36. Enters player 2, press Start to continue
KYRA
SHINING KNIGHT
Good morning, Princess.
Here he goes again, calling me Princess. But I suppose if he is my shining knight, the name fits.
SHINING KNIGHT
Let me be the first to congratulate you on receiving your official ranking. I’m not expecting greatness, but at least top five thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine.
Asshole, there are only six thousand students in this Academy.
A chuckle wanders out as I type.
Ranked six thousand would put us equal, so I suppose one above you still makes me superior. Do me a favor and leave the dick-ish vibes on your mission. Return a better fay if you have any chance of taking me out.
SHINING KNIGHT
Never.
His single word responses always end with me rolling my eyes and smiling.
Marcel grunts his frustration, and I hold up a finger. The others patiently wait for me to finish, but I sense they too are growing tiresome. “One more and I’m ready.”
Alex suggested it was good luck to receive positive affirmations before facing death. Saying, “It gives a reason to fight.” When asked if he ever received any, a simple head shake made me feel horrible.
I’ll fix this.
GHOST
Good luck today. It’s unfortunate I’m unable to witness it. House Leaders and all. But knowing you, there are daggers stashed everywhere. Including your hair. Ensure you find use for them all, I’m rooting for you.
Blaise’s rendition of a positive affirmation. How’d he know I would use daggers anyway? It’s not like he’s… Right, visions.
LOL thank you. But for the record, there’s no dagger in my hair. And stop using your visions to spy on me. Ghosts don’t–never mind. LMAO. Oh, I’m going to need an explanation later on how my phone ended up under your pillow, and what happened to my other texts, which seem to be deleted.
GHOST
You should have weapons everywhere. INCLUDING. YOUR. HAIR. As for your phone, maybe it had an update. Good luck.
Update my ass. I huff, handing Angie my phone.
“I’m ready.”
She takes it, and I give Marcel a smile. “Finally,” he breathes, suggesting he is tired of my shit. We enter the single door in this entire building, Alex leading the way. Behind him, Marcel, Caspian, myself, and Angie follow.
“Are you ready?” she asks, stepping beside me.
“No, but I can’t think about it right now.” I take the room in.
“Kyra, look at me,” she whispers, stopping us both and allowing everyone else to continue. “You have a part of me inside you, and I’m amazing.” Not a single joking hint lays upon her features. “No matter who you’re facing, remember, We. Do. Not. Fail.”
She walks off before I can issue a response but leaves me with something I need more.
Purpose. Considering Blaise’s advice, I feel my palms heat, creating another weapon–smaller, with a metal crescent blade.
I guide it between the twists of my halo braid, following its curve and tucking the handle behind my thickened, red strand of hair. Then I follow after her.
She passes Marcel and Caspian who linger near the room’s center. All around us is open space, an arena of sorts, with white marble floors and sky-scraping ceilings. I approach the remaining two from House Earth as Caspian traces his gaze over me, and my cheeks warm.
His red mane pulled back into a high ponytail exposes his fawn skin tone. Tanned skin from bathing in the sun’s rays compliments his pink lips and two-toned eyes. The forest green sweatpants and matching tank forces more of my attention towards him.
“Hey, you,” he says, curling his lips .
“Please, don’t ask me if I’m ready.” I giggle as my pace ceases before him. “Do you know who I’m facing?”
“No one knows but Rebecca. She considers who’s best in bringing out your ‘react or run’ response.”
“Fight or flight, you mean, but yeah, I get it.” *Sigh* “I apologize for not seeing or responding to your message last night,” I say, turning away from him. Regret still lingers.
“Message?”
“Yeah, you texted me last night. I heard the song–” Caspian’s eyes flash with curiosity. “I mean notification.” More blood draws into my cheeks.
“I didn’t text you last night, but it’s good to know I was on your mind.” My gaze returns to catch his formidable grin.
“Yes you…never mind.” I’m not about to sound desperate. If he says he didn’t then I’ll blame my mind for the mistake. Am I tripping?
“Clear your thoughts, and good luck. I’ll be watching,” he says, turning and nodding to Marcel who approaches next, still displaying his grumpy nature.
“What did I do now?”
“I don’t care if you’re scared or not. Win this match and you pass my class,” he shares, looking down from his towering height. Like Caspian, his hair is pulled from his face but into a man-bun.
“Gee, that’s reassuring. If I lose, I’ll fail, right?”
“Check and ensure you have what you need.” Of course, he ignores my question.
“Marcel, I don’t know what I need. Apparently, no one knows but continues wishing me luck as though it’s my last day breathing.” I scowl up at him.
“Could be, yes. Do you have weapons?” I nod as he rakes over my appearance. “What is it?”
“Daggers.”
“Where?”
“If you’re who I’m fighting, I shouldn’t say.” I keep his focus.
“It’s not me, so where.”
“Fine, but if you’re–”
“Where, Kyra. Hurry. Up.”
“Okay. Damn.” Stepping in front of him and masking my movements, I point two fingers at my feet, thighs, ribs, and one at my hair instead of speaking, knowing vampires have impeccable hearing.
“Good. I expect greatness and nothing less. Now, stay here.”
What is wrong with him? Chuckling, I’m confused on how Marcel is able to attend, but not…
Russ is here too! My chest flutters at seeing him wave.
A ball of energy, this guy. I could use more of it and wish he was closer, but I remain planted, watching Marcel join the others and now thinking how they both are able to be here.
Perhaps this is a match where House Leaders and friends can watch. Then where is Raine, Yasmine, and Alise?
“About time,” Ethan yells from across the room, seated alone with one leg on top of the other. Rolling my eyes, I mumble, “Annoying,” with the intent of him hearing. Vampire and all.
Everyone is gathered behind the royal pain in my ass, and past them, stand our Elders. Draped in their cult-ish robes, I am reminded of my first day and when they tested my magic.
Which turns me towards Rebecca and Holland who are whispering out front, closest to me, and my stomach knots seeing his loathsome expression. Out of them all, I’m sure he is praying for my downfall the most.
She breaks away, waving him off, then addresses me. “Welcome, Kyra, let us get started with today’s second ranking match”
Oh yeah, Ashlyn. I’m sure she did amazing.
“She’ll live,” Elizabeth mentions, walking in from behind the leaders with an unknown fay. Okay, never mind. “A good night’s rest will have Ashlyn up and running by tomorrow.”
I frown, taking in this mysterious fellow. Unique is an understatement. Persian blue hair compliments his tawny skin tone that is riddled with navy blue tattoos. Like a freshly baked biscuit drizzled in blueberry sauce, his ink traces around his biceps, dipping beneath the cut of his sleeves.
My stomach growls at the thought, and I place a hand over it to negate the feeling.
“That’s good to hear,” Rebecca tosses out. “Our deliberations are concluded. She will be your number two for House Fire, Niro.” He nods, joining the others. Niro? Interesting. And why are you staring at me; we don’t like you, sir. Yet my hooded eyes follow him over.
Elizabeth, who makes a b-line towards me, smiles in her normal warming way, and I change my scowl into a more pleasant smile. “Hey, Kyra. How are you?”
“Fine, I think. What’s going on here? Did he beat Ashlyn?”
“Niro? Yes. A last-minute change for House Leader position. But don’t fret, my team’s taking her to the medical wing for recovery. A few broken bones, concussion, and a near severed arm. Nothing serious.” Her smile widens.
“Nothing serious? She sounds on the brink of death.”
“We’re all surprised, trust me. Niro sustained a few cuts and bruises himself, applauding her for a well-done match while admiring her strength.” She leans in closer. “His records say he’s never been injured, killing every opponent he’s gone up against, so yes, it could’ve been worse.”
Peeking another glance, I see Niro stand against the wall with his arms folded, boring a hole into my skull with some kind of small, white stick hanging out of his mouth.
“Regardless of what transpired, I’m here to check on you to ensure you’re ready for your match.
” She flicks a wrist and embeds her energy beneath my skin.
It exits as fast as it entered. “I see. Much better than when you first passed out on one of my beds.” Even her giggles are warmhearted.
“Do your best. I’ll be around in case things become life threatening. ”
Elizabeth gives Rebecca an ‘all clear’ sign, and I don’t think I’ve been more surprised, confused, speechless, and calm all at once.
“As per the rules for an official ranking match, the four House Leaders will decide which amongst themselves shall face off against Kyra.” Air freezes inside my lungs, and I swallow another lump, which blazes down my throat, melting the ice, and forces me to choke on my next breath.
I have to fight a House Leader. How the fuck is this fair.
“Congregated is myself,” Rebecca continues. “Our Elders, the four House Leaders, Horus since Yasmine could not make it and incase Angie has to depart, and…Marcel,” she sighs, mentioning his name. “Elizabeth will stand watch as our medical aid.”
My legs urge me to run. Flight subdues fight in a unanimous victory. I note that each House Leader appears ready to have me lying beside Ashlyn in the medical wing.
“Shall you face defeat, Kyra, your rank will be based on displayed magical properties, strength, agility, wit, skill, and recovery. However, if you prevail, not only do you obtain their ranking number, but you will also become the leader of said House.”