Page 26 of The Reign of Blood

She nods softly, the tremble that was running through her moments ago simmering down as she smiles. “Thanks, Addi.”

I offer her a smile back before turning toward Tora. I want to be ready for the moment he says my name.

“Why would you do that?”

I stiffen at the curious tone on my other side. My body stiffens, but I quickly make myself relax before I turn to stare at the irritating vampire that drives me insane.

“What do you want, Raiden?” I sigh, cocking a brow at him.

“I want to know why you would do that.” He peers past me to where Flora stands.

“You’re going to have to be more specific.”

He rolls his eyes like I’m the inconvenience in this situation, but to my surprise, he doesn’t just wash his hands of me and saunter off. Instead, he inches closer. “Why would you hype her up like that? Make her feel strong? Why not let her know who you are and make sure she knows she is beneath you?”

My head rears back at his words as my eyebrows pinch together in confusion.

What the fuck?

“Why would I do any of those things?” I mutter, shocked that his head would even go there.

He shrugs, standing tall as he looks toward where Vallie and her friends are standing. Her gaze is narrowed on me, much to my enjoyment, but I’m too focused on waiting for Raiden’s response to truly care.

“That’s what a vampire would do.” Tension builds in my head as I frown deeper. “A vampire’s status is everything. We’re not a team. We’re all out to fight our own battles. Sometimes, they may be among each other.”

That is some backward shit if I’ve ever heard it.

I shake my head. “We’re at an academy to find a new heir for the kingdom, Raiden. That means someone who is going to not only take care of themselves, the wars, the battles, and the castle itself, but someone who is also going to take care of the people who make this kingdom what it is. Every origin, no questions asked. You’re only as strong as your weakest link, and the fact that The Council acts exactly like what you just described explains why it’s not currently working. I want a better life for the people of Floodborn Kingdom. I’m only going to be my best if they are theirs too, and as a leader, it is my responsibility to ensure everyone is given the time and knowledge to achieve that.”

My chest falls harder than I prefer as I stop my rant. His eyes search mine, for what, I don’t know. I feel like I just revealed a piece of myself and I want to take it back. Thankfully, Professor Tora takes that moment to start reeling off names.

“Franklin and George. Arlo and Flora.” My gaze whips to theirs and I see a sense of relief flash through them. At least Arlo will go easy on her, but we may need to figure out how to get her up to snuff with her fighting. I’m not expecting her to be a warrior overnight, but we need to see what abilities she has. “Vallie and Raiden,” Tora calls out next, and the audible huffof frustration from beside me is undeniable. He doesn’t glance my way as he saunters off, but I could swear I could hear him chanting, “Don’t kill her, don’t kill her, don’t kill her.”

“Imagine if it was me and you, Dagger. I could show you a good time,” Brody murmurs as he fills the spot Raiden just vacated. I roll my eyes at his cheesiness, but a part of me is glad it’s back after our talk over the weekend.

“You would either die or submit, so you’re right, it does sound like a good time.” I smile teasingly as I turn to look at him. His blue eyes dance with mischief as his lips part, but once again, I’m saved by the professor.

“Brody and Addi.”

Or not.

Gaping at the grinning mage beside me, my feet carry me toward the setup Tora pointed out for us. We come to a stop, and my facial expression hasn’t changed an inch, and neither has his.

Fucker.

“What was that about a good time, Dagger?” he says with a smirk, wagging his eyebrows at me.

“Do you want to practice tapping the mat now, so you’ve got the hang of it before I send you to the brink of death?” I retort, and his head falls backward as he laughs. Irritation threatens to claw up my spine, but when his eyes reach mine, I don’t get the sense that he’s mocking me. If anything, he looks excited.

“There’s no going back once we step foot on the mat,” he states, and I nod, watching the grin fall from his face. He waves his hand, offering for me to lead the way.

Clearing my throat, I take a deep breath, shutting off my mind from the rest of the world before I take the initial step. The second I do, he follows after me. I’m wrapped in gray sportswear, while his purple is like a beacon, edging me closer.

“I know you’re a girl, but I’m going to fight you like you’re a ten-foot tall man with a dick bigger than my right arm.”

I shake my head at him, completely distracted by his declaration, and he uses the opportunity to his advantage, charging at me before I can piece a single action together. We crash to the ground, a grunt breaking past my lips as I hit the mat. His weight on top of me is distracting, a reminder of the last time we were in a similar situation, and irritation claws at me.

Fucking focus, Adrianna.

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