Page 105 of Savage Hope

He narrows his eyes, irritated with having to waste more time on me than necessary and completely unimpressed with my inability to be immediately pliant and at his will. “Because you’re standing alone, and the groups have been formed,” he states, and I cock a brow.

“I was under the impression we are here as individuals, that what or who we are doesn’t matter,” I counter, making his eyes narrow further.

“Be as you will, but you may seek strength from those around you. Alone…you won’t last long, I’m sure.” He smiles, the display not reaching his eyes as they darken. I can read between the lines and understand what he’s not saying.

He thinks I won’t last two minutes alone. Maybe he’s right, or maybe I am.

Time will tell.

Channeling my father’s words, I put a wide smile on my face and nod. “Thank you for the advice.”

I know I don’t really have a choice in the matter. I’ve already heard the rumors that everyone will be housed according to their origins when we step inside the academy. There’s no point delaying the inevitable, but what can I say? I’m stubborn and I’m not going to fall under someone else’s thumb so easily.

Especially not a vampire’s.

Turning away from the irritation spoiling my observations, I roll my shoulders back and cut through the crowd, slowing to a stop at the front of the podium. Along with my kind.

Fae.

The nerves and panic that drift around them threaten to seep into my bones, too, but I push it back, slowing my racing heart as I channel every ounce of strength, determination, and power I have. It doesn’t help when I can feel people looking at me. Or is that the anxiety attempting to get the better of me?

Dammit.

“Are you with the right group?” a girl asks, and I turn to look at her with a frown. It’s on the tip of my tongue to question whether she thinks anyone would actually choose to stand here if they didn’t have to, but I manage to keep my mouth shut and simply nod instead. That doesn’t seem to appease her, though.Her gaze shifts to my ears and back to my eyes. “It’s just you don’t…”

“Have pointy ears,” I interject, giving her a pointed look. “I’m aware. Would you like to look closer to see the scars from where they were snipped?” I grunt, annoyed that I briefly reveal my feelings. The only effect that ever has is that someone obtains the upper hand over you, but to my surprise, it’s pain that flickers in her gray eyes instead.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry.” Her hand lifts to her mouth and I’m not sure if she’s going to cry or not, but I can’t deal with that.

No. Way.

“You didn’t do it. So don’t apologize.” I try to offer her a smile, but I know it’s weak, and there’s no rectifying it. So I turn my attention to the people gathered on the podium, murmuring among themselves as we all wait. The alternative would be to reach for my ears and feel the smooth edges to the tops, along with the slightly raised scar that serves as a memory sharper than any other.

Everything happens for a reason. Everything is meant to fall into place. Everything is okay.

“I’m sorry. I’m an apologizer. I’ll even apologize for apologizing,” she continues to ramble, standing at my side. I nod, hoping that will be enough of a response for her to back off, but apparently, my usual resting bitch face vibes aren’t in full effect today. “I’m Flora, by the way.”

Clearing my throat, I peer at her out of the corner of my eye, taking a moment to actually take her in. Her vivid orange hair falls around her shoulders in loose waves. Her big gray eyes are filled with a sense of hope, but they’re also tainted by the panic and worry that wars within them. She’s about my height, an inch or two taller if I’m being completely honest with myself, and her frame is small. She’s going to need to work on that while she’s here; otherwise, it will be pointless.

My hands flex at my sides.That’s not for me to worry about.Or is it? Is that not the entire end game of all of this? Taking a deep breath, I turn to face her properly.

“I’m Addi.”

“Nice. Addi, as in…”

“Just Addi will do.”

My throat clogs as it does every time someone takes the time to press me for details about myself, but thankfully, she doesn’t push, turning to face the podium again.

My gut clenches as I listen to the fae around me, the worry thick in their voices as they try to decipher everyone’s intentions. They probably need to be more focused on their own—another fact I may have to add to my to-do list. To prove myself as a fae among these people, I need to first prove it to my own kind. If it’s the last thing I do, I will make a positive name for us among this madness.

We are our people, Addi girl. We will always stand strongest when we are together and united as one.

My father’s words echo in my mind, guiding me as always, despite the fact that I have so many arguments I could throw back. As if our strength may have been stronger if we were united in this moment too. This is my first interaction, properly, with another fae, and it feels…weird. Maybe not weird, but it’s not my norm, yet I’m supposed to act like it is.

“There you are. I was wondering what was going on.” I glance at the guy approaching, but his gaze is on Flora, who blushes.

“It’s not like there’s really a sea of fae for you to lose me in,” she retorts, the pink of her cheeks deepening, and he grins at her before turning to me.

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