God of Malice (Legacy of Gods #1) by Rina Kent

Killian is a raging monster with no restraints. He targeted me first, so it’s only fair that he gets a taste of his own medicine.

“I can’t believe we got the chance to be here! This is like the shit!” Ava’s awed shout barely reaches me over the loud music and the endless chatter.

Countless students surround the massive pool and some are soaking in the Jacuzzi while singing and shouting and producing all sorts of noise.

To say I’m reaching sensory overload in a matter of ten minutes would be an understatement.

As a weapon, I came with my partners in crime—Ava, Cecily, and Annika.

In fact, this isn’t the party Annika and Ava had planned to go to earlier, considering Anni’s reservations about defying her brother. It was Ava who begged and implored and bribed her with some special edition lipstick so she takes us here. Since REU students aren’t allowed on The King’s U campus or in the Heathens’ compound, we had to use Annika as our ticket here.

If I’d told Killian I was coming, he would’ve given me access, but I won’t be asking anything of that twat.

The only unwilling person here is Cecily, whom we had to drag along. Not only does she hate The King’s U students with a passion, but she’s also a lover of quiet nights like me.

We all wore dresses except for her—or actually, Ava forced me to choose one of hers. I settled on a dark red one that molds against my body and stops right above my knees. Then Anni did my makeup, gave me smoky eyes and lipstick that matches the dress, then styled my hair to fall straight to the middle of my half-bare back.

Those two definitely looked proud of their creation while I was half-horrified, half-doubtful that the one in the mirror was me.

Cecily, however, couldn’t be forced to wear a dress. She’s in jeans and a shirt that says Sorry for the bitch face. Didn’t want to be here.

Her hair is pulled into a ponytail and her lips are pursed tight.

She’s really been moody today, and I have a feeling it’s not due to exams as she claimed.

“Who’s going to be the responsible adults when these two social butterflies get drunk and we have to get them back home?” is what I told Cecily so she’d agree to come along.

I’m such a hypocrite, because really, I need them around. Cecily has always been our rock. The ‘brainstorm first, act later’ girl. The ‘I’m here to listen’ friend.

She’s like a mother figure, and having her here fills me with a major boost of confidence.

“Anni!! Why didn’t you tell me this scene is your usual?” Ava grabs her by the shoulder. “I have like a major girl crush right now.”

They’re wearing matching tulle dresses. Ava’s is coral pink and Annika’s is pastel purple. I swear they have something to shop for every hour.

“It’s not, really.” Anni casts a glance at our surroundings. “I’m not usually allowed at Jer’s parties, and by usually, I mean never. The guard let us in earlier because I kind of begged.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll protect you.” Ava nudges Cecily. “Isn’t that right?”

The latter grabs a red Solo cup from the table beside us and releases an unintelligible noise.

“See? Ces always has your back.” Ava tells Anni with a heartfelt laugh.

I inch closer to Cecily, who’s been obsessively watching the stairs. Yesterday, I thought the mansion was huge from the outside, but it’s a downright castle from the inside.

There’s a regal air to it mixed with splashes of gothic touches. It’s undoubtedly old, probably older than both universities’ centuries of age.

I heard that the three mansions scattered across the island were castles that were used as defense lines in medieval wars. Now, they’re used as compounds for secret orders, illegal organizations, and twisted youths.

The Elites, the only REU club that belongs in their unholy union, is probably tame compared to The King’s U’s clubs.

Though I wouldn’t be so sure, considering Lan leads the Elites.

“Are you okay?” I ask Cecily.

Her head whips in my direction and alcohol spills on her hand. “W-what? Why?”

“I’m just asking.”

She smiles big, doing a horrible job at hiding her discomfort. “I’m fine, really. Don’t worry, Glyn.”

“That will just make me worry more.”

“I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself. Really, never mind me.”

My chest contracts and I swallow the drool that’s gathered in my mouth.

Never mind me, Glyn. People like me are just not important.

Devlin’s words rush back to my mind with the lethality of a storm. Red slowly creeps into my vision.

Drip.

Drip.

Drip.

“You matter, Ces,” I choke out. “You have no clue how much you matter.”

A shadow of incredulousness creeps into her features before they soften, “Thanks, Glyn. You’re like the sweetest.”

“What is this fucking betrayal? I’m the sweetest!” Ava barges in, batting her lashes. “Glyn is the doll.”

Cecily raises a brow. “No, you’re the one who curses like a pirate.”

“And I feel so left out, I’m revoking friendship rights to all of you bitches.”

We turn around at hearing Remi’s distinctive voice. He’s glaring down his very aristocratic—currently pissed off—nose at us while simultaneously flipping his dashing hair back.