Page 31 of The Reign of Blood

The bell rings out, calling the class to an end. With all the strength I can muster, I stand, turning for the door without glancing at anyone. My movements are steady, unhurried, and focused. The hairs on the back of my neck rise. Again. No sooner do they calm are they back at high attention.

Everyone seems to give me a wide berth as I slip between the desks and out into the hallway. They might not be in my personal space, but that doesn’t stop their eyes from tracking my every move.

After Bozzelli exposed my secret to the academy, all eyes landed on me and they haven’t turned away since. Not when we were dismissed from homeroom and sent back to our scheduled class, not a single beat during said class, and now it feels even more prominent.

The class professor was no better. Every time he adjusted the glasses on the tip of his nose, his gaze locked on mine. I didn’t look away. I held my ground. For what, I don’t really know, but I did it anyway. The last thing I need right now is to appear weak.

I’m acutely aware of every single piece of attention aimed my way. My magic is going haywire inside me, frazzling my focus with its need to reach out and protect me, but it’s not necessary.

I’ve got this.

I knew this was coming; it just happened sooner than expected. To be honest, after this weekend, I was expecting it to happen before classes began. At least I got to experience combat class before every eye in the academy was turned my way.

Some of the stares seem to be in awe, while others give the vibe that they want to rip my throat out. I’d like to assume it’s still the vampires and wolves that have already been giving me shit, but it’s more than that. The knowledge of my presence isn’t going down too well.

No one has said anything to me yet—yetbeing the keyword—but I’m alert and prepared for when the moment comes.

Brody has tried to speak to me a few times, but I’ve ignored him. I really can’t be distracted by any of them right now when I need to be as vigilant as possible.

Stepping outside, I let the warmth from the sun soak into my bones, restoring life to me as my eyes lock with Flora. Someone else I’ve avoided since the information dropped. Now it’s lunchtime and I don’t think I can hide from the situation anymore.

A flutter of panic clenches in my chest as I step toward her. I shouldn’t care, but I do. As if I’m not moving quick enough for her, she marches toward me, Arlo hot on her heels. With a whoosh of her cloak, she stops at my side, links her arm through mine, and takes off toward the dining hall.

Everyone else tends to stick to the halls, but I guess she knew I would head out here first and take the long way around.

“I’m just saying I think we should sit with those guys today. Out of choice. They may work as a buffer for you,” she states as Arlo appears on my other side.

“What?” I ask with a frown, turning to glance at her, and she shakes her head.

“Sorry, I started that conversation in my head. I think we should sit with Cassian, Raiden, Kryll, and Brody. They’ll be like a protective shield around you,” she explains, but it does nothing to make my frown disappear.

“Protective? They’re not going to protect me.”

“I’m not saying they will, but people tend to steer clear of them so it’s another layer of defense. People fear them. That might stop people approaching altogether,” she adds, eyebrows raised as she nods along with herself.

She seems certain about it, but that doesn’t mean it will turn out that way.

Reentering the academy building, the food from the dining hall lures us closer. The second we step inside, the room falls silent. I pause in my tracks, glancing around the room and all of the eyes taking me in. It seems the moment of reprieve I was just basking in is gone again.

“Keep moving. They’re not allowed to get under your skin,” Flora whispers before tugging me toward the line for food.

As noise starts to register around us again, I take a moment to look at her. Concern crinkles her nose and worry dances in her eyes, but otherwise, there’s nothing out of the ordinary.

“You’re not mad,” I state, making her eyebrows pinch in confusion.

“About what?”

I give her a pointed look that has no effect until Arlo nudges her.

“She means the fact that she’s a princess and didn’t tell us,” he mock-whispers, tossing a wink my way. I almost roll my eyes at him, but Flora whacks him in the stomach with the back of her hand instead, and that seems good enough.

“Why would I be mad?” she asks, turning her attention back to me, and I shrug.

“I don’t know. I lied to you.” It sounds lame when I say it like that, especially with the way she’s looking at me.

“For good reason,” she blurts, her voice louder than necessary. She quickly presses her hand over her mouth, but it does nothing to hide the familiar pink blush taking over her cheeks.

I smile at her.Reallysmile at her. “Thanks, Flora,” I breathe, something settling inside of me. It may be safe to say that I’m not in this alone. I have one friend at my side, at least. Maybe two if Arlo counts as well.

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