Page 56 of On Wings of Blood

A challenge?My eyes narrowed dangerously and a student coming towards me squeaked in alarm and jumped to the other side.

You’ll survive and thrive. I have no doubt about it. Once you get your bearings. And once you make friends with that other girl–the powerful one.

Regan?I snorted derisively.No, that’s not going to happen.

If you could win her over, she could be a powerful ally. And after all, you’re going to be sharing a...

No, no, no. Let me stop you right there. There will be absolutely no sharing. No nothing.I thought of something.Oh, gods. We need to get you out of my head. Soon.

You’re just realizing it, aren’t you?She sounded sympathetic.I promise I won’t be present should anything happen between you and... well, anyone else. In a romantic way.

I felt sick to my stomach.You certainly won’t be because we are ending this disturbing situation as soon as possible.

She sighed.Medra, you silly girl, I’m your mother. I have absolutely no interest in... Well, you know. Being a Peeping Tom. I’ll simply be happy that you are happy. When that delightful time comes.

I don’t think we should speak about it anymore,I said.Or ever again. Ever. Now tell me how to get you out.

Well, I’m not really sure about that part. Perhaps there is no way.

I stopped in my tracks and a girl walking behind me ran into me.

There has to be a way,I hissed internally, after apologizing to the girl.There is always a way. Haven’t you proven that by bringing me back from the brink of death? And bringing part of your own soul with me? None of that is supposed to be possible. And yet here we are.

Why not try it this way for a while? We could make a formidable team,she countered.You would benefit from my wisdom.

I’d rather benefit from it in another way. Preferably without you right here in my head,I said, clenching my jaw.

Oh, very well.She sighed forlornly.Well, I suppose you could start by consulting some ancient books. Or some wise person.

A book? A wise person? You sound as if you’ve been reading too many fairy tales. I could feel my panic mounting.Are those really your only suggestions?

Well, did you really expect me to have an answer for you? I’ve already said I don’t even know if it’s possible,she reminded me.

Beginning with books isn’t a terrible idea,I said grudgingly.

Bloodwing was sure to have an impressive library. Maybe the answer was waiting for me there. Could it really be that easy?

I turned another corner, this one lined with arched windows overlooking the sea. It was a calm day. A warm autumn breeze blew in, smelling of brine.

This wasn’t how I imagined meeting you,I said.

I suppose that makes two of us,Orcades replied.But I’m glad I had the chance. Even if it's in this very strange way. Daughter.

I was quiet for a moment. Not because I had nothing to say. But because suddenly tears were pricking the corners of my eyes.

She had died giving birth to me.

I could still remember the first time my mentor, Odessa, had told me what my mother’s final words had been.

Orcades had called me the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. And considering that, as a high fae, her life had been incredibly long, I supposed that was saying something.

So am I,I said finally.

I stopped. There. I’d reached the headmaster’s office. No one was outside.

I knocked on the door.

“Enter.” I was surprised to hear a woman’s voice.

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