I open my mouth, close it, and then try again. “The Obsidian Order… as in the fraternity?”

“Yes, dear. It is our most prestigious foundation on campus. It dates back to before the university was even built.”

“So, this whole ordeal is like a community service thing?”

Mrs. Shipley nods. “In a sense. It’s a good way to show your commitment to the university’s values and prove you’re an asset to the community. Signing this contract would also be an acknowledgement that you understand the seriousness of the situation and are willing to take responsibility for your part in it.”

I fold my arms with a sigh. “I don’t see any other option for me.”

“It’d be in your best interest to do this.”

The older woman shifts her attention to her computer and clicks the mouse before typing for several minutes. Every time she presses a button, my stomach knots a little more. I don’t know what else I can do except go along with this stupid contract. As much as I’d like to tell everyone to kiss my ass, it won’t do me any good.

I silently curse at Professor Ames and the other student. Calling them cockwombles and cumstains almost makes me smile. Almost.

The hum of the printer interrupts my internal barrage of insults. Mrs. Shipley grabs several sheets of paper which has me frowning. How many pages is this contract? After the tenth page, I begin to lament the tree that sacrificed itself on my behalf.

“Here you go,” she says, sliding the stack of papers to me. “Legal documents are very thorough. Read it carefully so you’re fully aware of what you’re committing to. If you have any questions, I’ll be happy to answer them.”

“This is longer than I expected,” I mutter.

I quickly scan the words on the first page. The legalese on the document is mind-numbing. It’s paragraph after paragraph filled with dense language that seems designed to confuse more than inform.

After a few seconds, my eyes glaze over as I try to decipher the tiny font outlining the clauses and obligations in the contract. My academic advisor watches me with a smile, but her attentiveness is a little overwhelming. She’s not rushing me, but my intuition says she wants me to hurry up. I’m sure she has other tasks to complete that don’t include managing my crisis.

“I think I get the gist of it,” I say. “I sign, do my time, and keep my scholarship, right?”

She nods. “That’s the general idea. Make sure to note that your point of contact will be Professor Ames. Unless he appoints a senior to direct you, he’s the one who will reach out with the details of the upcoming events.”

I’m sure that dickhead will have me picking up trash alongside the road just to humiliate me. As long as my duties are nothing unconventional, I’ll handle them just fine. Growing up in the foster care system isn’t for the weak.

I pick up the pen, eyes widening at my shaking fingers. This situation is grossly unfair and pisses me off, but it’s fear that’s wrapping around my hands and making them tremble. I flip to the last page and scrawl my signature across the dotted line before I lose my nerve.

After shoving the document toward Mrs. Shipley, I blow out a breath. Instead of feeling relieved that I’m doing everything to save my future, a sense of doom hovers over me like a raincloud.

She snatches the papers from the desk. Almost like she doesn’t want me to change my mind. “Although you’ll be on probation with Professor Ames for the rest of the semester, your obligations will last for the entire school year. Take this seriously, and you might find it more rewarding than you expect. It’s an honor to be affiliated with the Obsidian Order.”

I get to my feet, shifting my gaze from her face, alight with pride and sophistication, and concentrate on the nameplate on her desk. “Thanks,” I mumble. “Shipley, as in one of the founding families?”

She beams up at me. “That is correct.”

That explains why she’s drinking the kool-aid the fraternity is serving. Too bad she’s snorting it as well.

OceanofPDF.com

Chapter 22DELILAH

Subject: Urgent:

Obsidian Order Ceremony Details

Delilah,

I trust this message finds you ready and willing to perform your contractual obligations. The Obsidian Order ceremony is slated for this night, September 3rd, commencing sharply at 9:00 PM. The venue is discreetly tucked away at 124 Oak Street, within the walls of our fraternity house.

Arrive punctually to avoid unnecessary complications. The dress code is formal. Discretion is paramount, as was indicated in the contract.

This event holds significant weight within our fraternity. Your presence is not only anticipated but crucial. Failure to comply may have unforeseen consequences.

For any queries or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out. Your cooperation is expected.

Regards,

Professor Ames

OceanofPDF.com

Chapter 23DELILAH

Islip in my earrings, wishing I could admire the way they complement my silver dress. It’s from a second-hand shop, but no one would ever know because of the label inside. Tonight calls for an elegance I don’t usually get to participate in, and I couldn’t care less. My heart has been racing ever since I got the email from Professor Ames this morning, and now that it’s almost time, I want to puke.

The door swings open to reveal Raven. She runs her gaze over my shiny dress and arches a brow. “Hey, sexy. Hot date tonight?”

I shake my head. “I wish. This,” I say, running my hands down my sides, “is for extra credit.”

“As a prostitute?”

A laugh slips out of me. “No. This place doesn’t allow bribery, so I’m pretty sure prostitution is off the table.”

“That’s a shame.” She steps fully into the room and shuts the door behind her. After tossing her purse on the floor, Raven throws herself on her bed and folds her arms over her chest. “That outfit of yours screams, ‘do me, daddy’ instead of ‘university event.’”

“I don’t care if it’s boring, as long as it allows me to keep my grades up.”

“Where is this thing anyway?”

I pick up my lipstick and apply it before speaking. I’m unsure how much I’m allowed to disclose about my contract, but keeping Miss Sherlock Holmes from suspecting anything is going to be a challenge. I’m pretty confident she wouldn’t tell anyone if I told her my situation, but that’s not my only issue. I’m not just scared of losing my scholarship, I’m beyond embarrassed this is happening.

“It’s at the student center,” I say.

“That’s for nerds. I wouldn’t be caught dead there.”

I know. That’s why I chose it as my answer.

“You were right about Professor Ames,” I say, attempting to steer the conversation in a different direction. I secure a diamond-tipped hair pin in my updo. “He’s a hard ass when it comes to grading. If I want an A in his class, then I have to do this extra credit.”

“As long as it doesn’t include sucking his dick, then you should be okay.”

I make a face. “That’s not happening. What are your plans tonight?”

“Well, I was going out with June, but she canceled on me this morning. Bitch.” Raven sighs and rolls on her side to face me. “She said she had some mandatory thing for her math club. Talk about boring. I bet she’ll be at the student center too.”

“Maybe,” I say, avoiding eye contact with my roommate. “All right, I’m out of here.”

“Have fun, if you can.”

“I doubt it.”

She snorts. “Me too.”

“Don’t wait up for me.”

Raven blows me a kiss right before I shut the door behind me. Within moments, I’m outside, the cool evening air brushing my cheeks. I stay on the sidewalks to avoid breaking an ankle in my heels. The click that sounds with every step I take is like a metronome, ticking away towards my doom.