Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 44450 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 222(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 148(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44450 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 222(@200wpm)___ 178(@250wpm)___ 148(@300wpm)
I smiled and nodded, liking the sound of that. The Kings and their money and power issues muddled the history and legacy of this academy for far too long. It was time to start fresh and think about how we could change things.
“We need to dig out the root of the problem,” I said, watching his eyebrows lift in curiosity. “The Kings. They can’t have a place here any longer.”
“With Arvo dead, his recruits will probably disappear and go on with their lives. We should keep a close eye out for wannabe Kings, though,” Theo pointed out. “We need to eliminate any hierarchies before they grow out of control.”
I let out a slow breath as I lay on my back, staring at the ceiling. I felt Theo copy my motion, our arms brushing. It was hard to completely process the magnitude of our decisions. We were planning to change everything.
“The end of the Kings,” I murmured. I never thought I would be around to see it, but it was time for their reign to come to an end. They didn’t have a place at the academy any longer, and Zephyr didn’t seem to have any interest in taking his leading role back after Arvo died.
With all of the old Kings besides Peter being dead, there was only Zephyr, Sol, and Theo left to carry on the Kings’ legacy, and none of them seemed interested in doing so. Honestly, that was relieving to me. I didn’t want to possibly watch any of them be corrupted by money and power like Arvo had.
“It’s for the best,” Theo reminded me. “We can build a safe, equal school environment where people come from all over for a great education. They don’t have to worry about dying here any longer or being pushed around by students on a power trip because they came from the right families.”
A hint of a smirk crossed my face as I nodded. The power dynamics at Stormcloud had always been one of its greatest downfalls, and I was ready to even out the scales. The focus needed to be on the students’ comfort, education, and safety. I didn’t want to deal with any more killers or sudden deaths.
“I think we can do it,” I murmured optimistically. I didn’t want to put the faith of the academy in anyone else’s hands. No one else understood what needed to be avoided and what needed to be achieved.
“I know we can,” Theo told me firmly as he turned his head to gaze at me.
My face softened as our eyes locked. I loved his encouragement and optimism. That was the attitude I needed the most right now as our tough recent past faded into the background. I had my sights on the future, on Theo and the others. I started to turn and reach out for him, but an ache struck me in my upper back. I grimaced and tensed against the pain.
“What’s wrong?” Theo asked as he turned onto his side to face me, giving me a concerned look.
I shook my head to let him know it wasn’t a big deal. I wasn’t in that much pain.
“I’m just sore from fighting Arvo,” I assured him. I was lucky that I didn’t get hurt even more, but I had been determined to fight for my life, to make my way back to those who loved me.
“Turn over,” Theo coaxed me, gently helping me roll onto my stomach. He moved his hands over my back, making my fitted, white top ride up slightly.
I folded my arms in front of me and rested my chin on them, letting my eyes flutter shut. His hands felt good as they massaged my back and shoulders, kneading my tense muscles. A muffled moan broke from me as he pressed his thumbs into a tense spot.
“That feels really good,” I told him, wanting him to continue a little longer. I couldn’t remember the last time I had been massaged, and I especially loved having his hands on me.
Theo worked his hands down, digging his thumbs into my lower back. He slipped his fingers under my shirt, brushing his fingertips along my smooth skin.
“You’re pretty tense,” he said.
“It’s been quite the week,” I laughed lightly. I had been dealing with a lot the past few weeks, fighting for my life at every turn. It was hard to convince myself to relax and put my guard down because I was afraid something would catch me off guard. I didn’t need to worry so much, though. I had three strong people looking out for me.
Theo’s hands slipped higher up my shirt, his nails lightly dragging against my skin. He paused for a moment.
“Might be easier without your shirt in the way,” he commented.
His suggestive tone was subtle, but I still noticed it. With a smile on my face, I sat up and stripped my shirt off. I didn’t stop there, though. I reached behind me to unclasp my bra, freeing my breasts. I didn’t even get a chance to lie down before Theo’s arms wrapped around me, his hands cupping my breasts from behind.