Chapter 14 #2
I’ll have several opportunities, however. One will be during training drills in the wilds of the borderlands, where it’ll be possible to make it appear as though he simply got in over his head and the Blackwood claimed his soul. Shit—never mind, that will be after the Celestial Bonding event…
Perhaps sneaking into his room and killing him while he’s sleeping would work?
I’m sure there are at least a few ensigns who would rise to the chance to take out a Shadowmancer, just for the glory it would raise them to for killing such a powerful wielder.
Although I don’t particularly like the idea of having to indulge his endless flirtation to get me into his bedroom, especially with the way my traitorous body responds to his presence.
Lastly, on the day of the Celestial Bonding, I could make it look as though he approached the wrong creature, leaving him ripped to shreds.
Come to think of it, actually killing him will be the real challenge, especially since I have no real Celestial Gift of my own yet.
I’ll need to be cunning. As long as I can survive long enough for my paralyzing dagger to drop one ounce of blood, I should be able to pull it off.
I’m jolted from my murderous plotting by a knock on the door.
“Open up! It’s Winx.”
Looks like alone time will be a rare occurrence here. When I led Winx outside that bar in a lustful frenzy, I never meant it to be anything more than a one-night stand. An impulsive thrill to fulfill a need, subtly loosening my own noose of control without losing the reins entirely.
I didn’t realize how reckless my choice in vice would be.
Her being the Chancellor’s daughter definitely complicates things.
I need to handle her wildfire carefully, or she’ll burn me down with her.
Wary of getting on the wrong side of her wrath spurs me to leap to the door without remembering my current brazen attire.
Winx busts into my room, her blatant disregard for boundaries continuing to rear its head.
“Guess what? My room is right down the hall from yours. I’m sad we’re not in the same Wing.
Let me see your assignment!” She snatches the scroll from my hand before I have a chance to respond.
She moves like a wildfire: fast, without thought, full of consuming energy.
Her vigor and self-indulgent approach to the world around her are sexy but also worrisome.
“Celestial’s tits! You’re in primary Zenith Wing…
and damn, this Unit is unbeatable! I’m so jealous you get to be with Flint, but I’m glad you two will have each other’s backs.
They don’t let relatives be in the same Wing for fear our focus on keeping family members alive could risk the mission.
Which is definitely valid… I would let them all burn before letting anything hurt Flint. ”
There’s a coldness in her last sentence that makes me uneasy. She isn’t lying; the tone reminds me of her father’s voice, which is uncharacteristic as everything about her is more fire Pixie. She even has a more pronounced angle to her ears than most other Lilliacs.
Winx continues, “And Vex Boomer is the Chronosense everyone has been talking about. I can’t believe that sly bitch didn’t tell me her Celestial Gift.
” She scoffs with devilish amusement before continuing, “Ooh, and you have this year’s heartthrob in your Chivalry.
S?las. I caught him staring at you in the Gilded Amphitheater this morning before entrance exams. I have a sneaking suspicion he’s into you.
If you leave me for him, I’ll burn him alive just for the show of it.
” Her eyes flare violently at the teasing remark.
I’m sure she’ll make good on that threat, leaving a muddling worry to tug at my chest. I debate using her to kill him for me, but that’s too low a level even for me to sink to.
“Jealousy is unbecoming, and don’t be lewd. I’m sure he’s been with half the class already. That blonde female from our trials has been following him around like a lovesick puppy dog.” I lean in, twirling a strand of her hair. “And I can’t leave you if you never had me in the first place.”
She swats my hand away, not even bothering to pry her eyes off the parchment.
“I make it my business to know all the tea party gossip—that’s why I can’t believe Vex held out on me.
Perhaps I owe her a singe as well. Rumor has it, S?las is a total flirt but never takes anyone to bed.
Nothing worse than a tease, in my opinion.
Plus, his bloodline is unknown. I don’t care how powerful he is; he’s not worth the risk, although my dad seems to disagree.
Him and Seraphina were always getting into trouble when I had to stay here, and they barely got a slap on the wrist.”
Her eyes darken at the last part; apparently, her father’s punishments were more severe when it came to her. I don’t need her broken bits tugging at me, so it’s time to distract from this line of thought.
“Why am I not surprised that you’re the queen of gossip?
And to think you tricked me into believing you were a sweet little thing.
A wolf in sheep’s clothing. How could anyone resist you?
” I take a step closer. “Do your eyes flare neon violet when you use Persuasive abilities? Or is it only when you heat with power?”
She’s still distracted, reading the scroll.
I take another step closer, my voice low and sultry. “Perhaps they flare brightest when I make your heart race?”
Her eyes dart up from the parchment for the first time to meet mine. They flare a vibrant hue of violet, then back to magenta, racing with the beat of her heart. Then they widen, her gaze dragging over my shoulders and collarbones.
I’m distracted by the beat of her eyes as she reaches out with dainty fingers, touching my bare skin. I lurch back from her touch, grasping for my cloak, covering my bare markings on display. I hadn’t realized I was so exposed.
She pulls her hand back to her chest. “I have never seen skin like yours. I noticed the gold flecks on your cheeks, but I thought they were just an edgy makeup choice. Why are you hiding them? They are… stunning. I want to see the rest! Please? Please, please!” She jumps up and down like a child on Blessings Day morning.
I can tell from her excitement that she’s genuinely curious. I’ve never had anyone look at my markings with… glee? It's unnerving. I fall another step back, watching the neon violet fade to solid magenta.
“They are nothing, other than one more thing marking me as cursed. That’s why I keep them covered. They’re meant to be hidden, not seen. Just like me. Out of sight.”
I curse myself for letting a piece of me slip out, exposed and vulnerable, waiting to be minced to pieces.
Her rainbow hair suddenly turns into purple flames with her anger. “That’s not true! They make you unique and striking. They should be flaunted. Fuck everyone else. You’re different. Your skin has been blessed by the Celestials. Make the world weep in the shadow of your beauty.”
I tumble another step backwards, almost certain she’ll set my room ablaze with the violet flames emanating from her. Her power dims, realizing the discomfort in my rigid posture and clenched jaw.
She gently grabs my hand. “Sorry. I have a quick temper. I get it from my mom. I can get a bit dramatic.” She laughs almost manically, as if she wasn’t just literally on fire.
“I’m definitely not used to the amplification of the Mysticwood walls yet.
Listen… what I’m trying to say is: being different isn’t a bad thing. It’s what makes you beautifully you.”
She smiles big, eyes glowing with wildfires.
“Remind me not to piss you off,” I whisper, pulling my hand from hers slowly, surprised it’s not burnt to a crisp.
“See? You’re already the smartest in our class.” She lets out a beautiful laugh. “Wait a minute, how come I’ve never seen your markings before toda—?”
I cut her off with a knowing distraction. “Maybe you can help me figure out something to wear tonight to the celebratory festivities?”
She squeals with excitement. “Let’s open that bag of yours and see what we’re working with.”
I’m thankful she’s easily distracted. She’s already seen my markings. I don’t want her knowing about my basilisk armor, too. I like my secrets; they belong to me. I’m not used to being close to people, especially someone I’ve slept with.
Winx throws various things out of my bag in frustration, clearly disappointed at my extremely limited attire.
“I don’t know what you expect me to do with this.
Next weekend we have off, I’m taking you into Doraan to go shopping.
Or better yet, maybe I can convince my father to let us go to Riicah for the weekend!
” She seems tickled violet at that thought.
I’m not used to seeing a sexual liaison more than once—and definitely not used to being around Fae of the aristocracy. I’m not even really sure what this is between us. But whatever it is, it’s going to take some getting used to.
“Can’t I just wear my new uniform? It’s the fanciest thing I own.”
Her violet eyes narrow on me like I just cursed her family. I swallow the uneasy glare with a gulp.
“You’re insane, simply insane, if you think I’m letting you walk into the party beside me in aerial leathers,” she says, mumbling a string of curses as she paces my room, tugging at her hair.
I’m rethinking my choice in females at this moment.
I should’ve known getting involved with an Arabellian aristocrat with a flare for explosive fire was a bad idea.
Never mind who her father is. Now I’m starting to wonder if I’d given myself too much credit in the smarts department.
I guess I didn’t really think things through when I whisked her away.
Nothing like the pleasure of skin to wash away the sin of battle.
I watch her gears turning, hand rubbing her chin.