Page 48 of The Fate of Eternity

“Perfect contribution, Niall, thank you. How about a wolf? Give me a wolf’s opinion on the matter,” the professor calls out, scanning her eyes over everyone. She lingers a beat on Cassian, but the glare he gives has her moving on to the next girl in a green cloak. “Lola, please.”

The girl sits farther down my row, shifting in her seat nervously as she laces her fingers together. “I think that the people in power need to change. It doesn’t even have to be a wolf. I believe the kingdom deserves someone who puts this land above themselves. That takes others into consideration, not in a people-pleasing way, but in a way where we feel valued and safe. I’m exhausted, and I’m barely old enough to know what that word means, but people are dying and lives are being destroyed. Not just by the frenzied vampires that are still somehow allowed to terrorize our streets, but by decisions made by others.” Pain shimmers in her eyes. There’s a lot she’s not saying, so much more than just the face value of her words, and it makes my chest clench with a mixture of compassion and vengeance.

“Thank you, Lola. That’s perfectly expressed. Now, how about… a fae.” My spine stiffens with panic. Since Flora and Arlo aren’t here, the number of fae present is already low. My chances of going unnoticed are slim. Her eyes meet mine a moment later,as if sensing my thoughts, when her lips twist. “I think we all know what you think, Miss Reagan.”

My mouth falls slack, unable to process what she means by that statement because it can be taken in so many ways, but before I can question her on it, another shrill voice cuts through the air once again.

“I think we all know that the fae are the last origin that should be in power. Especially not some half-bred bitch who kills innocent people without consequence.” Vallie’s pointed look is aimed right at me, but I don’t turn to face her. Seeing her in my peripheral vision is enough for my wolf to rise to the surface again.

“I don’t recall any innocent people dying at the hands of Miss Reagan. Does anyone else?” the professor asks, her question stilling my racing heart as she scans the class.

Not a single person utters a response, earning a huff from Vallie as she flicks her hair over her shoulder in disgust.

The bell tolls, drawing the class to a close, which only spurs Vallie on to stomp toward me. With her palms braced on the table in front of me, she all but sneers in my face. “You’re all going to regret your decisions when my uncle officially takes my father’s place on The Council. You’re not even ready for the power that he has promised me.”

24

ADRIANNA

My mood doesn’t settle all morning. It doesn’t help that Flora and Arlo don’t appear, continuing to stir the uncertainty weighing down my stomach. There’s an explanation, there always is, but I’ve sent a few messages Flora’s way and heard nothing in response.

Nothing.

Flora is too chatty for that. Even if she were sick, Arlo would surely message on her behalf.

The second the bell rings for lunch, I’m out of the classroom and trudging toward the fae building. The guys don’t question it, keeping a step behind me as I race up the familiar stairs and slam my fists against her door again.

I wait a beat. Maybe half, if I’m being honest, before I do it again.

“Maybe you’re overthinking it. Whatever she’s doing is her business,” Raiden states, and I turn to face him. He leans back against the wall, foot propped up as he stares me down, and I narrow my eyes.

“I didn’t say it wasn’t.”

“I know. I’m just also saying that you’ve been on and off campus a few times now, and this isn’t how she acted when that’s been the case.”

I cock a brow at him. “I get messages, and she talks your ear off to make sure I’m okay. The only person I can pester about her isn’t here either, and she’s not responding to my texts,” I ramble, arms flying around with each word as worry continues to boil deep in my blood.

“Maybe you could talk to Fairbourne,” Brody offers, redirecting my attention as he steps toward me with a soft smile in place. “If she’s not here, she’s either somewhere on campus or off-site. The only way they can leave the academy is with approval from Bozzelli.”

“It doesn’t seem likely they’d be off campus, though. Does it?” I ask, lips twisting in thought as I try to figure out where the hell she is.

“Does she matter this much?” The question comes from my stone-faced vampire. It’s no surprise, really; even when I think he’s softening. I guess it’s difficult to overcome a lifetime of being selfish.

“Yes!”

He shrugs, pushing off the wall as he heads toward the stairs. “I was only asking. If it really matters this much to you, why don’t we go and eat and then hunt Fairbourne down? If he doesn’t have the answers, he may be able to help us search,” he offers, and I instantly feel bad for snapping at him.

My mouth opens, but before I can say a single thing, Cassian steps between the two of us. His hand grabs mine, tugging me after him as he peers at Raiden. “It’s hilarious that you think she will eat before seeing Fairbourne.”

Kryll snickers, patting the vampire on the shoulder before following us down the stairs. It’s not until we’re outside thatRaiden summons a response. “I’m just saying food first is always good, and I’m starving.”

“Then you go and eat. We’ll meet you there,” Cassian snorts back, not bothering to turn around.

“Fuck that. I’m coming with you.”

“Well, shut up then,” he barks before taking off.

This time, we don’t stomp through campus. Instead, he uses his wolf speed, which triggers my own. I’ve barely taken a full breath before I find myself outside Fairbourne’s office. A pleased smile spreads across my face, relieved I no longer have the nausea coiling in my stomach from the movement.

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