Page 115 of The Bond That Burns

I nodded slowly. But before I could say anything in reply, the door opened again. Kage Tanaka walked in.

If Vaughn had seemed a little hesitant when he’d stepped into the infirmary, Kage looked the opposite. He appeared perfectly at home in his rival’s tower, even though he was obviously an invader.

Ailith swept in from the wings as if she’d been waiting for another opportunity to defend her territory.

“By the Bloodmaiden,” she exclaimed, shooting a pointed look in my direction. “I’m not sure what’s going on here today. But, out you go, Mr. Tanaka!”

The petite healer looked as if she were about to bodily try to heave Kage out of the infirmary. I eyed the Avari leader’s tall frame up and down. I didn’t think that would go well.

Kage raised an eyebrow. He looked completely unbothered. As if he owned the place.

I hid a smile. “Kage. It’s good to see you. But what are you doing here?”

“He’s leaving,” Ailith announced, moving to stand in his path. “That’s what he’s doing. Right now.”

I sighed. Ailith was not going to think fondly of me after today. Not when I was basically channeling Regan Pansera. Suppressing a groan of guilt, I raised my voice, “No, he’s not.”

My voice carried enough authority that the healer paused. She turned to look at me, shooting daggers with her eyes. “Miss Pendragon, you can’t simply make unilateral decisions...”

“Look, I said Kage can stay so he can stay.” I hated playing the consort card, but if Kage was here I knew it must be for a good reason. He wasn’t the type to make a get-well-soon visit. “You know what, I’ll make your life easier, Ailith. I’m checking myself out of this place. Kage will leave. But Vaughn can stay–for as long as he needs to. Do you understand?”

Ailith looked between Kage and Vaughn and I, clearly weighing her options. Finally, she threw up her hands, obviously fuming. “Fine. But I’ll be including all of this in my notes.”

I gritted my teeth, already swinging my legs over the edge of my bed and ignoring the dull flare of pain in my side. Kage was there in a heartbeat, taking my arm and gently helping me rise.

“Theo is the one who needs your attention,” I said to Ailith. “Please watch over him carefully. I know Blake would want that.” I glanced at Vaughn. “I’ll be back soon. To check on Theo—and you.”

Vaughn nodded. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll stay as long as I can. You can tell Blake that.” He glanced between Kage and I as if slightly confused. “And you can tell Blake I’ll make the offer.”

I knew what he meant. I nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Vaughn. Truly.” I turned to Kage. “Shall we?”

Once we were in the hall, Kage fell into step beside me, purposely keeping his pace unhurried as if concerned he might tire me out. “You’re surprisingly spry for someone who just came from a sick bed.”

“I wasn’t sick. Just...injured.”

“Yes, I understand there was an attack on your carriage while you were on your way back to Bloodwing,” he said coolly. “What happened?”

I glanced at him, wondering if he’d already gotten the story from Florence. My throat tightened. Had she tried to visit me in the infirmary? Had Ailith turned her away while I’d been sleeping? Or had she even bothered? If Florence and her mother never wanted to see me again, I couldn’t really blame them at this point.

“I don’t really want to talk about it,” I said finally, realizing Kage was waiting for me to reply.

He nodded politely. “In that case, I’ll get straight to the point. I came to tell you I’ve received some news.”

“News? What kind of news?” I asked warily.

“You’ve been granted permission to transfer to House Avari.”

I stopped walking. “What?”

Kage paused, slipping his hands into the pockets of his trousers and turning to face me. “My family has decided they’ll permit you to enter House Avari. Headmaster Kim received permission from Viktor Drakharrow this morning.”

My head spun. “Viktor isallowingthis? Why?”

Kage smiled slightly. “Isn’t this what you wanted, Medra?”

“Yes,” I said with confusion, looking into his dark eyes. “I mean, I think so.”

I remembered what I’d announced to the entire Tribunal that day. That I wanted to break my bond with Blake. If I moved into House Avari, I’d be one step closer to doing that. He’d still have to feed from me. But we’d be separate.

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