Chapter 5

5

VIOLET

I waited on tenterhooks for contact from Dorian yesterday evening, only to fall into disappointment when he finally does. Dorian hasn't found Viktor, nor proof that he ever existed.

Dorian continues to question and investigate Cornelius Whitegrove, but the Circle bind tight around their leader, so how can we make our way past their secrets and lies? At least Dorian is looking for Viktor, now he understands that the tiara mystery clearly connects to those plotting against him.

Cornelius once claimed Dorian's leadership of the supernatural world assists in his business activities, and that the Circle leader doesn't want instability. However, Cornelius supported the ruling Confederacy back in the day—the Confederacy that Dorian took down. But even if Cornelius isn't involved in any planned move against Dorian, he surely has knowledge about his son. Viktor Whitegrove did not disappear from existence without significant help.

Is Josef connected to Viktor? At Kai's birthday, Josef revealed that people involved in this insurrection are those who desire the old world regime. They hark back to a time before the Confederacy fell, when supes remained hidden from humans. Dorian's opposition once supported the ruling Confederacy and has a wide network woven tightly over hundreds of years. As a man who was once a fugitive from the supernatural world, Dorian had no network in the past, and the only influence he holds now is as leader over current, recent supporters.

I often wondered how Dorian achieved the top position considering his past crimes, and Josef Petrescu's comments must've hit my father with some truths. Dorian seized power by stepping into a void left by the fall of both the Confederacy and the rival Dominion—something he was instrumental in. However, his unmatched power and charisma give Dorian the ability to successfully handle the human authorities, something important to supernaturals in this shaky new world.

But is Josef right? Was Dorian's rise to power orchestrated by others who would bide their time and reclaim the world for their brand of government? A return to the old Confederacy ways would lead to an unwanted war between supes. Dorian needs to use his well-known methods to eradicate these people and stabilize the world.

And I can help.

Although tempted to scour campus for stray wolf shifters last night, I instead listened our for any commotion outside Darwin House while working on my notes. All remained quiet beneath my window, so I had nothing to investigate. I took Leif's advice and rested, and my mind is much sharper returning to my task this morning. Tonight shall be shifter hunting night.

Each time I examine my latest Wall of Clues, I half-expect Holly to walk into the room and comment on both the mess I'm making and my theories. How ironic and frustrating that the one person I need to help with this investigation through her human connections is the victim in the case.

I tap my lips as I look over the taped paper sections outlining each suspect and motives.

Viktor. Obviously. Whereabouts to be located asap. Connections to others difficult for Dorian's council to investigate as he ‘doesn't exist'. High probability he will harm Holly. Most important suspect. Search his known addresses asap.

Marci. Mysterious project definitely not linked to the Spring Ball. Annoyed that Holly backed out but also (genuinely?) worried about her whereabouts. Discover her activities, look further into her academy connections, especially the coven (and her mind if Rowan isn't around to stop me).

Cornelius Whitegrove/the Circle — must now be aware that we're searching for Viktor. Possibly aware we've found him. It's also possible that Viktor reached out to the Circle for protection again. Plan: infiltrate their next gathering. Dorian can assist as Rowan won't want to. Do not mention Rowan's invite to the Circle again. Ever.

Josef Petrescu. Seems less likely as he prefers to trifle with myself or Dorian directly and maintains his closeness to Sawyer. Harming a human would threaten that relationship.

Someone within the academy that isn't Marci. Mrs. Eldridge and her recent threats to Rowan seem significant or was that pertinent to the tiara issue? (I'm annoyed that I need to drop that investigation temporarily but not as annoyed as Mr. Woodside) Another professor? Students? Which house?

I squeeze my eyes closed. How much time do I have before something serious befalls Holly? The strange stomach flipping happens again: if it hasn't already.

I reluctantly accept the human hysteria and add another:

6. Unknown shifter invading campus. Connection not established.

My new Instagram profile yielded nothing overnight apart from suggestions that I follow people. As if I'll ever be a follower in life. My profile remains strictly locked down, and Rowan polices interactions. He selected not_sweet_violet as my user name and added an image of violet flowers as my profile picture, and then informed me I could change both if I wanted to.

Rowan knows perfectly well that I have no idea how to do such. The guy and his smirk sail close to the wind sometimes, yet he complains when he hits a hurricane of unimpressed girlfriend.

Girlfriend. The word still doesn't settle well in my mind. But what else am I to these guys based on the social norms that others apply to us?

While waiting for more communication from the fake Holly, I must focus on the academy and trust that Dorian's own investigations lead to Viktor.

Right now, there's somebody who needs me more.

I stalk through the Darwin's hallways towards the part that houses the male human students, ensuring I'm harder faced than usual, and travel at a speed that stops any human intercepting me. There's an odd odor in this area compared to the one containing the female students' rooms. I'm half-tempted to hold my arm over my face to staunch the smell but expect someone would interpret that as a vampire avoiding temptation from the human blood scent. No. This potent mix of body sprays and colognes barely masks the extreme masculine, sweaty smell.

I eye a pair of shoes outside one closed door and retch. Worse than the bowling alley. No wonder the owner left them outside—or the owner's roommate banished the footwear from their shared space.

I've never visited Leif's room before, or needed to, but I'm acutely aware that he requires my help as much as Holly does currently. I don't need my detective skills to find Leif on campus, as he always skulks in his room if he wants to avoid what's outside his door.

I rap my knuckles sharply on said door, holding the strap of the small rucksack on my shoulder, and when he takes longer than ten seconds to answer, I impatiently lift my hand to repeat the exercise. The person who answers isn't Leif.

Roommate. Buzz cut hair, half his size. He gawks, deep brown eyes wide. I scour my head for the guy's name and fail, so greet him with a smile instead. I'd push past but he's slender, and I'd likely knock him over.

"Leif?" he calls, not taking his eyes from me.

Leif doesn't respond. "Is he here?" I ask.

"Yeah." The guy picks up a discarded drinks can and throws it across the room behind him, and I hear Leif swear. "Your, uh... girlfriend's here."

I give a tight-lipped smile at that word again. Leif appears at his shoulder, a black pair of headphones wrapped around his neck, hair falling into his face.

"Hey, Violet," he says, confusion fogging his expression.

"I'm taking you for a walk," I inform him.

His roommate snorts a laugh. "She has you on a leash, huh? Should've expected that."

"Leash?" I frown. "Why would Leif need a leash? That's a ridiculous comment."

"Ha ha, Dane," says Leif, and slices a look at his friend who backs into the room. Leif holds the edge of the doorframe. "Um. Sure. Where did you want to go?"

Pursing my lips, I pull my phone from a sweater pocket. "I researched popular places. Here." Leif looks at the screen and shrugs. "Am I to take that gesture as agreement or disinterest?"

"I wasn't expecting to see you, that's all. You haven't answered anybody's messages since last night. Again."

"While we wait for further communication from... someone, I decided to spend time with you."

"Right."

"This feels like the reverse of you bringing me flowers," I say. "Are you surprised or uninterested?"

"As if I'd ever say no to time with you, Violet." His cheeks dimple. "Let me grab my boots and jacket."

He ducks back into the room that neither guy invited me into, and his roommate continues to observe him, sneaking looks at me too.

Leif reappears, shrugging on his padded green jacket. "Let's go."

As we step back along the hallway, Dane calls after us, "Leif. You forgot your ball."

I halt. "Did you wish to play a game?"

Leif scowls back at Dane who smirks at him and says, "Woof."

"Dickhead," Leif calls back.

"Excuse me?"

With a shake of his head, Leif slips his large hand into mine. "You said ‘taking me for a walk'. Like I'm a dog."

"Oh." I sigh. "Humans find amusement in such imbecilic ways."

"Don't say anything to Dane. I'd rather leave before someone else asks me about Holly." Leif tugs me away from the potent male area. "What's in the bag? Are you planning to investigate Madison?"

"Again, excuse me?"

"We're going to the place in the video clips, and you brought tools?"

"No, Leif. The rucksack contains food."

He pauses. "Food? Are we going on a picnic?"

"What is a picnic?"

He blinks. "Tell me you know what a picnic is."

"No, I do not, otherwise I wouldn't request clarification," I retort.

"A picnic. Eating outdoors somewhere. Often after a walk."

"Oh." I rub a cheek. "No. I brought food because you constantly eat, and I thought you might need some to sustain yourself."

"So, a picnic date?" Leif's face is brighter than I've seen for a few days. "It's very... thoughtful."

"I'm learning to consider others' wants and needs. You are aware of this," I say. "You are important, and I am concerned about your mental stability. You're currently dealing with the distress caused by a witch invading your head and splintering your mind."

The brightness leaves instantly, and he drops my hand. "Right. Thanks for the reminder."

I frown. "Reminder? Surely you haven't forgotten."

Leif sighs. "No, Violet. I haven't forgotten. "

"Good, otherwise I might worry that Viktor affected your mind further."

He blanches. "Can you not say things like that?"

"Very well." I'm already headed along the hallway again; the shorter the time I spend in the center of Darwin house, the better. "Come along, Leif," I call back.

"Woof."

I pause at his reply and turn as Leif strides towards me, catches me around the waist, and lifts me to place his lips on mine. I don't slap him on the shoulder for the public display because when Leif picks me up, his smile has returned.