Hierarchy of Need [t.r]

Chapter Twenty Three

Humming in understanding, Delilah twirled her necklace between her fingers. "Well when you put it like that, I've apparently been in my reckless phase for eighteen years now," they shared a glance before breaking into a small fit of laughter. She didn't know Alek too well, but from the time she spent with him, she's enjoyed herself.

"You're going to have to teach me French before summer gets here," he mused, watching how the sunlight through the large windows caught in her golden hair. "Sure, but how'd you know I spoke French?" Alek shrugged slightly and he tugged on one of her stray curls playfully.

"One of the girls told me, Olive's her name, I think?" There was a slight flush to his cheeks then and he scratched the back of his neck. "Anyway,"

"Wait a minute," she held up a hand, her eyes widening slightly as she looked at him. "Alek do you... do you fancy Olive?"

His brows furrowed and he shook his head, a little too quickly in her opinion. "What? No. Where'd you get that idea?" He was obviously flustered so she didn't push the subject further, but Delilah sat back with a knowing smile on her lips.

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It took Delilah nearly ten minutes to work up the courage to go and talk to him. The only reason why she was currently speed walking through the library to get to him is because he started to pack his things.

Taking a breath once she reached him, his back turned to her as he shoved his scrolls inside his satchel, Delilah tapped his shoulder, "Elio?"

If anyone could tell her the truth, it would be him.

He whirled around, a surprised look on his face before he settled his expression into something more neutral. "Evening, Del," his tone was polite but something was still off. He just didn't feel the same, being around him didn't feel like it used to, it nearly felt forced.

Clearing her throat, she scratched at the back of her neck, "evening, um." She trailed, not knowing exactly how to start this conversation. In truth, Delilah wanted to find a way to ask him without bringing up Tom, but part of her knew that was impossible.

Raising a brow expectantly, Elio shifted on his feet as he waited for her to say whatever she was trying to piece together in her head. Squeezing her eyes shut tight, Delilah realized there would be no easy way to tiptoe around this.

"Do you know what happened with Xan and Katerina. And were the boys involved?" The look on his face was completely unphased, he simply registered the question before shrugging. "No, they get caught shagging or something," he grinned slightly in amusement, but it fell once he saw the dark glimmer of seriousness in her eyes.

"So you know nothing about..." She trailed and gestured to her back.

Elio suddenly went stiff, he recognized that gesture. That was the same thing Abraxas had done when he told the boys Delilah had found out about... "shit."

Delilah's eyes widened, her heart picking up its pace, "so you do know?"

Grinding his teeth together to the point where his jaw ached, Elio slung his bag over his shoulder, "no, people tend to like to keep me in the dark. Why don't you ask Riddle, since he seems to tell you everything?" He snapped, making Delilah lean back slightly, her brows slightly raised.

"Sorry," he sighed, rubbing his eyes. Pulling his hand away, a flash of of silver caught his eye and he smiled slightly; his necklace was still hanging around her neck.

"I've asked him, three times. And he's somehow managed to avoid ever giving me a proper answer. Merlin I'm an idiot, how does he do that?"

"He's the heir of Slytherin, that's how," Elio muttered.