Page 33 of The Bond That Burns

We were silent for a moment. I knew we were both thinking of Naveen. We’d been as thick as thieves last year, the three of us. Now there were just us two.

Because of me. Because of what I’d done to survive.

But I wasn’t going to let my darkness infect Florence’s light.

I grabbed a sugar-dusted cookie then sat down on the bed, pasting a smile on my face. “Let’s talk about something else. How was your summer?”

But before we could exchange more news, the door swung open and a pair of violet eyes peered in.

“I thought I heard laughing. Having a party? Can I join?”

Florence and I exchanged glances, then I grinned. “Come in, Visha.”

Visha shut the door, then marched over and plopped down on the bed, running her hands through her hair. She’d let it grow out a bit over the summer, but kept one side fully shaved. I wasfairly sure she could shave her head completely and still look stunning.

“So, I hear you had a sweet ride back to Bloodwing after the Tribunal today,” Visha said mischievously.

“Ride?” Florence looked back and forth between us. “What does that mean?”

I laughed nervously.

Visha’s eyes twinkled at Florence. “She didn’t tell you yet? Our girl rode a dragon.”

Florence’s eyes turned into saucers. “What? You did? Oh, Medra, that’s wonderful! You’ve bonded with Nyxaris!”

I grimaced. “Bonded is putting it strongly. He hasn’t burned me to a crisp yet.”

“Bah.” Visha waved a hand. “She’s understating it. Our little rider doesn’t like to brag. I mean, she did have him roast someone but it wasn’t her.”

I thought Florence was going to choke. “Roast someone? When? Who? By the Bloodmaiden, what did you do, Medra?”

I winced at the exclamation. “Ididn’t do anything, I assure you. It was allhim.”

Visha looked at me curiously. “So it really is true?”

“What is?”

She shrugged. “Well, at least half the school thinks you had your dragon slay Lord Mortis for you because he wanted you executed.”

Florence shrieked. “What?” She glared at me accusingly. “You said they weren’t going to execute you.”

“They aren’t,” I said soothingly. “That was just... one small part of the conversation.”

Visha snorted. “I mean, I don’t think anyone is going to suggest it for a while. They’re too scared shitless now.”

“Oh, Medra,” Florence moaned. “Aregent? A House Leader? What did Catherine say?”

I shifted uncomfortably. “She didn’t look exactly pleased. But she didn’t demand we duel to the death either.”

“Catherine will be fine,” Visha said dismissively, sliding off the bed and going over to the plate of pastries. “She’s probably thrilled. She just got a huge promotion thanks to you.”

“It wasn’t me,” I reminded her. “Nyxaris did that. Honestly, he nearly scorched me in the process and if he had, I doubt he’d have cared.” I thought of Kage, flying out of nowhere to grab me. “Lord Mortis insulted Nyxaris. Apparently that’s in very bad form.”

Visha cackled. “I’d say. What an idiot.” She turned to face me, a cookie in one hand and a raspberry tart in the other. “You wouldn’t believe the things they’re saying about Mortis already. He’s a laughingstock. If Catherine wasn’t pissed at you before, she might be now.” She tilted her head thoughtfully. “But again, she is the House Mortis Leader now... I mean, within Bloodwing and outside of it. She’s a regent. So maybe she’ll be grateful.”

“Her father is dead,” Florence said, sounding shocked.

“Yeah, and he wasn’t an easy man to get along with. Now Catherine is free,” Visha pointed out.

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