Page 71 of On Wings of Blood

Theo winced. “The first and the only, I hope.” He looked at me expectantly. “I also wanted to invite you to a party.”

I stared. “A party?”

“Right. Almost every night, we party on the beach down below the castle. We have a big bonfire, drink some wine. It’s a good time all around. You should come one night. We can talk more. I’d really like that.” He smiled encouragingly.

“I...don’t think so, Theo,” I said slowly, shocked that he was inviting me in the first place. “Does Regan know you’re over here inviting me?”

He looked obstinate. “She doesn’t need to know.”

“What about Blake?” I prodded.

He said nothing.

“I see,” I said slowly. “Well, I’m not sure how fun it would be for me to come and hang out where I’m not wanted. But thanks for the invitation. I’m sure we’ll see each other around.”

“Lots of people come. It’s not just House Drakharrow,” Theo said stubbornly. “Well... I’ll keep an eye out for you.” He leaned down and dropped his voice. “There’s a staircase by the Advanced Weaponry courtyard. You take that all the way to the bottom. Then exit out onto the beach. From there you should be able to find us. Feel free to come by one night.”

I nodded. “Sure. We’ll see.” But I knew I wouldn’t be joining him.

As Theo walked away, I plonked my head down onto my pile of books with a groan.

I’d found nothing useful and it was past six o’clock. My stomach was growling. But I hadn’t even opened Professor Rodriguez’s book on dragons since that first day.

I told myself I’d at least get through a few chapters. And then dinner.

I wondered if snacks were allowed in the library. If so, I’d be able to get a lot more done next time. I could stay until midnight. But as I glanced around, I spotted a large sign in bold letters that read “Absolutely No Food or Drink!” Below it, in smaller letters, someone had scrawled, “Yes, That Means Even Highbloods. You Will Be Banned.”

Somehow I doubted the sign would be enough to stop Blake and Regan’s crew. I suddenly pitied the poor Bloodwing librarians, having to deal with all of the rich and privileged highblood students.

Hands slammed down on the table and I jumped.

“What the hell, Blake?” I said angrily as I glared up at him.

A grin slowly formed on his face in a way that made goosebumps form on my arms. “Just trying to keep you on your toes, Pendragon. Just checking if those rider reflexes are any good.”

“You know they are.” I tried to look more cocky than I felt. “Just go and ask Visha.”

He laughed.

I glanced around. “Aren’t you forgetting something? Like your accessory?”

“Accessory?” He looked at me blankly.

“Regan,” I said pointedly. “Aren’t you two attached at the hip?”

“Oh, you saw that, did you? She can’t seem to get enough of me.” He leaned down until his face was close to mine. “Jealous?”

I pushed my chair back so we were further apart and crossed my arms over my chest. “You wish. The sight of you makes me want to vomit. With or without your arm candy.”

He leaned back against the table, then gestured to all of the books in front of me. “What are you reading about, anyhow?”

“Just researching ways to kill you,” I said sweetly. “Vampire Murder Methodology 101.”

He scowled. “You shouldn’t joke about that.”

“Why not?” I demanded. “Because only highbloods are allowed to murder blightborn?”

“No one’s murdering anyone,” he protested. “You need to lighten up.”

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