Revelation (Private 8)

rage and confusion.

"Go where?" Ivy asked, standing as well.

"All those months I lived with her. All those months I trusted her with everything. And all that time

she was lying to my face," I spat. "If she could keep this from me, what else has she been lying

about?" I added, holding up the picture.

"Reed, you ca

n't just confront her. We have to call the police,"

238

Ivy said firmly, stepping in front of me as if to block my route to the door.

"So call the police," I told her. "I'm going."

She reached out and grabbed my wrist. "But the girl could be seriously dangerous."

"I don't care. There are a hundred people at that party," I said. "What's she going to do to me in

front of a hundred people?"

"Reed, I can't let you--"

"You can either let go of me, or I can make you," I told her, staring into her coal-black eyes. "Your

choice."

Just like that, Ivy released me. And just like that, I was on my way across campus to finally confront

the girl who called herself my best friend.

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* * *

The music was pounding when we reached the solarium, Ivy trying desperately to explain

everything into her cell phone--to make the officer on the other end understand. Red and pink

lights flashed, bathing all the faces and distorting them into demonesque masks. Everywhere I

looked people were laughing and sipping punch and dancing. Everyone I knew, obliviously

prepping for a night of revelry.

But Sabine. Where was Sabine?

"Reed! I'm so glad you're here." Noelle appeared out of nowhere and slipped her warm hand into

mine. "I think it's about time we talk."

"No," I heard myself say. "Not now."

A look of consternation crossed Noelle's face, but I didn't have time to explain. I slipped away from