Page 60 of The Bond That Burns

I turned towards the House Avari head table where Kage Tanaka had risen to his feet.

He stood tall, his white-blond hair, shaved on the sides, gathered into a neat ponytail at the back of his head. Everything about him projected a soldier’s bearing, not a noble son’s indulgence. His dark eyes fell upon me as a hush fell over the refectory.

Kage gestured to the bench beside him. “Come. There’s room,” he said simply. He leaned down to speak softly to a girl seated beside him. She quickly nodded, then gestured to the students beside her and they all slid down without a word.

A lump formed in my throat. I felt a strong urge to look back at Blake, but I resisted.

Instead, I squared my shoulders and marched towards Kage’s table, touching Florence on the elbow as I came up beside her, to make sure she followed. Theo and Visha were behind us.

Kage’s eyes met mine as I approached. I saw unexpected sympathy there. And something grounding that made me feel, just for a moment, that I wasn’t alone in the chaos Blake kept stirring up.

“Sit down,” Kage said. But it was an invitation, not a command. He gestured to the open space beside him. “I hope you’ll find the company more agreeable here.”

“I’m sure I will,” I murmured as I slid onto the bench. Florence sat down beside me, looking nervous.

Theo and Visha looked even more uncomfortable than she did. I smiled at them reassuringly as they took the remaining spots.

Kage resumed his seat. He surveyed his table with the same calm authority that had silenced the room earlier. “House Avari welcomes guests. I trust that’s not a problem for anyone.”

His tone was light, but carried weight—enough to remind everyone around him who was in charge.

I finally glanced back at the Drakharrow table. Blake was still standing at its head, his hands flat against the table, leaning forward. His pale, sharp-featured face was twisted in fury. For a moment, I thought he might storm across the room towards me. But instead, he clenched his jaw and stalked out of the refectory.

I turned back to find Kage watching me.

“You handled yourself well,” he said quietly, leaning in toward me.

I’d only been this close to him once before. That night at the ball when we’d danced together. The memory was mostly a blur. Blake had dominated that night—like he seemed to dominate everything.

But now I looked at Kage carefully and really tried to take him in. I was sitting close enough that I could smell his scent. A smoky, woodsy aroma that reminded me of pine and cedarwood. Light enough not to overpower, yet with an earthy warmth.

“Thank you,” I said. “You saved my skin once again.” I glanced around me. “And not just mine,” I said, lowering my voice. “Florence...”

“I’ll be keeping an eye on her. Don’t you worry.” He smiled encouragingly. “She’s safe in my house. She’s earned her place here.”

I looked at him with gratitude. “She certainly has. You have no idea how hard she works.”

He laughed a little. “Of course I do. Why do you think I wanted her in Avari?”

I stared at him. For a moment I’d forgotten he’d made sure Florence would be selected to his house.

“Maybe this is a good opportunity,” I said slowly. “I’ve been meaning to approach you. I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Kage raised a brow. “Oh?”

I lowered my voice a touch. “Yes. Can you get me moved to House Avari like you did with Florence?”

I’d surprised him. He hid it well, but I could tell.

“That would be... difficult,” he said finally.

“But not impossible,” I said quickly. “Not for you. Your grandmother is a House Leader. I’m sure together you and she can arrange anything.”

Kage looked amused. “She’s certainly a formidable woman.”

“I have no doubt,” I said.

“But even my grandmother has limits. House selections only happen on Selection Day. You know that.”

---