Page 75 of Tempest Awakening

"This policy exists to maintain a professional learning environment and to prevent any conflicts of interest," Headmaster Northfall explained, oblivious to my internal conversation. "I trust you understand the importance of this?"

"Yes, Headmaster," I managed, hoping my voice sounded steadier than I felt.

Headmaster Northfall nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Excellent. Do you have any questions about these rules or any other aspects of life at the academy?"

As I opened my mouth to respond, I realized that I had about a million questions, but I wasn't sure where to even begin. My mind was still reeling from Thalon's unexpected commentary on my thoughts.

"I... I can't think of any questions at the moment, Headmaster," I managed to say.

“Don't worry,”Thalon assured me. “I'll answer any questions I can. Though perhaps not about your romantic prospects,”he added with a mental chuckle.

"Very well," Headmaster Northfall said with a smile. "You're both dismissed. Instructor Blackwell, please ensure Ms. Whittaker knows where to go for your session tomorrow."

As we left the office, Theron turned to me, his emerald eyes intense. "Eleven o’clock sharp, Ms. Whittaker. Don't be late."

"Y-yes, sir," I stammered, cursing my body's reaction to his authoritative tone.

Theron's expression softened slightly. "Go get some lunch, Ms. Whittaker. You'll need your strength for tomorrow's session."

I nodded, not trusting my voice, and headed towards the dining hall. As I walked, my mind kept replaying Theron's words. Why did he have to sound so... so...

“Dominant?”Thalon supplied, his mental voice amused. “Trust your instincts, little one. They're sharper than you think.”

Chapter 24

Ciaran

From the shadows of Headmaster Northfall's office, I watched the scene unfold, my eyes never leaving Tess. She looked small and vulnerable among these powerful figures, but there was a quiet strength in her posture that stirred something deep within me.

Headmaster Northfall cleared her throat. "While I appreciate your concern, Lord Protector, breaking a dragon bond is not only unprecedented but potentially dangerous. However," she added as Silvius opened his mouth, "I do agree that we must consider the precedent we're setting."

I noticed a flicker of cautious optimism in Isolde's eyes as she turned to Tess. "Ms. Whittaker, you must understand the gravity of your position. The Guild Trial in October will be crucial. It's designed as the first step in narrowing down our applicants. Only seventy percent of participants move forward in the process."

Tess's face paled slightly, and I felt my form ripple, nearly losing cohesion. The urge to materialize beside her, to wrap her in my arms and whisk her away from this place, was almost overwhelming. My vision swam, the edges blurring as I fought to maintain control.

Help her,a voice inside me roared, causing the shadows to writhe around me.She needs us.

I dug my nails into my palms, the sharp pain anchoring me to reality.Not right now,I argued with myself, even as my heart raced at her obvious distress.

As Silvius leaned forward, a predatory glint in his eye, I felt my form flicker, the shadows around me rippling dangerously. "I think I'll oversee the organization of this year's trial. To ensure it's... appropriately challenging for all applicants."

The emphasis he placed on "all" made his intentions clear. My vision blurred, tinged with red at the edges. I could feel my corporeal form trying to solidify, my fingers itching to wrap around Silvius's throat. I dug my nails into my palms, the sharp pain anchoring me to the shadows.

Headmaster Northfall's expression remained carefully neutral, but I caught a flicker of frustration in her eyes before she smoothed it away. "Of course, Lord Protector. Your expertise will undoubtedly be valuable in crafting this year's trial."

As the conversation progressed, I found my gaze drawn to Theron. His face was an impassive mask, but I noticed the conflicted glances he kept throwing Tess's way. There was something there—concern? Attraction? A low growl rumbled in my chest, thankfully masked by the shadows.

He has no right to look at her that way.

The intensity of Theron's gaze set off alarm bells in my mind. Another potential threat to Tess, another variable to control. My fingers twitched, instinctively reaching for a weapon that wasn't there. I forced myself to still, to think rationally through the haze of possessive fury.

We’ll watch him closely, adding Theron to my mental list of people to monitor.He could be dangerous.

When Silvius mentioned Theron's suspension due to Tess's actions, I saw her cheeks flush with embarrassment. My vision tunneled, focused solely on Tess. The shadows around me writhed, responding to my agitation.

Silvius stood, his movement smooth and deliberate. "Well, I believe we've covered everything of importance. Isolde, do keep me informed of our little experiment's progress." His eyes flickered to Tess, cold and assessing. "I'll be watching with great interest."

The barely concealed disdain in Silvius's voice made my decision for me. The shadows coiled around me, eager and restless.

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