#Chapter 47: Bump in the Night

This time, I knock. Neil’s voice invites me in and I open the door. He’s alone in his room, standing at an easel with his hands on his hips. His brows are furrowed in thought. They immediately relax as they see me. I smile gently. “That’s pretty,” I say of the painting. Neil looks back at it and shrugs. “Needs work,” he says. He looks to me. “Can I help you?” “Yes, actually,” I say. “Archer freaked out on me because Coach White invited me to combat club.” Neil frowns and cocks his head. “Combat club?” “Yes!” I shout. “Literally a club. Absolutely no big deal at all.” Neil sets down his brush and looks at me seriously. “Chloe,” he starts. “Combat club is traditionally all men. White uses it to weed out freshman interested in the Warrior program. I’d argue it’s a very big deal.” “I wasn’t even going to join it,” I snap. “I don’t need any more attention on me.” I say the words but I don’t mean them. Now knowing what combat club is, I have to get in. It’s my key to