Page 123 of The Bond That Burns

She lifted her chin stubbornly. “I’m tired of being like this. I want you to teach me how to fight. How to defend myself. Next time, I need to be able to help.” She clutched her skirt, gripping it with her hands. “I can’t stand just sitting there again. Being so helpless. By the Bloodmaiden, I couldn’t even protect my own mother.”

I shook my head. “I should never have left you two. It’s all my fault.”

“You were trying to defend us. You didn’t expect Aenia to overpower Theo. She was just so... so strong, Medra. Unnaturally strong. She’s only a little girl, but...” She stared at me, then bit her lip.

“What is it?” But I already suspected what she was thinking. She was smart, my Florence.

“She was the one who hurt the blightborn child last winter, wasn’t she? Blake’s sister?”

I nodded slowly. I wasn’t going to lie to her. “Yes. Blake loves her, despite everything. He’s determined to protect her.” The word sounded strange on my lips. Blake and the word “love” didn’t seem to go together. Except when it came to Theo and Aenia.

“I understand. She’s his family.”

“She’s gone now,” I promised. “Blake’s had her taken away. Somewhere she’ll be safe and...won’t have a chance to hurt anyone else.” I sure hoped it was true.

“Good,” Florence said. “But that doesn’t change anything. I want you to show me how to be more like you. I want to learn, Medra. I need to be able to spill blood. When it’s necessary.”

I stared at her, my heart sinking. What was happening to my gentle, sweet friend?

The little scholar, a voice suddenly growled inside my head.How does she fare?

Florence?I didn’t think Nyxaris would even remember who she was.How did you know I was with her?

I can sense these things.He gave a deep rumbling yawn.Usually I do not bother. Your life is dull. No thrill of the hunt.

I was rather relieved to hear him say I was too boring to spy on.Yes, well, sorry about that.I paused.As for Florence... she wants me to teach her how to kill people.

Admirable, Nyxaris declared immediately.A brilliant mind paired with a brave heart.

She has the bravest heart of anyone I know, I admitted.She says she doesn’t want to be helpless anymore. But...

But what? You would not leave a little bird without wings, would you?

I suppose not,I said reluctantly.But she’s so gentle. Some people just don’t seem made for fighting, Nyxaris. It seems wrong to teach her.

She’s asked you to instruct her,he pointed out with surprising softness.You would do her a disservice not to respect her wishes. The scholar may be a soldier yet.

I don’t want her to be a soldier,I said wistfully.I want her to stay exactly the way she is. She’s perfect already.

Evidently she does not agree. Trust her. Teach her. She may lose interest, for all you know.

That’s true,I agreed, a little relieved.I’ll teach her the basics at least. I suppose everyone should know how to defend themselves.

I waited for Nyxaris to respond. But he was gone. Apparently I’d become too dull again.

Florence was looking at me.

“Nyxaris was speaking to me,” I explained. “He wanted to know how you were.”

Her eyes widened. “He wanted to know aboutme?” The words came out as a squeak.

I nodded, then looked around. “Do you mind sharing a room with me by the way? I didn’t expect Kage to make you move. If you were happier where you were...”

“No,” she said quickly. “I think it’ll be nice. I mean, if you think so?”

I smiled. “I like the idea.” Maybe I could finally figure out what the hell a thesis statement was now. With Florence as my roommate, I’d have no excuse.

Bunking with Florence meant less opportunities for alone time with Blake. I supposed I’d have to go to him for feedings.

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