Page 4 of The Kingdom of Ruin

“Have pointy ears,” I interject, giving her a pointed look. “I’m aware. Would you like to look closer to see the scars from where they were snipped?” I grunt, annoyed that I briefly reveal my feelings. The only effect that ever has is that someone obtains the upper hand over you, but to my surprise, it’s pain that flickers in her gray eyes instead.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry.” Her hand lifts to her mouth and I’m not sure if she’s going to cry or not, but I can’t deal with that.

No. Way.

“You didn’t do it. So don’t apologize.” I try to offer her a smile, but I know it’s weak, and there’s no rectifying it. So I turn my attention to the people gathered on the podium, murmuring among themselves as we all wait. The alternative would be to reach for my ears and feel the smooth edges to the tops, along with the slightly raised scar that serves as a memory sharper than any other.

Everything happens for a reason. Everything is meant to fall into place. Everything is okay.

“I’m sorry. I’m an apologizer. I’ll even apologize for apologizing,” she continues to ramble, standing at my side. I nod, hoping that will be enough of a response for her to back off, but apparently, my usual resting bitch face vibes aren’t in full effect today. “I’m Flora, by the way.”

Clearing my throat, I peer at her out of the corner of my eye, taking a moment to actually take her in. Her vivid orange hair falls around her shoulders in loose waves. Her big gray eyes are filled with a sense of hope, but they’re also tainted by the panic and worry that wars within them. She’s about my height, an inch or two taller if I’m being completely honest with myself, and her frame is small. She’s going to need to work on that while she’s here; otherwise, it will be pointless.

My hands flex at my sides. That’s not for me to worry about. Or is it? Is that not the entire end game of all of this? Taking a deep breath, I turn to face her properly.

“I’m Addi.”

“Nice. Addi, as in…”

“Just Addi will do.”

My throat clogs as it does every time someone takes the time to press me for details about myself, but thankfully, she doesn’t push, turning to face the podium again.

My gut clenches as I listen to the fae around me, the worry thick in their voices as they try to decipher everyone’s intentions. They probably need to be more focused on their own—another fact I may have to add to my to-do list. To prove myself as a fae among these people, I need to first prove it to my own kind. If it’s the last thing I do, I will make a positive name for us among this madness.

We are our people, Addi girl. We will always stand strongest when we are together and united as one.

My father’s words echo in my mind, guiding me as always, despite the fact that I have so many arguments I could throw back. As if our strength may have been stronger if we were united in this moment too. This is my first interaction, properly, with another fae, and it feels…weird. Maybe not weird, but it’s not my norm, yet I’m supposed to act like it is.

“There you are. I was wondering what was going on.” I glance at the guy approaching, but his gaze is on Flora, who blushes.

“It’s not like there’s really a sea of fae for you to lose me in,” she retorts, the pink of her cheeks deepening, and he grins at her before turning to me.

“Arlo, nice to meet you.” He offers his hand, a natural and calm smile on his face, effortlessly putting me at ease, which immediately sets me on edge. I don’t trust anyone, and I’m not about to start with him.

“Addi.”

He quirks a brow at me when I don’t immediately take his hand, but after a beat, I relent, just as Flora plants her hand on his arm. “She’s focused, give her some space.”

It’s my turn to raise my eyebrows at her, but she simply shrugs in response. I am focused. She’s not wrong. But, am I also that obvious? It doesn’t matter. As long as she didn’t come up with any other assessments that may weaken me.

“Focused. Nice. I?—”

Whatever he’s about to say is cut off by a siren ringing out around the huge space, drawing the murmurings to a halt. All eyes turn to the podium where a lady stands. Her white hair is pulled back into a messy braid, silver glasses are perched on the tip of her nose, and she’s wearing a florescent pink blazer and skirt set with a white silk blouse underneath.

She looks over the crowd, her smile growing when she turns toward the vampires, confirming what she is before she moves toward the slim, silver microphone perched atop the podium.

“Welcome, everyone, to Heir Academy.”

THREE

ADDI

Her voice instantly sets me on edge, offering no kind of warmth or excitement to be here. Not that it’s the approach she was going for, but still. We’re hopefully here for the long haul, building for the new future they’re insisting on, but what do I know?

A lot more than they think you do.

“Thank you for gathering here this morning. It brings me great pleasure to welcome you through the academy’s gates with open arms.” She pauses, lifting her arms in a fake half hug that looks awkward as hell before she drops them back down to her sides. “There is much for us to learn about one another, much for us to learn about our past that we don’t want to repeat, and much to embrace about where we hope the future will take us.”

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