Page 87 of The Reign of Blood

Surprisingly, the food is good and the conversation is entertaining. I don’t know what I was expecting, but Flora and Arlo’s parents have set me at ease, talking to me as Addi and not trying to pepper me with an inquisition about my heritage.

However, it hasn’t stopped the gazes from many others around the room. Their stares penetrate my skin like a weapon, attacking me all at once as I try to keep my shoulders relaxed and my smile plastered in place.

I know the four of them can sense it, too. The tight smiles between my friends’ parents and Flora’s determination to remain perky and upbeat confirm it, and I’ve never appreciated them more.

I’ve learned far too much about my two friends, from their earliest stories to embarrassing blunders; like when Flora decided to cut her own hair as a nine-year-old, resulting in a cropped cut that her mother has pictures of on hand to go along with the memory.

Swirling my glass of water, I take another sip as the music softens and someone taps their finger on a microphone. Turning my attention toward the small platform on the other side of the room, my muscles stiffen at the sight of Dean Bozzelli.

I haven’t seen her since she forced this damn gem between my shoulder blades, and the sight of her makes its presence burn stronger against my flesh.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I hope you’re all having a wonderful night,” she begins, arms out wide as she smiles at the crowd, but I don’t miss the fact that she doesn’t waste her time looking toward the fae corner of the room.

Her neon choice for the night is a shade of green, so bright some may argue the fact that it’s yellow. She wears it with pride, and it suits her. She’s as insane as her clothing choice, but who am I to judge?

“Why is that outfit making my eyes bleed?” Arlo murmurs, making me snicker along with Flora.

“It’s wonderful to host our first celebration. An important factor in the success of this academy is incorporating traditions that we cherish while embracing the wonder of the future.” Her sickly sweet voice makes me want to vomit. “Before we enjoy the opening dance that has blessed so many balls before this one, I just want to take a moment to thank you all for being in attendance this evening, but more than that, trusting that your children are in safe hands.”

I scoff.

“There’s nothing safe about those hands,” Flora mutters, lip curling in distaste, and I can’t help but smirk at her remark.

“There is a leader among us, a long-awaited heir to the throne that we will crown, along with a solid council around them. We will bring strength to our kingdom, rise from the flood once more, and be reborn into greatness as the Floodborn Kingdom deserves.”

I roll my eyes at her choice of words while others offer her a small round of applause.

“Somebody definitely wrote that for her,” Arlo whispers with a chuckle, and I shake my head. We can’t underestimate thiswoman’s mind. She may seem foolish, but there’s a depth to her that I don’t think we’ve seen the end of yet.

“Please, enjoy a demonstration of the waltz from our fabulous students, have a wondrous evening, and we look forward to seeing more of you in the future.”

The applause grows louder as some stand, and I’m most definitely ready for the floor to open right now and swallow me whole so I don’t have to do this dance. Before I can even consider an escape, I feel a hand on my shoulder.

I know who it is before I turn and look, and the smolder that greets me is no surprise.

“Brody, do we really have to do this?” I complain, but he’s already reaching for my hand and tugging me to my feet.

“You know we do.”

I roll my eyes but tamper down my dramatics as he leads me toward the dance floor to join the other students. He doesn’t let go of my hand, his grip firm but relaxed, and it spikes my veins. I can practically feel every groove of his fingertips branding me with each second that passes, and for some reason, I don’t pull away.

He doesn’t stop until we’re at the very center of the hardwood dance floor. His hand falls to my back while the other shifts my hand in his, putting us in a perfectly poised position.

“Follow my lead?”

“It’s the only way I’m going to survive this thing,” I breathe as the music shifts around us.

“One… two… three,” he whispers against my ear before he takes off.

All I can do is hold on and hope for the best. He moves with ease, a finesse I can’t wrap my head around, as we glide across the floor with everyone else. I catch a glimpse of Flora laughing with Kryll as she makes a misstep. I see Cassian remain stoic and vibrating with irritation as he clumsily leads his partner.

I pause my staring there, turning my full attention back to Brody. Seeing them with other girls, even my friend, does something to my chest, and I don’t like it.

“What are you thinking about, Dagger?”

I exhale, stumbling over my own feet, but he keeps us moving effortlessly.

“Nothing.”

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