Page 30 of The Iron Flower

Aunt Vyvian’s gaze sharpens on me. “I’ve heard you’ve been seen with the Lupine twins, as well.”

I struggle to keep my expression impassive as I clench and unclench my fists under the table’s edge, surprised by the sudden rush of power. “I can’t avoid Diana Ulrich,” I explain, forcing myself to take even, measured breaths. “She’s my assigned Chemistrie research partner.”

“Well, switch partners. Immediately.” Her eyes flick toward me as she butters her gooseberry roll.

“Yes, Aunt Vyvian.” My wand hand tingles, my fire lines sparking. I’m suddenly and acutely aware of how much wood I’m surrounded by. Practically everything in the room is made of wood.

Aunt Vyvian purses her lips. “Lupines are unpredictable beasts. I hear the female has forsaken her lodging to live in the woods. Like the wild animal she is.”

Um, no, actually. She’s living with me. Along with a Selkie and two Icarals.

Aunt Vyvian cocks an eyebrow, studying me as she takes a sip of her tea. “You’re doing well in your studies?”

“Yes, Aunt Vyvian.”No, I’m actually barely passing all of my classes and living on about four hours of sleep a night. And having visions of the forest attacking me.

“It’s not surprising you’re doing so well,” she says with an air of satisfaction. “Our family’s always been a clever lot. And I hear that you and Lukas Grey attended the Yule Dance together.” Her eyes beam with approval.

A stinging flush heats my cheeks at the mention of Lukas’s name. I absently reach for the Snow Oak pendant around my neck, the wood of Lukas’s gift pulsing against my palm with enticing warmth.

“That’s a beautiful necklace, Elloren,” my aunt comments, never missing a gesture. “Where did you get it?”

My blush deepens. “Lukas gave it to me.”

Aunt Vyvian’s mouth lifts into a shrewd smile. “It’s high time you fasted to him.”

“I do plan on fasting to him,” I politely lie, the pendant’s humming strength soothing my nerves. “But I must speak to Uncle Edwin about it first.”

“Then it’s a good thing you’ll be seeing your uncle on Founder’s Day,” she says with a tight smile. “You can secure his permission then.”

Time is running out. My hands will be marked by summer.

“I’m sure he’ll give permission soon—”

“I want you fasted to Lukas Greynow,” she insists, losing all vestiges of pleasantry.

“I realize that,” I tell her, unable to keep the sarcasm out of my voice. “I’m living with two Icarals.” I inwardly scoff over how completely my aunt’s attempt at leverage has gone awry. But then a sharp apprehension spikes through me, and I immediately regret reminding her of this—I’m scared of bringing her attention to anything pertaining to my North Tower lodging. My auntcannotfind out that Marina is living there with us. Not when she’s the lead advocate on the Mage Council for having the Selkies killed as soon as they come to shore.

Catching my air of defiance, Aunt Vyvian narrows her eyes at me. “I’m surprised you’ve endured living with the Icarals this long, to be quite frank. You’re made of sterner stuff than I imagined. It’s a shame you don’t have the magical ability to match your stubborness.” Aunt Vyvian shakes her head ruefully and lets out a sigh for what might have been. Her expression turns frustrated. “It’s not rightthat the Bane girl is heir toourmagic.”

Ah, that old rivalry. I sit up straighter, glad for the distraction.

“I know you must find me harsh, Elloren,” Aunt Vyvian reasons with a frown, “but I’m keeping the pressure on you. It’s for your own sake, andfor the sake of this family. You need to fast to Lukas quickly,before he walks away from this for good.”

Before I can formulate a response, we’re interrupted by the arrival of my brothers. Trystan comes in first, wearing his finest Gardnerian clothing, his smart storm-gray military apprentice uniform marked with a silver Erthia sphere and Level Five stripes. Rafe enters behind him, smiling widely, and I’m dismayed to see he’s wearing our old Kelt-styled woolen clothing from home.

No, Rafe. This is not the time to challenge her.

“Ah, Trystan.” Aunt Vyvian rises to meet my younger brother with a warm smile, making a sharp point of ignoring Rafe. She kisses Trystan on both cheeks. “I’m hearing such great things about you,” she says proudly. “Already accepted into the Weapons Guild at such a young age—the youngestever.Quite an accomplishment, dear. Your hard work and commitment to your craft deserve a reward, so I have something for you.” She holds out a long package tied with stiff brown string, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Your uncle doesn’t have to know about it.”

Trystan takes the package and tugs at the string, the paper falling open.

A wand.

My heart leaps at this unexpected advantage my aunt has handed to us.Two wands. Two weapons. Trystan’s eyes widen as he runs his fingers over the wand, testing the feel of it.

“You are a Level Five Mage,” Aunt Vyvian declares. “It’s high time you had your own wand, one fine enough to match your natural talents. I’m very proud of you, Trystan.”

“Thank you, Aunt Vyvian.” My brother acknowledges her praise with a slight, respectful bow, his face pleasantly neutral. At moments like these, I’m incredibly grateful for Trystan’s ability to remain completely calm and self-contained, no matter what he’s faced with.

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