Violet’s back was pressed firmly against the wall, her heart pounding so furiously as she stared into the abyss where Richmond’s eyes had once been. Holy creator of the universe.What in the hell was going on in this school?
Suddenly, as abruptly as they’d changed, Richmond’s eyes shifted back to normal. The tension in the room eased instantly as he threw his head back and burst into laughter. The rich, deep sound echoed off the walls, incongruously carefree.
"I don’t think I’ll ever get over scaring newbies like this," he said, wiping a nonexistent tear from his eye.
He stared at Violet who looked like every atom of blood had been drained from her life, saying, "You took it well, to be honest. Most first-timers usually run out of my office screaming."
"Although," he added with a cackle that reminded Violet of an old-school villain, "they have no choice but to come back for their counseling session."
"What are you?" Violet gasped, shaken.
Her mind was racing. While she knew of the supernatural creatures officially acknowledged by the world that existed, nothing about Richmond fit those descriptions. Why would the school even harbor whatever he was?
Plopping down on his seat, Richmond leaned forward with the confidence of one that knew he had her cornered. "Want to know?" Richmond asked smoothly with a hint of challenge.
He gestured to the chair in front of his desk. "Sit, then. We’ve got a counseling session."
Violet hesitated, her thoughts warring within her. Their counseling time was technically up, and she could always ask someone —preferably Lila—about him later. But deep down, she knew no one could give her a clearer answer than the man—or creature—in front of her. And if he had any bad intentions, surely he wouldn’t have revealed himself like this.
Moreover, when did she become such a coward?
Straightening her spine, Violet forced herself to walk toward the chair and sit. She made a point of looking as composed as possible, her expression schooled into a neutral mask. The best way to throw off a predator was not to be scared of them — or pretend not to be scared of them.
Richmond, or whatever he called himself, studied her with an amused expression as she sat down. "Well," she began, her voice cool and formal, "Richmond—"
"Micah," he interrupted.
"What?"
"I’d prefer if you called me Micah," he said casually, though his eyes held a trace of annoyance. "Richmond is a surname I’d rather not be associated with."
Violet raised an eyebrow but shrugged. "If you say so." She locked eyes with him. "So, tell me, Micah. What are you?"
"Half werewolf, half incubus," Micah said, his tone calm, as if he’d just declared his favorite color.
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