Page 101 of The Bond That Burns

“Miss Shen,” she said, smiling brightly and holding up a sheaf of parchment. “An absolutely exceptional piece on shadowleaf. Thorough, insightful, and detailed. I was impressed that you even referenced an obscure text by Varison. How long did it take you to comb through the archives to find that one? Hmm?”

Beside me, Florence’s face lit up in a grateful smile. “Thank you, Professor. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.”

I grinned at her. “Good work, Florence.”

I couldn’t tell her, I decided. I’d go back to Blake and tell him he had to convince his uncle to use someone else. Anyone else.

But who? What was I really going to do? Lie and say I cared about Visha or Theo more than Florence? Or maybe sacrifice Vaughn Sabino again? No, I couldn’t do that. Florence wouldn’t want me to.

But...

A roll of parchment suddenly came into view.

Professor Allenvale stood smiling down on me. “Miss Pendragon, a good attempt. A little room for improvement. Perhaps we might work on strengthening your thesis for next time, hmm?”

I grabbed my essay back and blushed. “I knew it needed work. Sorry, Professor.”

“We learn through growing, Miss Pendragon. That’s why we’re all here after all, isn’t it?”

“I thought we were all here because the highbloods wanted to use us for their own ends,” I was almost tempted to say. But when I looked at Professor Allenvale, I didn’t see someone who seemed particularly evil or self-centered. So, I held my tongue.

“I told you I’d help you,” Florence said accusingly. She eyed my parchment. “What’s your mark?”

I unrolled the essay and sighed with relief. “C.” Commendable. Professor Allenvale had been more than generous.

“I got an E,” Florence whispered.

I nudged her. “I figured as much. Show-off.”

She blushed but her face still glowed with pride.

There was a soft squeak at the greenhouse door, followed by a faint creak as it swung open. Everyone turned towards the sound. But the doorway was empty.

“That’s odd,” Professor Allenvale mused, stepping towards the door and pushing it shut again. “Must have been the wind.”

It was a gusty day outside, with a wicked gale blowing in off the sea. We’d had a warm autumn last year, but this time, the seasons seemed to want to rush straight towards winter. Everyone thought we’d get snow soon.

Professor Allenvale began to turn back towards her desk, but before she could reach it, there was a high-pitched barking sound, followed by a blur of motion.

Neville the fluffin bounded into view, his huge ears wiggling and his tail wagging as if he couldn’t be more proud of himself. The little creature darted between the rows of tables, weavingbetween students’ feet with a determined squeak. Gasps and giggles erupted around the greenhouse.

“Oh, no,” Florence whispered, her cheeks flaming red.

But it was too late. Before she could stop him, Neville leaped right onto her lap, nuzzling against her chest with a happy little yip.

“Florence,” I whispered, torn between laughter and horror. “Why is he here?”

“I don’t know!” she hissed. “I thought he’d run off to Blake’s room this morning. He’s been alternating between us all week. At least, I think that’s where he’s been going.” She gently tried to lift the fluffin off her lap, but Neville wasn’t having any of it. He squirmed and yipped more loudly, his large owl-like eyes locked adoringly on her face.

“I see we have an unexpected guest,” Professor Allenvale said from the front of the room. To my relief, she was smiling.

“I’m so, so sorry, Professor,” Florence moaned. “Neville sneaks out. He must have followed me. But he’s never snuck into one of my classes before.”

“Just the library,” I muttered under my breath.

Florence shocked me by kicking me under the table. I covered my mouth with my hand to hide a snicker.

Professor Allenvale laughed. “Neville, is it? No need to apologize, Miss Shen. It seems your pet has excellent taste in company.” She walked towards us, then reached into the pocket of the yellow apron she was wearing and pulled out a smallspring of mirthleaf. “Here, Neville. A reward for your boldness in running towards academic excellence wherever you may find it.”

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