Page 36 of On Wings of Blood

I didn’t reply, just moved around the corner and past him before I could tell him to fuck off in front of his little group of sycophants. I suspected Regan wouldn’t like that and since she’d been decent to me that morning, I decided I’d resist. For now.

We arrived at Restoration class in the nick of time. I slid into a row beside Naveen and Florence, then eyed the short, sturdy young man. “So what’s your specialty, Naveen?”

“Oh, I’m hoping to become a scout,” he said with a grin. “Most dwarves wind up specializing as scouts. And all potential scouts have to take a basic healing course.” He grimaced. “Can’t stand the sight of blood though.”

For some reason this struck me as hilarious considering we were attending a vampire academy. I giggled.

He smiled back. “I know, I know. Ironic, right? I’d make a terrible vampire. Or a thrall.”

The smile fell from my face. “I don’t know why anyone wouldwantto be...”

“Good morning, class!” The classroom door slammed shut as a man in dark emerald robes swept in.

“Since I’m a new face to all of you First Years, here’s a quick introduction. My name is Professor Gabriel Rodriguez and I believe this is the most important class you’ll take at the academy your entire year.”

He dropped a worn leather satchel onto his desk with a soft thud, then shrugged off his robe and tossed it over the nearby chair. Underneath, he was wearing a threadbare brown vest that looked as if it had seen better days. His trousers were patched in more places than I could count. Yet despite his roguish appearance, he had a presence no less imposing than Professor Hassan’s, maybe even more so. Rodriguez had the kind of quiet confidence that made you feel like he could handle anything.

Honestly, he wasn’t bad to look at either. For a teacher, anyhow. His dark hair was all tousled in a way that almost looked intentional, unlike Naveen's. It stood out against his warm, olive-toned skin. And yet his face was lined, a little more than it should have been for someone his age. And he had this exhausted look to him, as if he was fighting off sleep but pretending he was fine.

I frowned. Professor Rodriguez was a walking contradiction.

Still, I sat up a little straighter, wanting to make a good first impression on this second blightborn professor.

Rodriguez leaned back against the desk and crossed his arms. “Now, what can you tell me about the healing arts?”

Beside me, Florence raised her hand slowly.

“Miss Shen?” I was impressed that he knew Florence’s name already. But then, she seemed to have something of an established reputation at Bloodwing.

“The healing arts are key to the sustainability of Sangratha,” Florence announced confidently.

“Very good. I’d quite agree. How so? Elaborate.”

“In two ways,” Florence said, picking up steam. “Healers and alchemists may be placed within military squads, supporting those in defensive positions and protecting the realm. Secondly, they serve in key roles within highblood households. Every household needs at least one healer.”

“Very good,” Professor Rodriguez replied. “Now look around the room if you haven’t already done so.”

I looked around and saw my fellow students doing the same thing.

“No vampires,” I blurted out before I could help myself. I covered my mouth in embarrassment.

“Correct. Vampires can self-heal, but they rarely possess the aptitudes required to heal others–with the exception of some thralls. Nor do their magical abilities align with the healing arts or alchemy–again, except in some rare cases.” The professor eyed me with curiosity. “You must be Miss Pendragon. As a consort to Blake Drakharrow, you’ll have a high-ranking position within a triad unit as well as within the DrakharrowHouse.” He frowned. “I’m actually surprised to find you here, Miss Pendragon.”

“It was on my timetable,” I said, flustered.

The teacher shrugged. “Well, I suppose someone thought you could use the basic training. Though if you don’t have an aptitude for healing this may prove to be a difficult or even futile course for you. And, of course, only the most skilled students here will move into the next level of the class in Wintermark term.”

I wasn’t sure if it was because he made it sound almost like a challenge or if it was because I was determined to redeem myself after my lackluster experience in Professor Hassan’s class, but I found myself blurting something out yet again.

“Perhaps I was put in this course because I have rider blood, sir? I’ve heard the history of healers and dragon riders is fascinating. Can you tell us a little about it?”

The room fell absolutely still. On either side of me, I felt Florence and Naveen stiffen.

All of the blood seemed to have drained from Professor Rodriguez’s face.

“Who told you to ask me that?” the professor demanded, standing up to his full height.

“I... No one,” I stuttered. “It just seemed like an interesting topic.”

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