Page 88 of Forged in Blood

Malachi snorts a laugh, but Ophelia gasps in horror. “What. No, you cannot freeze my tampons and…” She shakes her head, but Xavier simply pulls her into his arms and bands them so tightly around her she can’t move. “If you don’t hand them over of your own free will, I will simply remove them myself.”

I shoot her a sympathetic look. “He will.”

“No way. You are not putting my tampons in the freezer, Xavier. No.”

He rests his lips on the top of her head. “We’ll see, Cupcake.”

“We will not.”

Malachi cups her chin in his hand. “Stop arguing, sweet girl.” He silences her with his lips, and while she’s distracted, Xavier mimes sucking a popsicle. I can’t hold back my laugh. The fucker is crazy enough to do it. Although, maybe crazy isn’t the right word… I lick my lips at the thought of his genius idea, and he tips his head back and laughs too.

Chapter

Forty-Seven

ALEXANDROS

Turning down the path, I head deeper into the trees that border the campus. The branches grow thicker here, the air is filled with the scent of pine, but it is not enough to mask the witch’s scent.

“Why are you following me, Professor Drakos?” Her voice carries from the left of me, and I watch the figure ahead vanish into thin air.

I stop and face the direction of the sound. “You were always a very gifted witch, Enora.”

She snorts. “A simple parlor trick.”

“Why are you hiding in the shadows? You have nothing to fear from me.”

Her musical laugh rings through the air between us. “All witches fear you, Alexandros.”

I roll my neck, trying to stave off the centuries-old hurt that still rises to the surface whenever I recall the extent of their treachery. Sufficiently calmer, I speak. “As they should.”

She hums softly, and I sense her drawing closer. “The sting of their betrayal has not lessened through the ages, no?”

“Not for some of us. There are others who were far too quick to forgive.”

She steps into view, the moonlight highlighting her silver hair and delicate features. “Was I supposed to disown my entire species because of the actions of?—”

“Of thousands, Enora,” I growl the reminder.

“Most of whom are no longer with us.”

True, and it is little solace to me. “But their legacy remains. Their teachings. Do you think I do not hear what the young witches are taught within these walls?”

She purses her lips, her gray eyes narrowed. “Why were you following me?”

“Why are you interested in the girl?”

Her eyelids flicker, but she hides her surprise quickly and folds her arms across her chest. “I take an interest in many girls in this school.”

I resist the urge to wrap my hand around her throat. “You know who I am talking about. Why is she being summoned to Silver Vale? She has no magic.”

Enora rolls her eyes. “She was notsummonedto Silver Vale. One of my talented witches has taken a liking to her and simply invited her over.”

I glare at her. “Do not insult my intelligence.Invitations to Silver Vale are not simply given out to just anyone.”

She tilts her head, eyeing me curiously. “Why are you so interested in this girl, Alexandros?”

“It is no secret that my boys find her company…” I rake my fingertips through my beard to buy myself time as I search for the most appropriate word. “Enchanting. I am simply curious as to why the most powerful witch in Montridge is enamored with her too.”

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