Cruel Devious Heir: Part One

CRUEL DEVIOUS HEIR: PART ONE HEIRS OF ALL HALLOWS’ CAITLYN DARE CONTENTS 1. Tally 2. Oakley 3. Tally 4. Oakley 5. Tally 6. Oakley 7. Oakley 8. Tally 9. Tally 10. Oakley 11. Tally 12. Oakley 13. Tally 14. Oakley 15. Tally 16. Oakley 17. Tally 18. Oakley 19. Tally 20. Oakley 21. Tally 22. Oakley 23. Tally 24. Oakley 25. Tally 26. Oakley 27. Tally 28. Oakley 29. Tally 30. Oakley 31. Tally 32. Oakley 33. Tally 34. Oakley 35. Tally 36. Oakley 37. Tally Shattered Legacy Sneak Peek About the Author Also by Caitlyn Dare Copyright © 2022 by Caitlyn Dare All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Editing by Pinpoint Editing Proofread by Sisters Get Lit(erary) Author Services Image: Daniel Jaems Photography Model: Austin 1 TALLY Nervous energy thrums through as I wait backstage in the hall. “Hey, you good?” Sebastian Howard asks me. I nod, gnawing the end of my thumb. “You don’t look—” “I’m fine,” I snap, instantly feeling guilty. “Look, I’m sorry. This is a big deal. It’s—” “Yeah, I know.” He gives me a strange look. “Tallulah, Sebastian.” Mr. Porter approaches, smoothing down his All Hallows’ silver and green tie. “Are you both ready?” “We are, sir,” I answer. “And you’re absolutely sure you want to do this?” “We are.” “Good, well, let’s get this show on the road.” He doesn’t look very pleased about it, but as Head Girl and Boy, it’s mine and Sebastian’s job to launch a campaign that will elevate student voices and improve well-being. Even if the headteacher doesn’t like it. Even if this year’s campaign is set to make waves. I’ve always had a strong moral compass. It hasn’t made life at All Hallows’ particularly easy for me, but when your father is Thomas Darlington, a beacon for integrity and social justice, people tend to be wary of you. It’s never really bothered me before. I like flying the flag of fairness and equality. It’s why I became Head Girl, after all. But it’s the final year of sixth form, and suddenly, I’m doubting myself. Doubting all the sacrifices I’ve made in the name of doing the right thing. This is the right thing, though; I silently reassure myself. I’ve always believed in using your platform to fight injustice and speak on issues that are important. And now’s my chance. Mr. Porter ushers us onto the stage while the student body files into the grand hall. It’s one of my favourite buildings on campus with its vaulted ceilings and original stained-glass windows. I stand awkwardly next to Sebastian, clutching my presentation notes in my hand. Of course, he volunteered me to do most of the talking, since it was my idea. Public speaking has never really bothered me before, but today is different. Forcing myself to take a deep breath, I scan the crowd, instantly regretting it when Olivia spots me and gives me a little thumbs up. A strange sensation snakes down my spine. My friendship with Olivia Beckworth is… complicated. She’s Oakley Beckworth’s twin sister. And he’s an Heir. He and his three best friends—Reese Whitfield-Brown, Elliot Eaton, and Theo Ashworth—rule the halls of All Hallows’ with an iron fist and their special brand of debauchery. It’s how it’s always been in Saints Cross. The elite families and their evil spawn take what they want, when they want, with little consequence. It makes me sick. It’s always made me sick. Which is why I’ve always done my utmost to avoid them. But then, at the start of second year, I struck up an unlikely friendship with Olivia. Like me, she seemed to despise the patriarchal system ingrained in our town’s history. Until she went and fell for an Heir, that is. Now, she’s deeply in love with Reese, and I’m trying really hard to not let it come between our new friendship. But it’s not easy. Not when being around Olivia ultimately means being around them. Around him. I hear them before I see them. The All Hallows’ Saints, led by none other than the Heirs. Elliot leads them into the hall, barely acknowledging anyone as a low rumble of murmurs and even a couple of cheers goes around the room. The teachers start demanding order, but it does little to dampen the excitement their arrival stirs. Please. I fight the urge to groan. They’re rugby players, not royalty. Yet, because of the names they bear, the legacies bestowed on them, they’re placed on pedestals and worshipped like gods. “Darlington,” Seb grits out, and my eyes nap to his. “What?” “I said your name like three times.” “Oh, sorry. What’s up?” “We’re almost ready.” He motions to the lectern and a wave of nausea rolls through me. Breathe, Tally, just breathe. I’ve been over this presentation so many times, I could probably recite it in my sleep. But when Mr. Porter approaches the lectern, my heart begins to crash violently in my chest. “Okay, okay, settle down.” He waits until silence falls over the room. “This morning, I want to welcome our Head Boy and Girl onto the stage to present to you this year’s student campaign. As you’re all aware, every year, we encourage our student voice team to come up with an idea for improving student life here at All Hallows’. Tallulah Darlington and Sebastian Howard are going to introduce you all to this year’s campaigns. Let’s give them a warm round of applause.” Mr. Porter leads the room in a half-hearted applause. I’m used to my fellow students’ apathy, though. “Hello,” I say into the mic, letting Seb adjust it a little. He gives me a reassuring nod, despite his initial reservations about this campaign. “This year, Seb, myself, and the rest of the student