Page 34 of The Bond That Burns

“Is that really it? The House Leader dies and their kid just steps up? That’s how it works?” I asked curiously. “I had no idea Lysander was the leader of his house now.”

Visha nodded. “That just happened over the summer. His uncle died. Lysander was the next in line. I mean, it’s not always the eldest child who inherits the spot. The leader gets to choose their heir. But Catherine was her father’s.”

So much power consolidated among so few people.

“I can’t believe you rode a dragon and didn’t tell me as soon as you walked in that door,” Florence exclaimed. She threw up her hands. “So you’re not bonded? Then how does it work exactly?”

I sighed and lay back against one of the bedposts. “I’m not sure it does.” I eyed Visha. If I kept talking, it would mean sharing some things I hadn’t shared with anyone else. I trusted Florence completely. But Visha? Her friendship was newer.

The violet-eyed highblood caught me staring at her. “Do you want me to leave?”

“No,” I said quickly.

She shrugged. “It’s all right if you do. Just say the word. I’ll get it.”

And I knew she would. She’d just go. She wouldn’t kick and scream about it like someone else might.

I thought of all that had happened between us since we met. She’d treated me like shit at first. Then she’d saved me during the Consort Games. Of course, she’d done it because Blake hadtold her to. But she’d been decent about it. She’d tried her best to help. She really did seem to want bygones to be bygones. I still didn’t know her very well. But there was something about her I’d come to like. She was blunt. Direct. Even harsh in a way. But I sensed I could trust her.

I took a deep breath. “Look, if I start talking, it might make it awkward for you. Blake doesn’t know any of this. And I don’t want him to.”

Visha nodded slowly. “I get it. I’m not going to spy on you for him, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“But he’s your House Leader,” I said.

“And he’s your archon,” she pointed out.

“For now.” I gritted my teeth. “A lot has happened since the last day of school.”

We stared at one another.

Then Visha smirked. “Don’t worry, Pendragon. I know we’re not at the sharing our deepest secrets stage of our relationship yet. We haven’t had enough sleepover parties for that. You can save all of your dragon bedtime stories for Florence.”

I frowned, worried I’d really offended her. “That’s not...”

Visha cut me off, her cocky grin widening. “Relax. I’m not going to pine away. I’m not cut out to be a tragic hero.”

Florence giggled nervously, trying to break the tension. “Speaking of relationships, how are things with your triad, Visha?”

Visha’s smile turned wolfish. She sat down near the hearth and leaned back against the stones with one knee propped up, looking like a complete rogue. “Oh, you mean the boys?” She waved a hand. “They’re fine. Honestly, it’s a miracle when they even notice I’m there.”

“Uh, do they not...?” I asked cautiously.

“Oh, they notice,” Visha reassured me, her grin growing sharp. “I’m not one to tolerate being ignored for long. We saw each other a few times over the summer. My family’s estate isn’t far from Lucian’s. Let’s just say I had a very busy time reminding them why I’m the one who holds that particular knot together.” She leaned back, putting her hands behind her head, her violet eyes gleaming with mischief. “But you know, a girl can’t survive on two boys alone.” She paused to roll her eyes. “Especially when they’re obviously smitten with each other.”

I thought of Theo and Vaughn. “So, they’re allowed to...?”

Visha laughed loudly. “We’re allallowedto. It’s only Blake’s uncle who’s such a prude. We can breed and still fuck other people. It’s not a crime.”

Florence leaned forward, her expression simultaneously shocked and interested. “So you like to... keep things interesting?”

“Of course.” Visha grinned. “Let’s see. I learned some swordplay from the brooding heir of House Adros in Veilmar.”

I snorted. “Swordplay. Sure.”

She raised a hand to her heart. “I swear, there were swords involved.”

Florence laughed and I grinned.

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