During the second week of November, I watched from the corner of my eye as Colton walked toward me during Weaponry class.
I didn't acknowledge him. My focus stayed locked on the target in front of me, the human-shaped dummy I'd mentally assigned the name Milos.
I didn't actually know what Milos looked like, but I had built an image in my head over time: dark hair, a large nose, wideset black eyes. For all I knew, he could've been blonde and blue-eyed. It didn't matter. This was the face I saw whenever I thought of him. It helped me focus, even if it wasn't accurate.
More than anything, when I pictured him, I saw evil.
And I wanted nothing more than to kill him.
I centered my aim on the target's heart.
Weaponry class had taught me there were only two ways to kill a wolf: silver through the heart… or fire.
Well, if you killed my family with fire, you were getting silver straight through yours.
I drew back my bow and released.
The arrow sliced through the air and embedded itself dead center in the target's chest.
"Wow. That was incredible."
Colton's voice came from beside me.
"Great job, Raven."
"Thanks." I grinned despite myself. I was proud of that shot. And I hoped that one day, when it mattered, my aim would be just as precise—with the real Milos.
"So," Colton continued casually, "you've got a birthday coming up. Tomorrow, right?"
My brows lifted. "How do you know my birthday?"
"It's in your student file," he said with a shrug. "We were wondering if you'd want to come over to our house tomorrow night. We'd like to throw you a little party."
I hesitated. "Who's 'we'?"
"The whole pack."
"Even Theo?" The question slipped out before I could stop it.
Colton nodded. "Yeah. It was actually his idea."
I let out a small, disbelieving laugh. "Sorry, but I find that really hard to believe. He was the first one to stop talking to me. And now he wants to throw me a birthday party?"
Colton's gray eyes softened, and for a moment, he looked genuinely remorseful. "We've all been feeling pretty crappy about how things have transpired. Just… come tomorrow night. Let us explain."
I shifted uncomfortably. "It's my birthday. I already made plans with Iris and Vince. I can't just ditch them."
"Then bring them," he said immediately.
He reached for my hand, his fingers wrapping around mine.
The butterflies in my stomach erupted without warning. Something about his touch, about the way he was looking at me, made my pulse stutter.
I glanced around instinctively. Other students were in their booths, focused on their own targets, not paying attention to us.
"Please, Raven?" Colton pressed softly. "Tomorrow night. Eight o'clock."
I rolled my eyes, fighting the smile tugging at my lips. "Fine. I'll ask Iris and Vince. If they're willing to come, we'll be there."
A small part of me wanted them to say no. Wanted the excuse not to go.
But the truth?
I was secretly dying to be around the Darken again.
And I needed to know what they were planning to explain.
It wouldn't erase the fact that they'd gone completely M.I.A. from my life.
But at least I'd finally know why.