Page 40 of The Bond That Burns

“You’re tired,” she said sympathetically. She slid off the bed and scooped up the sleeping Neville. “I’ll see you in the morning. You might be in House Drakharrow but we can still eat together in the refectory, right?”

“Let them try and stop us,” I said, smiling at her. I had another thought. “Look, what Theo said about Vaughn...”

“Yes?”

“Theo was able to get Vaughn transferred to another house even though he’d been selected into Drakharrow.”

“Yes, that is unusual. Selection Day is supposed to be final.”

“But it’s not. Highbloods can do whatever they want,” I said impatiently. “We already knew that. It should be no surprise.”

Florence frowned. “So what’s the point?”

“The point is, I want you to talk to Kage for me. About having me moved to House Avari.”

Florence’s jaw dropped. “What? Are you serious?”

“Of course, I’m serious. I could be with you and I’d be away from Blake. It would be perfect.”

“But doesn’t Blake have to, you know... Feed?”

I shuddered. I hated thinking about him depending on me for blood. “Yes, but it’s just once a week. We have an arrangement.” I hoped he’d stick to it, even now. “He could come over to the Avari tower or I could come to him here. We’d figure it out.”

“I don’t think Blake would like the idea much, Medra,” Florence said nervously.

“Leave Blake to me. But you broach the subject if you see Kage before I do, all right?”

Florence nodded anxiously. “I’ll try my best. But Kage Tanaka and I... We’ve never really spoken.”

“He’s intimidating,” I agreed. “I know.” I sighed. “If you see him, mention it. If not, I’ll try to find him tomorrow or later this week.”

“You’re so bold, Medra,” Florence said, her eyes wide. “I’m not sure I’d be if I were in your shoes.”

“Thank the Bloodmaiden you aren’t in my shoes,” I joked.

“I do,” she said seriously. She bounced the sleeping fluffin in her arms a little and I heard Neville start to purr. “All right, I’m leaving now. Sleep well.”

“You, too,” I said, walking her towards the door.

She leaned towards me, brushing her lips against my cheek. “I missed you over the summer.”

“I missed you, too,” I said, my heart suddenly aching. I’d been so lonely. I hadn’t even realized just how lonely I’d been until I’d seen her. “Thank you so much for sneaking into the Drakharrow tower. That was very brave.”

She looked proud of herself. “It was, wasn’t it?”

“I love you, Florence,” I said before I could stop myself. I blushed. “You’re a dear friend.”

She looked surprised for a moment. “I love you, too, Medra. You know that. You’re mybestfriend.”

I felt like my heart would explode. “No one’s ever called me that before,” I confessed.

“No?” Florence lifted her chin. “Well, then they missed out. You’re an amazing friend.” She grinned at me. “See you tomorrow.”

The door clicked softly shut behind her.

I stood there a moment, staring at it, the silence of my tower room encroaching around me once more.

Florence’s parting words still lingered. I’d never had a friend like her before.

---