Page 117 of The Bond That Burns

Each time a student dared to walk past, I’d glare at them or growl. They’d rush by with a squeak—or in some cases, a scream of terror.

Good. It kept the corridor clear.

When Pendragon rounded the corner, I felt relief cross my face. I strode towards her, stopping just short of touching her.

She looked good. Better. Healed.

But I’d already known she was going to recover quickly. The healers had told me they weren’t worried about her. Not like they were about Theo.

“You’re here. Good,” I said, keeping my voice low. I glanced back at the door. “I was just about to go and find someone to help.”

She frowned, glancing at the door behind me. “Find someone to help with what?”

“Aenia.” I couldn’t help it. I kept looking back at the door as if it might burst open. “She’s in there. Sleeping. For now.”

“Aenia’shere?” Pendragon’s face turned horrified. “What were you thinking? What’s going to happen when she wakes up?”

I didn’t reply to her first question, just ran a hand through my hair. “That’s the problem. I need to get her out of here. But Ican’t just...” I shook my head, trying to clear it. “Don’t worry, she’s safe for now. She’s tied up. The door’s locked.”

I’d hated to take such drastic measures, but I knew they were necessary. When one of her feral periods came over her, she was difficult to control. She’d hurt me on more than one occasion.

“Safe? Safe for who?” Pendragon hissed.

I frowned. “I said I’d get her out of here. But I need to make arrangements. I just need someone to stay outside the room until I get back.” I looked at her pleadingly.

Her eyes widened in disbelief. “You want me to stand guard? After what happened in the carriage? Blake, she nearly killed your own cousin.”

I scowled, glancing around. But the hallway was still clear. “Keep your voice down, would you?”

When I looked back at her, she was shaking her head. “I don’t understand you. I don’t understand any of this.”

“What the fuck do you expect me to do, Pendragon? Tell me.” My voice rose, rough with exhaustion. “If it were your little sister, what would you do? Honestly, I’d love to know.”

She crossed her arms, but her expression softened a little. “I don’t know. But maybe you could start by letting Healer Ailith write her report. The one I know you’re planning to tell her not to write. If the Tribunal finds out, maybe that wouldn’t be the worst thing for Aenia. Maybe they’d...”

“Do you have any idea what you’re even saying?” I burst out. I could feel my temper spiking. I hadn’t slept. Hadn’t eaten. I’d just been with Aenia alone all this time, just waiting for help.Usually, I could have counted on Theo. “If they get that report, Aenia will be executed. I could be executed, too. Or had you forgotten that little detail?”

Pendragon paled. “Oh, shit. Blake, I’m sorry. I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Right,” I said bitterly. “Well, believe me, I have. But it’s not even about me. It’s about Aenia. I won’t let that happen to her. Look, Visha went to make arrangements. But she’s taking too long. I’ll go find her. I’ll smooth everything out, and then we’ll get Aenia out of here.”

“Florence and her mother were in that carriage, too,” she said quietly. “They saw what happened.”

“I already spoke to them,” I snapped. “They aren’t going to say anything.”

The expression on her face told me she didn’t approve, but she nodded. “Fine. I’ll watch her. I’ll stay here as long as you need me to.”

I sagged with relief. “Thank you.”

I started to walk away, but she touched my shoulder. I looked down at her, suddenly wishing I could just sweep her into my arms. She’d been injured. She could have died. All I wanted was to keep her safe, comfort her. To lay down next to her, pull her close, and sleep. But I couldn’t do any of that. Not until Aenia was out of harm’s way.

“Blake,” she murmured. “I know she’s your sister...”

I flinched, knowing what was coming. Not wanting to hear it.

“But she’s dangerous. You have to see that. She could have killed Theo.” She took a deep breath. “Even now, he’s not out of the woods. He could die.” She looked into my eyes steadily. “You’ve tried to save her. Over and over again, you’ve tried to do the right thing. I admire you for it. But how long can this go on? She’s out of control and you can’t be responsible for her forever.”

“Can’t I?” I said sharply. My eyes stayed locked on hers, fierce and uncompromising. “She’s a child. An innocent child. All of this is my fault. She never asked for this life, Pendragon. I brought this fate upon her. I’ve done everything I can to keep her alive. I won’t just hand her over to people who’ll butcher her like a rabid dog.”

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