21. Jealousy doesn’t smell good
Jealousy doesn’t smell good
HORUS
I’m quite pleased at my lecture releasing a bit early so there is enough time for me to frolic about. Not that I’m the frolicking type, but today has me in a splendid mood. Eager is more like it. More rational.
Though she isn’t expecting me, I use this time to meet up with Kyra.
We have unfinished business, thanks to Ethan’s tantrum.
“Everyone loves a dark and mysterious fay, until you find out he knows where you are and shows up without you kn…” Wait.
I’m…Never mind. “Everyone loves a dark and mysterious fay.”
Entering the White Wing, I’m hit with a barrage of scents.
Most are flowery and sweet, others, masculine and wild.
Citrus enters my nose and layers over my tastebuds, following the smell of wildflowers.
Dahlia to be exact. An odorless bloom, but deep in its center lies an unmatchable fragrance. Her fragrance.
Excitement hastens my pace, knowing Yasmine despises staying over her allotted time and should be releasing them at any moment. I approach her room just as the door opens, spilling out students. A few cheery and others…not so much.
“Not to burden you, but you should know, Paige went with Gina to the infirmary. That mortal-fay got her in trouble. I’m headed there now,” Tish advises, walking up.
“Did she die?”
“No, but Yasmine dislocated her shoulders.”
“Oh shit. I’m sure that hurts like hell. She’ll be fine.” I shrug, grinning at Yasmine’s signature move. The ole arm dislocation. She has used it on me plenty of times. Never figured out how to stop it. Hmm.
Through my delightful walk down memory lane, who would have thought a scowl could become much darker? Somehow, Tish renders the example.
“You should be more concerned about your girlfay’s friend. You never know when you’ll need them,” she bites, and may the Gods bless her soul. A laugh bursts out so quickly, my throat burns at the force.
“Now, who told you such fabricated stories? Paige is nothing more than…” Citrus invades my nose, bringing the dangerous wildflower along with it.
Her. My aura churns at the sight of Kyra, filtering energy through my body as she steps out of Yasmine’s class.
“Where to, Kitten?” I step around Tish, ignoring her all together, and she storms off, using unnecessary curses.
“Don’t do that!” Kyra yelps, clutching her chest as though I’ve frightened her. But I would never do it on purpose–okay maybe a little–okay I would. Giving her a genuine smile, I see her glance over my cheeks, and her own turn a little reddish. “And don’t call me Kitten.”
“Aww, did I scare you? How inconsiderate of me. I suppose my punishment should be escorting you to class. Shame, I guess there’s no way out of it.” I shrug as though it’s her decision. I would like to think we both decided this. Kitten.
“No,” she retorts, sauntering towards the training room. Wait, this isn’t what ‘we’ decided, but good thing she is headed in the opposite direction. Again.
“You’re going the wrong way.” Pressing my shoulder against the wall, I grin to smother a chuckle. Kyra stops, facing me with a challenging look.
“You don’t know what my next class is, Horus.”
“Is that so? Want to bet?” I step off the wall, advancing her way.
“No, but you can leave now.”
“Come on. If you win, I’ll leave without another word.”
“And, if you win?” Curiosity has her taking me in full, raising a brow, and folding her arms below her breasts. By the Gods, why am I being tested with temptation? She’s beautiful, and everything she does is death by electrocution.
I thought our Academy’s skirt uniform complemented her.
Wrong. This whole, mysterious hunter attire has it beat.
Tights cling to her thighs like a second skin, showing divots of her muscles when she walks.
Her fitted, long-sleeved shirt displays her frame.
Not to mention, Kyra’s hair, thick and wavy, tied in two plaits, which makes you want to…
My throat clears, and I stomp out the intrusive thoughts. “Nothing. Walking you to class is rewarding enough. Besides, I recall having a few questions I’m allowed to ask.”
She squints those sunsetting, hazel eyes, pondering my offer. Say yes. You know you want to. Say it–saaaay it.
“Fine.” Yes! “I’ll take on your bet, but you’ll answer a question for me first.”
“By all means, ask away,” I respond, hoping I don’t sound too eager. Naw, we’re keeping it cool.
“Why me? Why are you insistent on getting to know me when other fays here want me dead or kicked out?” My smile fades. It’s like talking with Alex all over again.
This took a turn down a path I didn’t expect.
The seriousness of her tone and shimmer of fear glossing her vision, exposes my heart, ripping back the skin and revealing a depth of truth within it.
Because you’re not tainted by this realm.
A prophesied flower grown from hell–designed by Death–transformed with light–sustained with love.
“If you’re asking about any ulterior motives by getting to know you, perhaps I’ve overstepped my boundaries. There’s nothing more I desire from you, Kyra, which I haven’t voiced up until now. I’m not asking for your trust, just an opportunity to earn it.”
She takes in my response, parting her lips to rebut, no doubt contemplating my answer. “‘The Bonds and History of Fay’ is my next class. Are you correct?” A faint smirk assures me there is no bad blood between us.
I place a hand under my chin, pretending to ponder.
Of course I was right–half right. It still counts.
The Red and Black Wings are reserved for second years and above, easy to rule out.
Kyra has lectures in both Green and White, which means either could be next.
But since she is leaving Yasmine’s class, it must be the Green Wing. All in all, close enough.
Kyra inspects my features, darting over my eyes, my dimples, my lips… She’s spending an awful amount of time there… back up, and now she averts her gaze, hiding the red speckles over her cheeks. Adorable.
Without a word, I advance towards the Green Wing, opposite of her initial plan.
Approaching the hall’s end, I notice Kyra’s scent lingering amidst the air, maintaining my splendiferous mood. Before rounding the corner and passing through the dividers, I turn and find her walking away.
Projecting, I ask, “Where do you think you’re going?”
“What?” She faces me, half amused and confused.
“I won the bet; now, let’s go. It’s this way, Kitten.” I smirk at her irritation blending within her dahlia citrus scent. She huffs but strides my way, and I remain still, waiting for her to catch up.
Doors open at the other end of the White Wing, and Kyra’s curiosity forces her to turn.
A guy saunters in, and she greets him with excitement.
“Raine, how are you?” Uh, who the fuck is Raine?
They take their sweet ass time exchanging pleasantries, and I’m forced into waiting until whatever this is, is over.
Okay, not forced, but I’m not giving up my Kyra time for… Who the fuck is Raine ?
A few seconds elapse until she rotates my way, and I present a smile and pleasant wave. My demeanor is calm and collective while leaning against this white marbled wall. They approach, him to the side of her, unaware of his interference. I take in the rainy soil fragrance wafting off of him.
“Horus, this is Raine, Raine, Horus.” She smiles, gazing between us. With him being this close, another scent exudes. A coppery–no–metallic–no-iron-ish smell. Could this be bl…
“Nice to meet your acquaintance.” He reaches out a hand, maintaining eye contact, and Kyra continues panning between us, more so me in regard to accepting his greeting. But alas, I’ll play nice for now.
“Pleasure’s all mine. Wane, is it?” Taking his hand in mine, I initiate the common shake, along with a smile, which is indeed forced.
“It’s Raine, and correct me if I’m wrong, but she said your name’s, Whores, right?” Oh, this motherfucker.
“Or-Us. The ‘H’ is silent, and it means ‘one who is above.’ Hopefully, this helps you to remember.” I flash my dimples out of habit.
“I see, now. The forgotten tale. Horus, the God of Sky, whose father was murdered by his brother. Interesting. With such a drastic tale, I wouldn’t boast. But what do I know? I’m just Raine–the ‘E’ is silent.
Yep, I’m going to kill him. It’s inevitable.
“Ooooh-kay. I’m done here. I didn’t have ‘swinging dick contest’ on my bingo card for today. You two have fun,” Kyra states before ushering past me. What is a bingo card anyway?
Releasing his hand and finding strength not to invoke my wrath, I follow after her, removing any remnants of him from my thoughts. It doesn’t take long for me to catch up, and in doing so, we enjoy a moment of peace as I watch her gaze over our buildings and vibrant landscapes.
Questions build about the time before Kyra came to Rebirth, and I struggle with keeping my mouth closed.
Knowing any and every little thing about this mysterious woman has become my priority.
For the Gods’ sake, she fought a dragon and won, so the rumors tell.
She also combated two skilled fays and defeated them both.
And now, from Jace’s video, I see she embarrassed Tish.
Who is a highly skilled Fire fay. I never understood how Tish ended up in House Death or why she got kicked out though.
“Say what you’re thinking; it’s annoying hearing you breathe.” A sudden gasp follows a burst of laughter as she catches her rudeness. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean it like that.” She peers over with guilt.
A chuckle slips from me, and I note her sincerity. She is blushing, giggling, and filled to the brim with…happiness? A scent unlike anything I’ve encountered invades me with mixes of pink citrus, honeysuckles, and dewy orchids. Each one becomes more enticing.