27

She searches her surroundings. “The Heathens’ initiation ceremony. It happens, like, twice a year. They did a mockup at the end of the previous semester and the attendance was huge. It’s brutal as hell, let me tell you.” My fingers shake at the mention of Jeremy’s friends and I force them back into stillness. Of course Killian will be the first in line for anything brutal. “How brutal are we talking about?” “Whatever you can’t imagine. Just leave your life and dignity at the door if you want to get into this. You also need to receive the invitation text, or you can forget it.” “So they choose their potential members?” “Of course they do. Otherwise, they’d be wasting their time with weaklings. It’s why most participants are the toughest ones from The King’s U. I heard they’re sending a few invitations to REU students this year, but that’s probably so the Heathens can use them as spies. Not sure.” “Does it get dangerous?” “I’m sure it does. The original members would wear these neon purg