Chapter 10
After Yoren's explanation, Winter finally understood the whole story.
In reality, it wasn't that complicated. A curious kid had poked a hornet's nest, and just before the hornets retaliated, the kid's guardian arrived and smashed the entire nest apart.
Now, only a door frame remained of the villa's entrance. Yoren sat on the sofa as cold gusts of wind blew through the empty doorway.
"Winter, don't worry. If Rhodes Island ever kicks you out, you've got a bright future in demolition work. You've got the talent for it."
Winter sat stiffly in the corner of the sofa, her face red with embarrassment.
"I'll pay for the door."
Indra snorted. "Seems like the Ursus Student Self-Government Association has deep pockets. We're short on cash right now, so why not compensate us for emotional damages too?"
Winter said nothing.
Vina poured a glass of wine and held it out to Winter. "Try this. Victoria's finest red."
Winter shook her head. "I'm not of age."
Vina shrugged, took the glass back, and drank from it herself. "Winter, this whole mess was just a misunderstanding. We in the Glasgow Gang don't need you to compensate us for anything. But in return, I expect you not to get in our way in the future."