“And what about you?” I asked.

“I guess I’ll always love her,” Knox said. “I just don’t think about anything like that happening in real life. You know how things are in Judaculla. All the women are already claimed.”

“Except for the Fringers,” I said. “Is there anyone on the Fringe for you?”

Knox laughed again. “No. Even if there was, I wouldn’t have noticed. You know what life’s like on the Fringe. We’re all too busy just trying to survive. There’s no prom night for us there.”

I hated the life Knox had been handed. Hated this kind soul had already experienced a devastating loss. My list of people to rescue from Judaculla grew—James, Tobias, Calla, Haden, Krista, and Knox. I could hardly believe this, but if she were still alive, I’d get Ever out as well.

We pulled into the student parking lot, and I was quickly annoyed with Knox for going out of his way to park right beside Victor’s BMW. I cringed when I saw that Victor was still in his car.

Knox laughed at my discomfort, and I reconsidered the admiration I had for him and his generous heart. When I shot a warning glance at him, he stifled a chuckle. I climbed out of the car, and slammed the door shut. I didn’t wait for Knox, but headed straight for Victor. Standing awkwardly beside his car, I waited for him to emerge.

“Good morning, love,” Victor said, smiling as if he hadn’t noticed the giant Hummer parked beside him.

Why are boys so impossible?

Knox caught up to us. “Victor, right?” he asked.

“Yes. How good of you to remember,” Victor said. “Getting settled in, are you?”

“Yeah, Leath’s been great at showing me around,” Knox said.

“I am sure she has,” Victor said.

“Oh good, you’re all speaking to each other,” Anamae said, choosing to ignore the tension in the air. She linked arms with Victor, pulling him toward the main building. Knox and I fell into step behind them.

“What is up?” Victor asked, his accent punctuating each word.

“Just wanted to know if you’d like to come to prom with Leath and me,” Anamae said cheerfully.

Victor cast a glance at Knox. “I’d love to,” he said.

“Perfect. That makes four,” Anamae added. The muscles in Victor’s neck tensed. “Come on, Brown Bear,” she cooed. “Leath’s going to need you to keep her company.”

Victor’s mood changed when he put two and two together. “You’re going with him?” he asked her, as if Knox weren’t inches behind him.

“Come on, don’t sound so surprised,” Knox said.

Victor ignored him. “You good with this, Leath?” he called over his shoulder.

“Of course,” I lied.