34. An uninvited sleepover #2
“What?” I frown as my voice pitches high with a sudden knot of dread building around my chest. Why is this allowed? But like always, she delivers bad news like it’s pleasant.
“Yep. I don’t know who you’re going against, but be careful, Kyra. I know you’re against killing. Even so, you should be in the mindset of doing it. Your opponent won’t hold their punches. They’ll come at you with everything.”
“Shit, Angie.” My mind begins spiraling and pondering if they’ll actually let me die. Does Alex plan on discussing this in the morning?
“Don’t worry, I know you’re more than ready for it.” At least one of us thinks so. “Between your lectures, Ethan, Alex, and myself, you’ve become stronger and are able to wield your magic better than I could during my first year.”
“Really?”
“No, but did it make you feel better?” she asks, unaware that her response is doing the complete opposite.
“No, Angie, lying about how good I am, does not make me feel better.” *Sigh*
“Interesting. Mortals lie all the time and celebrate doing so. Regardless, you’re amazing. As long as you walk in there ready to slay your opponent, I have no worries, and neither should you. After all, every House Leader feels the same.”
“Speaking of, who’s the leader of House Life? I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting them.” I change topics, not wanting to think about tomorrow.
She leans back on her arms but remains silent, smiling whilst kicking her feet. “Am I guessing?” I ask on a released breath, and her brows raise. I’m guessing. As I go through those I’m aware are in House Life, she hops to her feet and leans forward.
“Me.”
Taken aback, I scoff as my frown meets her wide smile. I question if she is being honest or lying again; but in every encounter I’ve seen and heard about, Angie has been that girl .
Russ lost against her, plus there was the incident back at Haven’s Hole; she instructed our group during Life and Death training; somewhere I heard she lectures other students–a rumor, but now thinking about it, I know only top-ranking students teach.
Not to mention, no one else from House Life acts as their leader. Holy shit, she is telling the truth.
“How, I mean when did this happen? I was under the impression Yasmine–”
“Nope, she’s my second. But Horus is making a fast climb.
I’ve been the leader since our break, before starting the new semester.
Our last leader, Hemera, ascended and became the Goddess of Daylight.
She’s partially the reason why our days are longer.
Her and her mother, Nyx, the Goddess of Night, have some form of deal that allows Hemera to start our mornings earlier.
Nyx felt when night fell us fays would welcome it with open arms.” She shrugs.
“I’ve heard the name, Nyx, before.” I ponder then say. “So, this Hemera Goddess is why I’m tired all the damn time? Thanks.”
“Yes and no. Our days have always been longer than mortals; it’s more of an earlier start than before. About two hours or so. Which, in mortal time, is four hours.” Angie shrugs again.
“All I’m hearing is she’s to blame,” I huff but continue taking mental notes. This Goddess is now on my soft list of annoyances. “Speaking of your Gods, since they are clearly real, why are students hell bent on becoming one?”
“Simple, either to live forever and be worshiped, or for the betterment of their lands and loved ones. But not everyone wishes for Godhood. Yasmine is dedicated to becoming Queen.”
“Interesting. I was under the impression there is a lineage to such titles.”
“Mortals, yes; fays, no. Sure, you can be born into it–” Angie smirks, and I’m accustomed to what that particular smile means. “Or you can kill the Queen and boom…you’re in charge. Funny how that works.” Yep, I knew it.
“Why am I not surprised? Everyone here kills like it’s a walk in the park. Do you plan to become a Goddess, because I’d worship you.” I sweeten my voice at the end.
“Walking in parks, as you know, can and will result in sudden death, but as for me, I have plans.”
My leer burns a pretend hole through her skull, and I envision flames spewing from the top. “Too soon, Angie. Too soon.” But she shrugs it off, checking her phone as if it’s more important.
“One last thing before I go and test out B.O.B.–”
“Could’ve kept that bit of information to yourself, but sure.”
“What happened tonight requires answers. Everyone, and I mean everyone, saw it. If I’m being honest, I too have questions but won’t push for answers.
It’s unlikely you’ll have them anyway. But when you do, we can revisit this conversation.
” I nod. What is there to say about it? “Oh, and by the way, I love your sigil and its diamond shape. Jealous much? I am.” She giggles.
“If Alex hasn’t said anything, he will. Trust me.
He’s been nonstop about it. Kyra this and Kyra that.
The two of you should hook up and thrust each other already.
You know, breathless and restless. That’s my true reason for talking with you. ”
“What? Angie no.” I chuckle as her own sigil manifests beneath her feet.
“I’m just saying, if a male or female was that interested in me–” She shakes B.O.B.
with sexual intent. “This thing would need new batteries. You haven’t lived until you’ve been with both sex’s at the same time.
” Her grin entices a head shake and smile of my own.
“Anyways, good luck tomorrow. You’re going to kill it–or them.
I’ll be there, but break their legs,” she says before vanishing.
“It’s, ‘break a leg,’” I correct, knowing there is no possible way of her hearing my response. My one take away is that Angie is bisexual. Seeing how delighted she was about her gift, I know I need to create more toys for her and her partners .
I grab my phone, noting it’s now after midnight, and set a path towards the shower. Alex stated my match isn’t until around noon, or before…some time after I’ve awakened, but Alex will be here at sunrise, so tonight I’m reading Blaise’s book.
After removing my clothes and setting my passion twists free with a bit of magic, I hear a resounding knock vibrate down the hall.
“Who in the hell?” Frowning, I create sweatpants and a hoodie. It’s beyond late for anyone to be knocking at my door. With a red metal dagger materializing in my palm, I decide that whomever it is better have a damn good reason for being here.
A knock echoes again, and I’m halfway down the hall when my phone rings with an unidentified tone. Turning around would waste more time, and enough Scream movies remind me doing so isn’t a grand idea. Thanks, Rosie.
Another loud clang startles me, and I almost drop my weapon.
What am I afraid of? You have magic and a weapon.
Chanel your inner Angie, or pretend it’s Ethan.
Thinking about it, I feel my nerves steady, and I create another crimson, crystal dagger for good measure, keeping it high above the door for a secret attack.
It helps to picture Ethan on the other side, a nightmare I can cut. “Who is it?”
No one answers, but another ring carries down the hall from my room. “Screw this,” I huff. Gripping the knob, I twist and yank the door open. Air escapes my lungs as I see Blaise standing before me. One of the last fays I expected to show up.
“What are you doing here?” I whisper, confused and frowning. I peep out my door and down the hall. “Someone will see you, get in here.” Stepping aside, I wave him in.
“Doubt it. Not everyone is into my affairs,” he says as the door clicks and locks.
“Right, because no one remembers you. Great way to make friends.” He nods as though I’m agreeing.
“How’d you know where my room was–wait, don’t tell me your book has a tracker in it?
” I’m not putting anything past anyone after discovering Ethan’s sigil tracking magic.
I’m still not convinced he didn’t place one on me somewhere.
“Every student’s information is online. It wasn’t hard finding yours.”
“Seriously?”
“No, all my books have a tracker.” He grins, and I’m tempted to punch him.
“To answer your question of why I’m here, it’s a new day.
Something told me you wouldn’t wait until morning, and since I didn’t specify a time, technically you’re within your rights to read it.
” He peers down, and those majestic eyes prod for a truth he will never receive.
Yet his smirk tattles I’ve said too much without talking.
Stop staring at him. We’re annoyed, not falling for… this.
“You seem–” Blaise starts, but a sudden twitch and disturbed spasm of his brows morphs his features into what appears to be pain. It’s quick, like a sharp migraine manifested and left within a blink. He grunts, taking a step back, but a hastened grab of his arm keeps him steady.
“I’m sorry for grabbing you, but are you okay?” I release him once he is firmly planted.
“You touching me isn’t a bother, but thanks.
” He runs a hand down his face. “The book I leant, is it in your room?” As his hand falls, the pleasant and mischievous smirk returns–drawing a squint from me.
I give a slight head nod in response as Blaise arches a brow.
“Would you be so kind and retrieve it for me? And by the way, should I be terrified? You’re squinting, and it’s cute, but there’s a dagger in your hand and one pointing at me from above. ”
Honestly, I’m astounded he knows it is there. Since walking in, not once did he look up, but I mask my surprise. Yes, he should feel some form of unrest or worry, not entertainment. Then again, something is off. His altered behavior isn’t like the Blaise I know, always causing mischief and chaos.
Gazing everywhere but his eyes, I’m inclined to press further and prove my point, yet knowing him, I’ll end up dancing around his riddles.