Page 87 of The Kingdom of Ruin

I had been aware of her existence since Vallie started shit with her from day one, but I ignored her, like I did everyone else, as I grappled with my own issues. But all that stopped when I walked into Janie’s and saw her there. Add to that her ability to fight like she did, taking Leticia down effortlessly, and I’m a goner.

She didn’t put up too much of a fight this morning when I pushed her to sit with us. Although, I could see the irritation thrumming through her and hear the racing of her heart, despite her efforts to remain impassive. News of the battles didn’t seem to stir her like the other fae students. It’s as if she’s ready for it, expectant. She’s definitely not like any other fae girl I’ve met before.

Now, I want her in my squad. I want to have her back, and somehow, I already know I can trust her with mine. My gut twists, knowing exactly why, but I tamper the thought back down. She’s under my skin, there’s no denying it.

I take a bite of my burger as they approach. Jealousy swirls through me when Addi throws her head back with laughter. Kryll snickers along with her, but the second she stops at the table, a sullen look transforms her face.

“What’s funny?” Brody asks, reminding me that he’s here too. Raiden grunts from across the table, also letting his presence be known. Addi takes the seat at the end of the table again, leaving a spot free between her and Raiden, while Kryll takes the chair on the other side of him.

“Nothing,” Kryll mumbles as Addi smirks down at her tray of food. When it’s clear they’re not going to let us in on their little joke, I find myself scrambling to think of something to make her look at me.

“I’m impressed you’re not kicking up a fuss like usual,” Raiden states, waving his fork in Addi’s direction. She simply glares at him, refusing to respond.

“Oh,” Kryll mutters suddenly, rising from his seat, and I frown.

What’s going on?

Before I can ask, he saunters around the table to Brody at my side and punches him in the arm.

“What was that for?” Brody complains, rubbing at the spot as Kryll strolls back to his seat and continues to eat.

“The ward on her room,” he replies after a few moments. Brody’s brows furrow for a second before realization washes over him, and he grins, pleased with himself.

“Sucks to be you,” he states, winking at Addi as Kryll sighs.

“I think I cracked a rib,” he retorts, lifting his t-shirt to reveal a small smattering of bruises. Addi peers around Raiden to get a look, and as much as I agreed to share with my friends, that doesn’t count when things feel weird like this. When she’s looking at my abs eagerly like that, too, then it won’t matter.

“Cover yourself up,” Raiden grunts, shaking his head as he focuses on his food.

“Any word on who is selecting the groups?” Kryll asks as I stretch out my leg, nudging Addi’s leg with my own.

I get comfortable, appreciating the feel of her against me, and when she doesn’t move away, I take it as a win. It’s more likely that she’s refusing to falter at my touch, wanting to demand the upper hand between us, but I’m going to pretend it’s because she likes it as much as I do. Which I truly think she does. She just doesn’t want to admit it.

“No,” Raiden replies, bringing me back to the present.

“My brother just mentioned that the professors weren’t aware of the battles in advance.”

My jaw tics at the revelation, but I can’t say I’m truly surprised. Growing up in my father’s pack feels just like this, like there’s always a step or move that you haven’t seen until it’s too late.

Nobody else offers a hint of shock at the news as I chance a glance around the room, trying to discern who is paying closer attention to their surroundings than the rest.

“Do you think it’s a member of the staff?” Brody asks, clearly doing the same as me, and I shrug.

“There’s never really any staff in here. Not unless I’m causing a scene, of course.” She rolls her eyes and I grin. “That would make me think it’s more likely a student trying to blend in, but who would be given that kind of control?” She rounds her eyes to Raiden. “Maybe someone whose parent is at the academy, or whose family member is on the teaching staff,” she adds, glancing past him to look at Kryll.

Fuck, her mind has me just as excited as her body.

“Excellent thoughts, Dagger, but if Kryll’s brother didn’t know about the battles, I can’t imagine he’s been made aware of the selection process and Raiden…well…”

“My mother possibly likes you more than me, and that’s saying something,” Raiden finishes.

“That pretty much sums it up,” Brody adds as Addi leans back in her seat, deep in thought.

“Maybe it’s a mage, you know, with their magical abilities,” Kryll states, and Addi frowns.

“Fae have magical abilities.” The bite to her tone is clear, but it seems to go straight over Kryll’s head.

“Yeah, but?—”

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