Page 24 of The Kingdom of Ruin

“Because you love me,” he sings, ruffling his hair.

“That’s definitely not it.” My hands clench on the desk as Kryll takes his seat, leaving one between him and Brody for the irritating blonde hell-bent on making my life painful.

“Because we’re building a future, and despite how annoying he is, he’s useful,” Kryll explains, the words very true, but already leaving me questioning myself.

“I’m more than useful,” Brody insists, and I scoff.

“Please, I’m sure we could find another mage to do the exact same thing, but without making so much noise.”

“Where would the fun be in that?”

“Nowhere. That’s the point,” I snap as my eyes latch on to my walking nightmare as she enters the room. Quickly diverting my gaze, I find Brody grinning at me.

“Definitely didn’t get to have that word you wanted. Noted.” He winks, turning his attention to Addi as she slips into the spot next to him.

I turn away, somehow even more pissed than before as I consider why my closest friends are the way they are.

People aren’t my thing, mostly because I’m above them, better than them. There’s no use denying it or wasting time pretending that I’m not. But if I want to change how this kingdom operates, changing our surviving into thriving, then some concessions have to be made.

This kingdom will be most optimized if we unite the origins. A fact that was hard to swallow, and the only people who know I believe it are Cassian, Kryll, and Brody.

We met years ago, when the vampires were on the rise and I watched the actions of my father, taking in as much as I could from him. We’re all completely different, from entirely contrasting backgrounds, but it works. Despite how annoying some of them may be, I trust in them more than anyone else.

Brody is the youngest, most irritating, and the best at peopling. He has a level of charisma that I can’t deny, even if I despise it. His potion making abilities are undeniable and his incantations are actually his strongest suit, which means I was totally lying out of my ass before when I said someone could take his place. They really couldn’t. I just need to learn how to shut him the fuck up.

Kryll is nothing like Brody. Mostly. He’s almost worse with people than me. Not because he doesn’t like them, he was just a nomad for so long that he doesn’t know how to interact with others, and really doesn’t care all that much for trying now. I’ve never seen anyone shift like him. It’s effortless, almost freeing to see, but completely deadly, and he knows it.

Cassian, on the other hand, is my complete opposite. I’m closed off, he’s warm and welcoming. I act first, ask questions later, while he wants to understand the ins and outs of everything before making a decision. Our similarities are just as strong, but none of them come down to who we are and what we want, it all relates to our heritage and origins.

Family isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, as a vampire or a wolf. Everything is laid out for you, especially when you’re highly regarded within your origin. They say money gives you freedom, but in my instance, it has resulted in anything but. With the wolves, they say family gives you strength above all else, but in Cassian’s case, all it’s done is squash who he is for the betterment of the greater good, which someone else gets to decide.

The professor still isn’t here, and I’m a glutton for punishment. Before I can talk myself down, I glance over my shoulder. Blonde braids meet my vision, but they’re quickly interrupted by another blond who is nowhere near as enticing to look at.

He wiggles his eyebrows again, getting under my skin.

“You know your reaction is what brings him joy,” Kryll states, twirling a pen in his hand as he looks at me. Addi had been looking down at her hands twisted together on the table, but she looks up the moment he speaks.

“It’s going to bring him to his death sooner, too,” I threaten, hoping she will take the warning as well, but Brody’s laugh makes it impossible.

“I’m glad you’ve got jokes when you’re still this mad,” he boasts, making my eyes narrow.

Jokes? These aren’t jokes. My blood is simmering, my brain scrambled, and it’s all because of that fucking girl. I glare at her, slightly startled that she’s already looking in my direction. Her eyes widen at my scowl, likely wondering what she did now. Simply existing, I think, but manage to keep it to myself as Brody continues.

“So, no talk?” Brody pushes, glancing between us.

“After classes at the fountains,” she murmurs, getting involved in a conversation that has nothing to do with her.

“Seems specific,” Brody adds, turning to face her with his cheek resting on his palm.

“She was negotiating, but I will make all the final decisions,” I bite, continuing to scowl at the side of his head when he doesn’t bother to turn and look at me.

“Sounds about right.”

I’m quickly forgetting all of the reasons I find him useful right now. Killing him feels like the better option.

“Raidy? I was waiting for you to come find me at the medical center. Where were you?”

My body turns to stone at the sound of Vallie’s voice, but I keep it together, refusing to let my annoyance surface as I take the opportunity to retreat from Brody and his bullshit. Vallie is standing on the other side of my desk, hands on her hips as she pouts, and I immediately wish I could deal with Brody’s drama instead of hers.

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