Page 102 of The Bond That Burns

Around us, some of the highblood students looked a little shocked. Perhaps most highblood professors would have scolded Florence. I know Hassan would have.

“I had no idea a fluffin lived at the school,” Professor Allenvale observed, still studying Neville. She looked delighted. “I haven’t seen one of these little fellows in years.”

I blinked down at Neville. In fact, the fluffin seemed to get around the school like a shadow. But how? He wasn’t exactly subtle. It was amazing no one had complained about him before.

Florence was trying to gently place Neville on the ground again but he let out an indignant squeak and curled up in her lap, clearly intent on claiming his territory and staying put.

Professor Allenvale chuckled and reached down to pat the fluffin between his huge ears. “He’s really quite charming. Not to mention resourceful.”

“They’re extremely rare now.” I looked across the room at Lunaya Orphos who was tilting her head thoughtfully. “I’m surprised to see one here.”

Florence and I exchanged a look. I knew fluffins were unusual to see above ground.

“Rare?” Florence asked. “I didn’t know that.”

Professor Allenvale was nodding in agreement. “It’s true. They’re native to deep underground tunnels. They can often be found in dwarven communities. But even there, sightings have become more uncommon.”

“Why?” I asked, my curiosity piqued. “What’s happened to them?”

Lunaya shrugged, her silvery long hair catching the light. “Some say they were hunted. Their healing abilities are legendary. Others say they started to die off when the last of the dragons left our world.”

I looked at Florence. She looked as surprised as I was to hear Neville had special healing abilities.

Professor Allenvale was nodding. “Lunaya is quite right. Fluffins were known for soothing injuries and even mending broken spirits. In fact, ancient texts say that fluffins were often companions to...” She broke off, pursing her lips as if she were debating whether or not to say more.

“Companions to who?” Florence asked, looking fascinated as she stroked Neville’s soft fur.

Professor Allenvale hesitated for only a second, then smiled faintly at us. “To dragons and at times their riders.”

My gaze snapped to Neville who was now rolling on his back in Florence’s lap, shamelessly begging for belly pats and utterly unconcerned with the fuss his presence was causing.

“Dragons?” I repeated. “What does that mean?” Neville didn’t look exactly like a dragon doctor to me.

“Fluffins were said to share innate sensitivity—especially to powerful energies,” Professor said cautiously. “There are stories of them appearing in times of great upheaval.”

Lunaya leaned forward, her blue eyes alight with interest. “When I was little, my mother once told me a story aboutfluffins. She said they could sense when a dragon was in pain. Even heal them.”

I stared at Neville who had found another piece of mirthleaf on the table and now was batting in between his paws with gleeful abandon. Could it really be true?

Florence looked down at the little creature. “Well, he’s always been special to me, but I had no idea he had any unusual abilities. How fascinating.”

“Special indeed,” Professor Allenvale said with a soft laugh. “Perhaps he chose you for a reason, Miss Shen. After all, healing is one of your primary interests at Bloodwing, is it not?”

Class ended with the distant chime of bells from the castle.

As we stepped outside the greenhouse, I held Neville as Florence adjusted her book bag.

A little ways across the rocky green lawn, Lunaya Orphos stood talking to someone. A tall man was leaning against the greenhouse with his back to us. I couldn’t make out his face, but there was something about him that looked familiar.

He shifted slightly, revealing his profile as he said something to Lunaya who gave a gentle laugh, and my blood chilled. It was Marcus Drakharrow.

What was Blake’s older brother doing here?

Florence scooped Neville out of my arms and followed my gaze, her brow furrowing. “Who’s that talking to Lunaya?”

“Marcus Drakharrow,” I muttered. “Blake’s brother.”

“He’s...quite burly, isn’t he?” Florence remarked.

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