Page 235 of On Wings of Blood

Theo took a step back, glancing at the growing crowd. “Anyway, I should go. Have a good Summerfell, Medra.”

The year had wrapped up so quickly I hadn’t even thought about the summer. Florence was planning on staying at Bloodwing with her mother. I figured I’d do the same.

I watched Theo walk away, wondering if I should have asked him to stay. He seemed so alone. I glanced around the courtyard and realized I hadn’t seen Blake anywhere.

Vaughn Sabino suddenly appeared at my elbow. His expression was cheerful, but I knew he must have seen me talking to Theo.

“Hey,” Vaughn said.

“I was just talking to Theo Drakharrow,” I said. No point in hiding it. Before I could stop myself, I decided to ask the question that had been on my mind for a while. “Do you think... after everything... that there might be a future for you and Theo?”

Vaughn’s face stilled, the easygoing smile falling away.

“I don’t think he had anything to do with what happened to you,” I said softly. “Do you?”

Vaughn shook his head. “No. He came to talk to me, you know. After it happened. He swore he’d had nothing to do with it. He looked absolutely miserable.”

“What did you say?”

Vaughn was silent for a moment. “I told him to fuck off. That was when I thought my arm might not heal. That I might be kicked out of Bloodwing.”

“Oh.” Vaughn’s reaction was understandable. Even more so when I thought of Naveen. That could easily have been Vaughn. Did he think about that sometimes? “Tough call.”

“Yeah.” Vaughn sighed. “He’s not a bad person. But... He’s not good for me. I just need to stay away from highbloods.” He grimaced. “I mean, as much as that's feasible considering where we are.”

He lowered his voice. “I'm hoping I get assigned to House Orphos. I’ve talked to Lysander and he seems like a decent sort. He runs his house in a completely different way than any of the others.”

“Really?” I asked curiously. “You’ll have to tell me more...”

I suddenly realized the buzz of chatter around us was quickly fading.

The crowd quieted as Headmaster Kim stepped up to the podium at the other side of the Dragon Court.

His sharp gaze swept across the gathering of students.

“Welcome to Selection Day. Today, we honor those of you who have made it through your first year at Bloodwing. Today, you discover where you truly belong.”

All eyes were on the headmaster.

Beside me, Florence fidgeted slightly, playing with her hair as though to calm herself.

Visha stood up straight, her arms crossed over her chest. The highblood girl had no reason to be anxious. She was an official consort in House Drakharrow. As was I, I realized. Was this really only a formality where I was concerned? As far as I knew, no one had ever been assigned to a house other than the one their archon was in.

A large stone table had been set up beside the podium. Atop it rested the Selection Stone. The weathered stone orb was enchanted every year and imbued with the names of all First Year students as well as their placement assignments. Once a First Year placed their hand upon the stone, it would glow the color of the house to which they’d been assigned. Red for Drakharrow, silver for Avari, purple for Orphos, and white for Mortis.

Headmaster Kim gestured to the stone. “You will come forward when I call your name, one at a time. Place your hand on the stone. Once you have received your house assignment, go and stand next to the dragon for your house. Once we are through, your House Leader will take you to see your new dormitories so that you know where to go at the beginning of the new term. Let us proceed.”

I glanced around and saw that sure enough, the four house leaders had arrived. Blake stood at the base of the Inferni dragon statue.

But he wasn’t alone.

I squinted slightly as I noticed something small and furry dart around his legs.

I had to suppress a laugh as I realized what was going on.

Neville had somehow managed to follow Blake all the way to the Dragon Court. Now the pup was skittering around Blake’s boots, his fluffy tail wagging as if this was the most exciting day of his little life.

Blake’s expression had swiftly gone from amused to horrified. He glanced around, his face flushing as he scanned the courtyard, clearly hoping no one had noticed. Then he quickly bent down and scooped up the pup.

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