“You never know until you try.” He searches our surroundings. “Where is your friend with the green hair?”

“Ah. Kim. She has to pick up her brother so we can go to a party.”

“Did you just say a party?”

I look Knox up and down, and a crazy idea comes to mind.

An idea that might end the ill-fate between me and Aiden once and for all.

I promised him that he’ll regret it and I meant it.

The more he tries to smother me, the harder I will fight.

The more he suffocates me, the stronger I’ll search for air.

This time, he’ll be the one hurt, not me.

“Do you want to come?” I ask Knox.

“To a party?” He grins. “Hell yeah.”

“Kim and I will pick you up.”

“Can I do that?” He runs his hand through his hair. “I don’t like it when someone drives me.”

“Sounds good.” I laugh.

“What?”

“We’re the complete opposite. I don’t like driving. I didn’t even apply for a licence.”

“Why not?”

“It makes me nervous, I guess.”

“Well, if you need a ride, I’m here.”

“Aww, thanks.”

“It’s me who should thank you, Elsa.” His eyes soften at the corners. “It sucks to be the transfer student, but you’re making it easier.”

“I’m happy to. You kind of saved my life, remember?”