41. Are we ready yet #3
“Hold up.” I raise a hand. “Like zero magic. None at all?”
“Yes,” Alex answers, smirking about my inquisitive nature.
Thank God. Okay, fuck Ethan, I don’t choose him. In fact, who said I wanted an eternal anyway? I’m here for revenge, not love, or whatever an eternal involves. Are y’all attractive, yep, very, but I have shit to do, so if we can wrap this up, Mr. Arekkusu Kerurikku, I can get back to hacking.
“Problem?” he asks.
“Nope, you can continue.” My smile warrants attention from everyone, and Ethan continues leering as if to say, “We will find a way out of this,” and my brow rises. At least we can agree on not wanting each other. Being with someone who is adamant on killing me isn’t on my bingo card.
“Who cares, Alex. We get it. Kyra had a once in a lifetime response to the Book of Bonds . No one knows what it means, so unless any of you can speak to a God about it…” Yasmine huffs, “And no, I’m not asking any of the one’s I know. Let’s move it along. We have a mission, don’t we?”
“And another cheek requiring a handprint. I’m not mad, but if I may–” Niro starts, and Yas snaps back.
“No, you may not.”
“I’ll say it anyway, use something less…permanent next time. You wouldn’t want your clothes ruined. Not everyone can change in an instant.”
Yasmine, very elegantly, raises a middle finger, and I just now notice a tattooed sword with blood dripping down its tip, inked from her knuckle to her nail.
“Aww, I have one of those. Twinsies.” He turns and raises the hem of his battle-ready shirt, and right where the lines of his ‘V’ are prominent, sit two very detailed daggers. Their blades dip beneath his waistband. Did I say his ‘V’ is prominent? Shit.
“Ohh, the Fire Leader is hot. I mean hot-hot. By chance, do you enjoy toys? ”
“Angie!” I snarl. More embarrassed than upset, I’m surprised, yet intrigued myself. “Not. Now.” Cutting my eyes to Alex, I see him fixing his lips to respond. But Rebecca’s voice answers first.
“Evening, Rebirth students. As this day concludes, House Death has moved from last place to second.
How you may ask? Kyra had a wonderful show of magic, taking down your favorite Fire student, Tish, in a spectacular match.
She gained one hundred and fifty points, ranking third in her House, and earned the most points for today.
Her Leaders, Alex and Ethan, also displayed a beautiful synergy in a, two versus two, prevailing and walking away with one hundred points each.
They barely beat House Fire with their new leader, Niro, and second, Ashlyn, by seventy-five points.
“Moving on, House Life has become the new leading order. Horus commanded his magic in what the ladies were saying, was a sexy way, in a one versus two match against Air wielders. Knocking House Earth from first to last place, he earned one hundred and fifty points himself. But lost them soon after declining a match against Yasmine, the undefeated vixen of House Life. Wrapping it up, the least earning fay goes to Jace, losing ten points in a mental match against Life’s undisputed champion.
We have two more weeks until this month ends.
Keep in mind, this is still anyone’s game.
Channel your inner fay and sail beyond the stars. For even the Gods are spectating.”
Well, that was a mouthful. And thanks, Rebecca, everyone now knows I beat Tish. Which means an even bigger target on my back. *Sigh*
Ashlyn smiles, stepping closer. “Congrats, girl, I wish I could’ve seen you in action. Putting Tish in her place must have felt amazing.” She chuckles.
“Thank you, and yes, it did. Congrats, yourself. I heard you’re one of a very small number to put a scratch on Niro. I wish I’d been there earlier to see it.”
“Yeah, he’s by far, my strongest competitor. But now knowing his moves, I’ll get him next time.” We share another smile, and she moves back beside him.
Alex clears his voice, seeming frustrated to be moving on. “If no one has anything more on this topic, we can discuss our mission. Brock, you may leave now.”
“Aww, it was just getting good. But if I must.” He turns, facing me, and holds out his book.
Reaching for it, I feel prickles of magic stroke my fingertips.
How am I sensing his– “This unlocked another vision. Keep quiet and let them believe the fabrication of eight. We don’t need anyone prying and upsetting Eros.
Understood?” I bow, agreeing to keep this private.
“Good. Now, no matter what happens on this mission, stick to the plan. It’s otherworldly important, Kyra.
” I bow again, this time with a little more fear and confusion.
“Perfect. Brock’s headed to do great things. See you soon.”
“Dick.” I chuckle, letting him pass.
The door shuts, and once again, all eyes are on me with the same expressions, but I fold my arms and remain quiet, knowing each fay has their power suppressed. These looks are more curious stares than anything. Except Angie who smiles wide and shakes her head. Glad to know I’m not going insane.
Adjusting closer to her, I ask, “You remember who he is, right?” using a soft tone in case she doesn’t.
“Moving on,” Alex barks, pulling a groan from me.
I was this close to ensuring I’m not insane.
“I take it those with shifters have been in contact. Ensure they meet us at this location.” Those who bonded shifters nod, and I speak for myself when saying, no thank you.
It’s too much pressure to have someone else’s life in my hands. I’m living proof it’s a horrible idea.
He passes around a stack of papers, holding a beautiful map drawing. Charcoal, it appears. “Rendezvous where the ‘X’ is located. Each one of you has a different starting point, which helps if we run into any enemies. Meet up where the check mark is placed.”
“What happens if we encounter the enemy?” Niro asks, pulling away his grape flavored sucker. Good question. A better one, when can I get mine?
“We’re all House Leaders and seconds. Which means our strength alone is number one.
We go in pairs, and if spotted, this map acts as a calling beacon.
Introducing your magic will alert us all to your location.
Fight until we arrive. Our mission, survey whilst gaining intel from the locals.
Glooms are rumored to strike there next. Use force when encountering our enemy.”
“Fine by me. I can use a good stretch,” Niro comments, popping the candy back in his mouth. I groan, receiving a smirk from him.
“Now, let me go over who’s partnering up. First, Kyra and Eth–”
“–No!”
“–No!” he and I yell in tandem. Silence becomes thick, and my tone lowers.
“I need someone else.” I retain my scowl at Ethan, knowing if my brows dip any lower, they will block my vision. The same can be said for him. More stares pass between us, but I don’t budge.
“If she and I are grouped together, only one of us will return. I suggest you rethink this plan of yours, brother.”
“Agreed. The last thing I need is you, Alex, being upset at finding my dagger in his chest,” I grind out, speaking through my teeth as we continue glaring at each other.
Silence rings, and unspoken words pass in a straight line. Deep down, I know if the researched eternal magic is correct, I can’t kill him. Neither can he, me. But it won’t stop him from trying. Nor me from responding in kind.
Caspian passes me a look, which begs to know my reason why. You know he tried to kill me. Multiple times, so stop looking at me like that. “I’ll go with Caspian. He and I might work well–”
“No. This isn’t an awaycation,” Ethan announces. “You two can’t be trusted not to wander off and find a tree to thrust against.”
“I beg your fucking pardon?” I argue, stepping towards him when Niro moves in front of me. Blaise was right. I’m annoyed and ready to go. Like I’d sleep with anyone on my cycle .
“She and I will pair up. Unless any of you have a reason otherwise.”
“And why would I agree to this?” Okay, he doesn’t deserve my attitude. The asshole residing in the back does.
“Because of these.”
Niro pulls out a handful of sweets and officially has my vote. “I’m with him.” Taking one in haste, I unwrap it and moan as the taste of strawberries shocks my tastebuds. Caspian smiles at my display of pleasure, and I give him a wink.
Next to Angie, Russ groans, and instant regret fills my heart. I was too fast with my decision, knowing it could’ve been spent hanging out with Dimples. Mouthing, “I got something for you,” I gesture a head tilt towards the door. His smirk returns as does the accelerated throb in my veins.
“What’s in your mouth?” Marcel inquires, and I taunt, pulling it out and smiling.
“Candy. Want some?”
“No.” But his glare remains on it. You want some.
“Let’s move on. Whatever Niro shared with Kyra, I’m sure it’s to increase their magic or pairing bond.” Alex says, staring at my mouth.
The next few minutes everyone moves into their pairs. Niro to me, Ethan and Russ, Angie and Caspian, Alex and Marcel, and finally, Yasmine and Ashlyn. How’d he come up with this, I don’t know, but no one bats an eye.
We step into the hallway, and red engulfs my palm as I meet Russ, all smiles and bright eyes. “Here, in case you get into a little trouble.” I hand him one of my daggers. This one has a black blade with the word ‘Dimples’ etched into it.
As he takes it, I see something sparkle within his eyes. “In return, take this. She’ll keep you safe.” A shadow slithers from his palm, up my torso, and stamps onto my neck, right below the collar.
Its essence is cold, sending bumps along my chest as I shudder from it settling in. “What’s this? ”
“Ivy. Well, a piece of her. If in trouble, call her name and stand back.”
His shoulder nudges me as he walks past, and I try getting a better look. What is Ivy? But Niro steps into view as everyone takes their own transportation. “Are you ready?” he asks.
“Yeah. Let’s hope I can bring us to the right location,” I confide as he and I vanish into a gleam of red light. Emerging on a flat land of grass surrounded by trees, he faces me, and I frown.
I fucked up.