Page 31 of The Sea Witch's Son

“I won’t.”

His face is so tense it looks like his brows have become one. I reach out and take his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“I’m a survivor, remember? I’ve sacrificed a lot more than a Friday night.”

Freya honks her horn and Erik gives me a weak smile.

“Try not to sacrifice too much tonight.”

A ginger head pops out the window, “If you dramatize this goodbye any longer, we won’t be able to find a parking spot.”

I give Erik one last squeeze before running down the steps and hopping into the car. Freya hits the gas before I’ve finished buckling up.

“Is your dad always that protective?” She fiddles with the radio and a country song blasts out, “Seemed a little much for a house party.”

“Erik is my stepfather.” I watch the house fade from the side mirror, “He’s always looked out for me.”

“Well, he should take up acting. He looked like he was sending you off to war.”

My chest tightens as we turn off the main road, heading straight for the mansions hidden within the gated community.

“That’s because he was.”

The car rolls to a stop and Freya quickly punches in the code. The iron bars groan as they shift inward, beckoning us into the wolf’s den.

I swallow, watching the rows of lanterns flicker to life. Crows call in the distance, their black silhouettes circling a patch of land in the distance.

The sound of crashing waves filters through the open windows as we cruise along the trail, passing manicured lawns and driveways that disappear into the neighbouring trees.

“You know the house is big when it needs a driveway to build the anticipation.”

Freya snorts, “More like preparation for the egos waiting on the other side.”

I shift in my seat, craning my neck to catch a glimpse of the arches looming in the distance, “I’m surprised you don’t live here.”

“In the Dragon’s lair?” She shoots me an amused glance, “Only the wealthiest families live beyond the gates of hell. The ones with the power and the influence.”

“Is the mayor not an esteemed position?”

“Depends on whether you’re in the Drache family’s favour. My father was voted in before Calista’s mommy took over the town, so they’ve never gotten along.” Her tone darkens, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree on that one.”

“Aren’t there elections every four years? Couldn’t she have replaced him with someone else?”

“There were other circumstances at play. Besides, no one else wanted the position.” Freya flicks her eyes at me, “Thinking of running for mayor?”

“You got me. I’ve been struggling through the first week of classes just to prove I’d be a good candidate for the role.”

She snorts, “In that case, you’ve already met your competitor. Marlin has been training for that position his whole life.”

I turn and look at her, “Marlin wants to be mayor?”

“Apparently, he has big plans for this city. Not that anybody knows what they are.”

The car slows as we round another bend and turn onto a cobblestone driveway. I grip my seatbelt as the wheels wobble over uneven stones, watching the shadows guide us down a narrow path.

“That’s terrifying.”

Freya shrugs, “Anton called for an early election to make sure Marlin doesn’t have time to kickstart a campaign after graduation. Unless my father drops dead, no one else will be at the helm for another six years.”

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