Page 166 of On Wings of Blood

While Naveen and Florence were going to the Dance of the Longest Night together, I had no date for the ball. No one had even asked me. But I was determined not to get in their way by being a third wheel.

I’d told Florence I’d found out I had to go with Blake and Regan. It was a lie, but she’d bought it. Now I could stay out of theway and let her and Naveen get in some alone time. I’d be fine on my own. I’d play the wallflower, staying on the sidelines and watching the dancing, participating only if I absolutely had to. Then I’d leave as early as was acceptable.

As we rounded a corner, my thoughts still wandering, I stopped dead in my tracks as a tall figure stepped out of the shadows, blocking our path.

Another instant and I’d recognized who it was.

Kage Tanaka.

The highblood house leader had an oversized presence. He was nearly as tall as Blake. He stood with his back straight, legs spread in a rigid posture that spoke of someone used to maintaining authority. His white-blond hair, gathered in a bun at the back of his head, with the sides shaved close, gave him a fierce, edgy look. His crescent moon tattoo peeked up over the high collar of his black, silver trimmed jacket.

“Miss Pendragon.” His voice was rich and smooth. But there was a sharp edge underneath that told me not to underestimate him. “I wondered if I might have a moment of your time?” He glanced at Florence. “Alone.”

Florence looked at me questioningly. When I nodded, she slipped down the hall ahead of us. I knew she’d grab a table in the refectory and wait for me.

“Kage,” I said, my voice wary. “What do you want?”

“Medra, isn’t it? Such a beautiful name. May I have your permission to use it?”

I hesitated. “I suppose so.”

It would be a refreshing change from Blake constantly snapping “Pendragon.”

He smiled. “Thank you, Medra. I’ve been watching you for quite some time now.”

My head spun at this revelation. “Have you? Why?” I thought of that night at the bonfire. Kiernan had claimed Kage wanted us to join him. It had seemed to be true, but I hadn’t thought anything of it since then.

The leader of House Avari gave me a small, knowing smile. “Let's just say I admire your spirit. It’s rare to see someone so...unyielding.”

“Unyielding towards highbloods, you mean?”

He nodded. “If you want to put it that way. You stand apart here. Others in your position might have broken.”

“I don’t break easily,” I snapped. Though it had been a close call at times.

“I respect that.” Kage's dark eyes lingered on my face, appraising me with a slow, deliberate gaze that made my stomach flip. “Maybe it’s the hair. Like the fire of a dragon, you’re impossible to tame.”

What exactly was happening here? Was Kage Tanaka really paying me compliments?

“Well, thank you,” I said slowly. “But that doesn't answer my question. What do you want?”

Kage leaned against the wall, his black eyes watching me carefully. “I want you to come with me to the Dance of the Longest Night.”

I blinked, unsure I’d heard him correctly. “I beg your pardon?”

“I want you to be my date for the ball.” His tone was matter-of-fact, as if it were the most natural request in the world. “That is, unless you already have one.”

I didn’t. He knew I didn’t. Somehow.

“Why me?” I asked, my voice coming out sharper than I’d intended. “You could ask anyone. You’re a House Leader.”

“Because you don’t belong at Drakharrow’s side. He doesn’t deserve you. And you know it.” His voice dipped, becoming more intense. “You’re not a girl who belongs at the feet of someone like Blake. I know you wish you had never been shackled to him by his uncle. Why not show him you’ll never belong to him?”

“You think I'm going to go with you just to spite Blake?”

“Let me show you that you don’t have to be just a pawn in the Drakharrows’ game.” He gave me a slow grin. “If you accept, I can promise you one thing, Medra. I’ll make sure to give you the night you really deserve.”

I swallowed, unsure of how to respond to that. It was an invitation, in more ways than one.

---