Betrayed, Then Back For Blood

Chapter 51

The small office was left with just Briar, Mia, and Joseph, the silence heavy with awkward tension. Mia’s eyes flickered nervously, dodging Briar’s gaze like it might set her on fire. Whenever their looks crossed, Mia’d jerk her head away.

Her pulse hammered. She was afraid that Briar might snap and turn on her next.

In all her years at school, Mia had seen her share of student spats, but nothing like Briar’s terrifying showdown in the dorm.

Besides Lydia, who’d taken the full force of Briar’s ire, Mia was probably the only one who’d caught that chilling glint in her eyes.

It wasn’t anger–it was colder, more unsettling. Briar’s stare was calm, almost serene, as if she saw right through them, brushing off their taunts with icy contempt.

It felt like staring into the eyes of a movie assassin, detached and untouchable.

If they dared push her again, Lydia’s bruised back would be the least of their problems.

Joseph, stuck in the uncomfortable middle, looked helpless.

He said, “Uh, Mia, why don’t we head to the library? Didn’t Professor Swift assign that brutal practice test? We still need to track down the

sources and answers.”

the stifling vibe, Joseph cleared

a lifeline. “Yeah, totally! I’m on

her books and bolted, her exit screaming of

retreat, then shifted to Joseph. “You should go

quickly. “Got it, Briar. Just make sure you lock the

of this mess got to Joshua, their whole group

That was a stain on

a freshman on her first day, she didn’t actually have classes

was, tangled in petty drama from

it into a sleek mini–computer. She summoned a virtual keyboard and logged

online, a

[Hey, Briar! How’s life in Dasmieca treating

tapped out: [It’s fine.

you’re bored, check the job board! People are dying to get

[I’m on

on, Hacker Alliance jobs are easy money–a few clicks and you’re done.