Betrayed, Then Back For Blood

Chapter 41

Chapter 41

After lunch, the group headed back to the lab building, the air thick with awkwardness thanks to the forum drama.

Mia was practically glowing with smug satisfaction, but the others worked hard to lighten the mood. Briar was the youngest in their crew, after all, and they felt a protective urge to look out for her.

Plus, the way the forum was piling on Briar felt like a jab at the entire Traditional Medicine Department.

Their department was small enough as it was–when push came to shove, they had to stick together and face the world as a unit.

Richard steered the conversation to safer ground. “Hey, Briar, have you checked in at the dorms yet?”

Briar blinked, caught off guard. She’d been whisked straight to the lab by Marvin upon arrival, and if she hadn’t done her homework on Shoneport University beforehand, she’d have no clue where anything was. “I actually bought a place off–campus. Wasn’t planning on staying in the dorms.”

Richard wagged a finger at her, grinning. “Nuh–uh, doesn’t work like that. Even if you’re not living there, you still gotta register. Traditional Medicine students get their own little safes for storing rare herbs and stuff.”

was news to

safe for medicinal supplies? She hadn’t

to

syrupy sweet. “Briar, do you even know where our department’s

way?”

cheerful smile, catching the glint of mischief in

she could already see through whatever Mia was planning–he relaxed. After all, Briar didn’t look like someone who would get

take you.”

to leave, Frank called out, like he’d just remembered something. “Oh, hold up, Briar! Let’s swap contact info. We’re all in the same lab group,

her phone

the friend request, Frank sent her a smiley emoji. Then he pulled her into the

up with messages, everyone chiming

a generic “Welcome!” emoji, playing

vibe loosened up, laughter and banter picking up steam.