Page 64 of The Reign of Blood

“Just making sure. Besides, it made you smile.”

I pause. The ricocheting of my heart in my chest calms as I soak in her naturally sweet nature. “You’re a good friend, Flora.”

“I know. You’re welcome.” She waves me off, turning the light off and slipping beneath the sheets again as I close the door behind me.

I need to be a good friend, too. She’s on another level, though, so reaching her standards isn’t going to be so easy.

Heading for the communal bathroom, I don’t even bother to get a fresh change of clothes. Instead, I step into the first stall, flick the water on, and move straight under the spray. Clothes and all. It’s ice cold at first, but I breathe through it. The shock to my system works wonders, and as it warms, it takes some of the stress along with it.

I peel out of my clothes, letting them flop to the floor until the beating hot water laps at my bare skin. Inching my face under the shower head, I let the memory of last night come back to mind, helping ground me as I release the last of the pent-up worry inside of me.

We had dinner in peace. No guys, not even Arlo. It was just the two of us. No interruptions and no drama. It was perfect. As soon as we were done eating too many slices of pizza, we headed back to Flora’s room, where we proceeded to watch episode after episode ofThe Office.Mention of the ball preparations came up, which is how I’ve now been roped into dress shopping, but I’m sure it will be fun.

The idea of getting off campus, even if just for a hot minute, feels exciting. Especially since it’s nowhere near the Kenner compound.

Then, I must have fallen asleep again. Wiping a hand down my face, I lean my head back and catch my breath. The nightmare feels jagged. I can’t recall it fully, but I can still feel the remnants of it coating my skin. Even with the showerpounding down on me, it doesn’t eradicate it altogether, but it does make me present and alert.

It’s not enough, though. I need to get rid of the energy coursing through me.

With my mind made up, I rush through the mundane task of washing my body and hair. Once all of the suds are gone, I switch off the water and peek behind the curtain. Certain the coast is clear, I reach for a towel from the barely stocked shelves. Draping it around my chest, I can’t help but wonder if other origins get the luxury of fuller and thicker material because every time I shower I feel like these become more threadbare than the last.

With a sigh, I grab my wet clothes and rush back to my room, the concern over my towel long forgotten in the grand scheme of things. It’s no surprise that I don’t run into anyone at this time of the morning, but I still hurry to lock my bedroom behind me.

Taking a moment to absorb the familiar surroundings, I mentally call out three things I can see.

My bed. The window. The roses.

Taking a deep breath, I catch their scent. There’s not much to hear at this time, though, so I save that for when I get outside. That’s what I need. Fresh air, the wind whipping at my face, and my feet pounding on the ground beneath me.

With my mind made up, I set my sights on the academy-issued sportswear hanging in my closet. Channeling deep into my core, I connect with my air magic and let a warm breeze finish drying me off as I let my towel cascade to the floor. It takes a little more effort to use the same power to dry my hair completely, and by the time I’m done, I’m practically panting.

Fuck.

Maybe I don’t need to get my heart rate going with a run. Simply doing magic, which I have practiced and harnessed for so long, will do the trick now that I’m controlled by this damn gem.

Shaking my head, I try to rid the negativity from me, but it’s futile. Instead, I slip from my bedroom, tiptoe down the staircase, and step outside into the early morning air. I take the deepest breath since I first woke, letting the chill in the air ground me to the present as the sound of birds chirping in the distance rounds out my senses.

This is exactly what I needed. The sun is barely breaking the horizon, offering a small glimmer of natural light to the grounds.

Slowly making my way down the pathway that leads to the fountain, I go through the motions of some stretches. I wouldn’t always, but since I already exhausted myself using my magic, I decide it’s better to ease myself into this.

Focused, I reach the fountain and jog, hoping the exercise will ward off the cool air and warm my limbs. I follow my usual path, sticking close to the edge of the academy. Maybe jogging at this time should become a regular thing. There’s not a single soul in sight.

The peace and tranquility this offers me outweigh the little sleep I would lose. That’s what I think now, at least. Tomorrow morning could be something completely different.

I watch in awe as the sun continues to rise, painting the academy in an array of pinks, oranges, and yellows. It’s enchanting, the way it dances over the flowers, spreading their petals wide as the trees preen under its glow.

Reaching the peak of the hill, I slow my pace and take controlled steps as I begin the decline. The edge of the all-too-familiar forest comes into view and my gaze instantly darts to the fallen tree in the distance as I breathe through my steps, keeping my heart rate calm.

It’s clear the gem doesn’t have an effect on physical exertion. Its sole purpose is to contain my magic, and that’s exactly what it’s doing.

Movement pulls my eyes to the right of the walkway, at the edge of the tree line, but I don’t immediately see anything. I slow, eyes darting over every inch of the forest, until I catch sight of the shuffling again.

Is that a?—

I don’t get a chance to think before my thoughts are confirmed.

A chestnut-brown wolf appears from between some shrubs, prowling toward me with calculated steps, and I freeze. My hands ball at my sides as I force the tension in my veins to ease. I need to be ready to act, to defend myself, which means being as calm as possible.

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