Chapter Eleven
Ilead Soot down to the commons grass, padding silently beside me. The morning air still holds a bite of chill, perfect for working up a sweat. Soot's eyes glow like embers as he looks up at me, waiting for instruction.
“Stay,” I command, holding up my palm.
Soot drops into a perfect sit, his muscled form going still as stone. I pace backward, keeping my eyes locked with his. Twenty feet. Thirty. His ears prick forward, but he doesn't move a muscle.
“Good boy.” I pull a small leather target from my pocket. “Strike!”
Soot explodes into motion, his form blurring as flames erupt along his spine. The target bursts into ash before I can blink. He returns instantly to my side, waiting for the next command.
“Perfect.” I scratch behind his ears, feeling the supernatural warmth of his skin. “Let's try something harder.”
I set up three targets in a row, varying heights and distances. “Guard position.”
Soot moves to stand slightly in front of me, hackles raised. His form seems to grow larger, more menacing. The air shimmers with heat around him.
“Strike pattern alpha.”
He launches forward in a precise attack pattern, hitting each target in rapid succession. Flames dance in his wake as he moves with deadly grace. The targets don't stand a chance.
I'm about to praise him when movement catches my eye—someone approaching from the direction of Halfblood Hall. I tense automatically but force myself to relax. Probably just Eunho coming to flirt under the guise of admiring my work again.
But as the figure draws closer, my spine stiffens. Not Eunho's tall, athletic frame—this is someone shorter, older. The distinctive robes of an Elder come into focus and my stomach drops.
Elder Nam approaches with measured steps, her weathered face giving nothing away as she watches Soot complete his attack pattern. I quickly call Soot back to my side, not wanting to appear aggressive.
“Impressive control,” Elder Nam comments, coming to a stop several feet away. Her eyes track Soot's movements with keen interest. “I've rarely seen a fire sprite so well-trained, especially one from a wild bloodline.”
I dip my head respectfully, though wariness prickles along my skin. Elders don't typically seek out halfbloods for casual conversation. “Thank you, Elder. I've worked with him since he was young.”
“Indeed.” Her gaze shifts to me, sharp and assessing. “Your mastery of fire affinity training techniques is surprising, for one raised among humans.”
My shoulders tense at the implied question. I keep my voice carefully neutral. “I had some training in my youth, before I left for the human world.”
“With House Ruby instructors?”
“No, Elder.” I hesitate, then decide honesty is best. “I learned mostly through observation and trial and error. Fire sprites were drawn to me, even as a child. I started rescuing abandoned ones, training them for protection.”
Elder Nam's expression doesn't change, but something calculating enters her eyes. “Self-taught then. Even more impressive.” She pauses. “Tell me, have you considered putting those skills to more formal use?”
I stare at Elder Nam, not quite sure what she's getting at. My pulse quickens with a mix of hope and suspicion. Fae don't typically offer opportunities without strings attached.
“I'm not sure I follow, Elder,” I say carefully.
A hint of amusement crosses her poised features. “I recall you inquired about employment opportunities at Ruby Hall recently.”
My breath catches. “I did.”
“As it happens, we have an opening in the royal kennels. We're always in need of more fire sprite trainers.” Elder Nam's eyes drift meaningfully to Soot, who sits at perfect attention by my side. “Someone with demonstrated experience and skill with the unpredictable creatures.”
Hope blazes through my chest, bright and sudden. Working in the royal kennels would put me right in the heart of House Ruby, with access to records and personnel that could help me find my mother.
“Really?” The word bursts from my lips before I can temper my enthusiasm. I clear my throat, trying to sound more professional. “I mean, would that be possible? Wouldn't I need additional qualifications or certifications?”
Elder Nam waves a dismissive hand. “I've seen your qualifications with my own eyes just now.
That sprite's control and precision say more than enough about your abilities.” She gestures to where Soot still maintains his perfect form.
“Natural talent and practical experience are worth far more than paper credentials in this case.”
My heart pounds against my ribs. This is exactly the opportunity I've been hoping for. “Would you really consider me for the position?”
“I can speak with the other elders, if you're interested.” Elder Nam's expression remains neutral, but there's a glimmer of approval in her eyes. “The final decision would be theirs, of course, but I believe they would see the value in your particular skill-set.”
“That would be incredible,” I breathe. “Like a dream come true. I would be so grateful for the opportunity.”
Elder Nam's lips curve into a pleased smile. “I'll send word once I've spoken with the others. The position could be quite beneficial for everyone involved.”
I bow deeply at the waist, my heart still racing with excitement. “Thank you so much for considering me, Elder. This means more than I can express.”
“You seem to be settling in well here,” Elder Nam observes, her eyes crinkling warmly. “The accommodations are to your liking?”
“Yes, very much so.” I hesitate, studying her serene expression. “Though … was that why you came to speak with me this morning?”
Elder Nam waves her hand dismissively, a knowing look crossing her features. “Actually, I came to discuss your little altercation with young Lord Han yesterday.”
My stomach drops and I cringe inwardly. Of course this would come back to bite me. Fighting with my co-instructor probably wasn't the best way to make a good impression.
“Elder, I can explain—” I start, but to my surprise, she lets out a rich laugh.
“Your form was quite impressive,” Elder Nam says, eyes twinkling with amusement. “Though in the future, perhaps you and Lord Han could settle your disagreements outside of lesson time?”
I blink at her, thrown by her light tone. No reprimand about proper behavior or respecting nobility? Just a gentle suggestion to take our fights elsewhere?
“Of course, Elder,” I manage, still slightly stunned. I shift uncomfortably, a question nagging at me. “Elder Nam, how did you know about my fighting form? You weren't there during the lesson.”
Elder Nam's eyes sparkle with amusement. “From the security footage. We had to investigate the source of the scorched field, naturally.” She gestures vaguely in the direction of the academy and the field behind it. “Quite an impressive display, I must say.”
Heat creeps up my neck as I picture Elder Nam and other administrators watching footage of my battle with Dohwan.
I wonder if any of them picked up on the awkward way both of us reacted to the end of the fight, or maybe I'm making a bigger deal out of that than it needs to be.
I resist the urge to cover my face with my hands.
Something clicks in my mind and I straighten. “Elder Nam, may I ask you something?”
“Of course, child.”
“Why did you pair me with Han Dohwan as my co-instructor?” I meet her eyes directly. “You already knew we didn't get along after our first encounter. Wouldn't it have made more sense to assign someone else? And why did you refuse to let him switch classes?”
A sly grin spreads across Elder Nam's face, transforming her usually serene expression into something almost mischievous.
“Ah, you see, I've always thought that Lord Han has long been in need of some tempering. After meeting you, I felt you might be exactly the right person to put a damper on his sharp edges.” She gives me a knowing look that makes me feel like I'm missing something obvious.
“And after watching that footage, I feel more confident than ever that I was right about that.”
Before I can ask what she means, Elder Nam turns and glides away, leaving me staring after her in bewilderment. Soot whines softly at my side, picking up on my confusion. Why do I feel like I've been set up somehow?