41. Are we ready yet
Are we ready yet
KYRA
I close my book after writing about the incident with Caspian. Not everything, but enough to study later. I place it beside Blaise’s in a locked drawer, sealed and disguised with books of my favorite Earth authors by a helpful cloaking spell ‘concelo,’ I found hacking the Elder’s library.
Being caught off guard won’t happen again, so after Ethan left, I created it, placing Angie’s necklace and Rosie’s bracelet along with them. If I can’t keep him out, I’ll ensure they are hidden.
Peering over where our blood once stained the floor, my mind is filled with flashing images from the near-death experience.
His spear, invading my body, had left a taste I couldn’t rid myself of.
Even now, cinnamon, leather, and a palate of bad choices coats my tongue.
Each time we are in the same vicinity, a dark force tries taking over, enticing my hands to remove his name from their realm. Permanently.
But it’s not in my nature to kill, so I won’t allow him the satisfaction of changing me. I’m simply glad he didn’t have his way, and I’m still here.
Exhausted, by every meaning of the definition, I’d passed out beside my hidden compartment, studying his left behind photo–the same one stashed between thin pages of my hidden book.
I’m not sure how, or when, I made the transition from my floor to the bed, or changed clothes, but pondering on it sparks more memories.
Now I lie back, staring at my ceiling while Joe narrates his reasons for stalking.
My one defense against those who are listening.
Russ can smell me, Alex and Ethan can hear me, and now I learn about Caspian. Great. *Sigh*
“It’s good knowing my magic has some effect on Caspian, and I’ll be searching for a way to block him.
” In truth, I’m not mad. A little violated, sure, but I’ve taken to hacking for information about everyone here.
Now I no longer feel bad for doing it, especially since I’m unaware of who else has similar abilities.
He gets brownie points for telling me, but with the amount of questions still remaining, I know we need more alone time. After this mission, you and I will talk more. Clear your schedule, Sweet Buns.
“And what made me think Ethan’s beautiful? This Academy man, what the hell.”
Grabbing my phone, I’m reminded to text Blaise back. He sent it sometime during my bout with you know who, based on its received time stamp. My problem is that I don’t know if it is meant for Ethan or Caspian, either way, both end with option one.
GHOST
Two options. One, face the monster and don’t shy away. Two, stay steadfast and plan. Either way, your next encounter will be difficult. One route will result in getting what you want, the other will destroy who you’ve become.
Staring at his earlier message filled with riddles, I respond.
Hey, Ghost, I went with the first option, or I think I did. Either way, did anything change?
His response time is insane. I smirk as the three dots wiggle on my screen.
GHOST
Took you long enough. I was beginning to think all hope was lost. But yes, things changed. You’ll find out soon enough.
“Cryptic as usual.” Tossing my phone aside, I strut into my bathroom and prepare.
Taking another shower before meeting everyone else, I let my emotions wash away with the scented suds of green apple.
Dressed in all black, my onyx boots thud over the reflecting marble, never a stain on it, and my passion twists are no more.
Instead, I’ve channeled my inner warrior–wearing a Viking hairstyle.
The left and right sides are done in thin braids and angle up towards the top of my head, which gathers all my hair, going back into a thick, mohawk-ish plait.
I left the red strand of my hair to flourish amongst its raven-toned kind.
The entire style drapes over my left shoulder. Cute.
I’ve opted for something a little different with my attire–a one-piece bodysuit made to resist the elements.
After witnessing every other student’s magic and Ethan take on Alex’s lighting, I’ll be damned if while hacking inside the Elder’s library I didn’t search for an elemental counteraction.
I’m thankful Holland had one to take. And no, I sure as shit don’t feel bad for hacking him.
This leather material is breathable and layered with dragon scales from my neck to my bust. Not as effective as my shield, but it’s a stylistic choice.
Everything below my breasts is fine leather, fitting to the teeth with no room for more.
A little tape helps lift my girls, thus no bra is needed.
However, it’s my time of the month, so panties are required.
Oddly, the perfect pair was next in line for me to wear, a seamless, black thong, folded neatly in my closet.
I’ll ask Angie for a monthly incantation. If anyone knows it, she does.
Nearing the Black Wing’s center, I don’t see a door in sight, nor voices or evidence of anyone being around. I’m sure Caspian said this was the spot. Or is it on the other side?
With another left and right glance, I shrug. “Worst case, I miss the mission and go back to my room. Best case, someone finds me. Either way, whatever.”
I decided to spend my hour going over more files on Rebirth using my phone.
Holland had so much of his redacted, how could a girl not be suspicious.
And my online enemy was back at it, trying to find me.
It’s a game of chess, them and me, except they appear to be learning how it’s played.
As for me, I wrote the book they are studying.
“I’m not going, just attending whatever briefing Death’s Leader felt inclined for me to attend. There’s a more pressing matter…” Blaise pauses after seeing me, then hangs up his phone. “Kyra, fancy seeing you here.” He smiles, putting an extra pep in his step.
“Why does everyone say that? ‘Fancy seeing you,’ what’s fancy about it?” I ask, arching a brow.
He shrugs, strutting closer, pulling out a little brown book, leather, with a pen in hand. “It’s just a saying. Any who, I didn’t think you’d show.”
“Why not?” Liking the green and teal of his multicolored eye, my right–his left, I find solace in its swimming pool shades.
“First, it’s good to see you.” He opens his arms for a hug.
“You’ve become a hugger all of–okay, we’re doing this…again. ”
Pulling me in tight, I feel a sparkle of energy pop along my flesh. Weird, because I’m wearing a bodysuit. Embracing him back, I chuckle inside the crevasse of his neck. Muffled, I say, “You sure like hugging now.” But I can’t contest the scent of baked cookie-brownies.
“Nope. It makes my skin crawl. With you, however, it’s more like a prickle. Tolerable.”
“Gee, thanks.” Pulling away, I roll my eyes.
Blaise continues holding my shoulders, and with a glance past them, he whispers, “There’s two paths you could have taken. One, do extra homework and not show, two, come and become aggravated and annoyed. Which leads you to not going anyway. But we’ll see.”
He lets go, putting a finger to his lips, and walks past me. With every intent on asking what his vision means, I know there isn’t time to pull teeth when a door manifests.
“By the way, why were you standing here? Are you waiting for someone?”
“This did not appear for me. What did you do?”
“Interesting, I’ll tell you later.” I move to go in, but he holds up a hand. “Nope, gentlefay first.”
“Chivalrous.” Huffing, I fold my arms.
“Aren’t I?”
Cackling, I shake my head and follow him in, noticing everyone is already in attendance. Shit.
The door disappears behind me as I take in this peculiar room. The sparkle I’m used to sensing is gone, and if there is a comparison, I feel…mortal. Normal.
Gasps and other breathy sounds pull my focus as everyone turns. A multitude of expressions stare back, and each one is met with a different one from me.
“Uh, Blaise, why are they staring at me like that ?” I lean to my right and murmur.
He moves closer and whisper, “because your stylistic outfit looks desirable. Every guy here has an elevated pulse, yet they can’t look away for even a second.”
I start to respond but he continues before I have a chance.
“And your hair. It’s braided and draped over your left shoulder.
Each shoulder symbolizes royalty. Left means Prince or Princess, right means King or Queen.
And right now, you’re telling everyone you’re a Princess.
I’m sure that’s the main reason.” He leans away, smirking, and I’m thankful he whispered back instead of being an ass.
Desirable, Princes, Royalty? Shit.
Ethan stands in the far back, dressed in all onyx with a freshly done plait hanging over his left shoulder. Let me guess, he’s the Prince of Darkness? He racks over my body multiple times before ceasing on my braid and scowling. It goes without saying that my face resembles his.
“If he frowns any longer, we might be peering at his permanent expression. I like it,” Niro says without masking his own expression.
“What are you insinuating, Fire Leader?” Ethan rebuts.
“Simple, you’re cranky and can use a nap. Come here, I can help.”
He reaches out his arms as though he is taunting Ethan with up-sies. I cannot make this up. Niro is an inch or two taller, but let him tell it, he is much taller than my grumpy House Leader.
Angie and Ashlyn chuckle at the sight, Blaise is quick with his notes, and dare I say it, Marcel is wearing a smirk.
“Speak to me any longer, and Ashlyn will hold the title over House Fire.” Ethan’s voice becomes primal. Enough to send shivers through my attire and down my arms.
“See, cranky.” Niro shrugs, and yep, now I hold the attention of Ethan’s death glare since my persistent giggle won’t cease. Another reason I’m on his list. Whatever.