Page 41 of The Reign of Blood

Overwhelmed, I disconnect, taking a huge step back. So far, my back almost presses against the wall behind me as I blink at her.

I nod, and she nods too.

I don’t know what the hell is happening, but it seems I’ve forgotten how to function.

Clearing my throat, I take a side step toward the staircase.

“I’ll be seeing you,” I blurt, instantly regretting it as a small smile curls the corner of her lips.

“I’ll be seeing you too.”

18

ADRIANNA

Panic flutters in my chest, horror consuming my bones as the wolf makes Nora cry out in agony. My magic bubbles to the surface, desperate to save my sister. It rips from every fiber of my body, my own cry mingling with Nora’s. My vision blurs, a bright light consuming every inch of the space around me before everything goes black.

I bolt awake, heart racing as I swipe the cold sweat from my brow. It does nothing to ease the ache weighing on my limbs.

With a heavy sigh, I swing my legs over the side of the bed as my breath slowly evens out.

It seems the infamous nightmare that loves to haunt me is here to stay for a while. Again. It has been a while, I suppose I should have known it would rear its ugly head eventually. The dull ache in my back is a stark reminder of another horror in my life that I wish was nothing more than a nightmare, but it’s definitely real.

Yesterday was a mess, and that’s putting it lightly because I truly can’t find the right words to describe it all, but I need to get over it now. The moment Raiden left, I crashed. Which is probably why my stomach is practically turning in on itself.

I need to eat.

Peering at the time, I raise a brow at it, and two seconds later, my morning alarm goes off. I can never decide if I feel triumphant for beating the damn thing or heartbroken that I just robbed myself of a few extra minutes of sleep.

Either way, my day has begun and I need to muster the strength to face whatever is set to come my way.

Yesterday, just before Raiden brought me home, I had the horrible realization that my mind magic was non-existent. It’s my weakest ability, which is probably why it’s Nora’s strongest. On a normal day, I might be a five out of ten, but yesterday was a huge zero.

Nada.

Holding my hand out in front of me, I focus on my center, summoning the heat particles in the room. Embers flicker in my palm before a small ball of fire erupts. It’s still there, at least. But again, what would be an eight out of ten is struggling at a five.

I don’t know whether it’s the lack of food in my stomach or the kiss of amethyst, but it feels like it’s draining me more. Maybe if I set off early enough, I can connect with the water in the fountain on the way to the academy. Then I can rate my water magic and figure out where I’m at.

If Raiden asks anything today, I need to brush over it. He doesn’t need to know any more than he already does. A part of me expects him to give me his usual cold treatment. He started acting strange yesterday, getting growly for no particular reason. Yet he brought me here and kissed me.

Fucking kissed me.

And I didn’t stop him.

I’m not sure which part confuses me more.

Shaking my head, I push that all to the back of my mind. I need to get dressed and eat, then I might be able to start thinking clearly.

I opt to conserve my energy, which means no cute air magic this morning to aid me getting ready. Fixing my cloak around my neck, I step toward the door when the telltale sound of my cell phone vibrating echoes around the room.

Glaring at the offending drawer where it’s contained, I consider my options. I clearly take too long to decide because it stops a few moments later. Inching closer to the door, I pause a second later when it starts going off again.

Fuck.

Panic sets in and I scramble to get it, the tightness in my chest growing stronger as Nora’s name flashes across the screen.

“Is everything okay?” I rush, not bothering with the pleasantries of a greeting.

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