Page 13 of Dragon Unleashed

I wriggle in his grip, trying to ignore the blood pulsing in his jugular, inches from my face.

“Listen, chica, there’s an easy solution. You feed, and the craving goes away.”

My nostrils flare. Stepping away, I snatch up Chano’s sweaty towel, give it a quick twirl, and flick it at his ass.

“Ow.” Chano looks genuinely shocked. “What was that for?

“It’s not that simple.”

“Sure it is.”

The bell goes before I can protest how many different ways I do not want to predate on innocent students for their blood.

“After assembly, we sort this. No excuses.”

Sort this?I shake my head and watch him as he makes for the showers.

That ass.

Chapter Six: Lorelei

By the time Chano’s showered we’re among the last to arrive in the Great Hall. It’s plainer than when the Solstice Ball was held. More stern somehow. The giant fireplaces are empty, and the only real decoration is across the stage. Even then the hada have simply strung the academy banner over the stage and threaded tiny lights around it. Nothing compared to some of their more spectacular displays.

I’ve barely seen any hada since I got back. The tiny fairy housekeepers of the academy always keep to themselves. I guess I just got used to Lia being more friendly than the rest. Her death left a little hada-sized hole in my life.

I grip Chano’s hand tightly, weaving between the rows of students perched uncomfortably on wooden folding chairs. The assembly is only for the first two years of students, but still, there’s a lot of people. A lot of hearts. And they’re all beating.

Squashing my disgusting desire down I sidestep the row where Naeve, Farrell, and Zephyr sit. We don’t need a public showdown. And I’m still furious. I don’t even know what tothink about the rebellion. I can’t see past their betrayal to form a coherent thought about anything else.

“You’re glaring,” Chano hisses in my ear.

I drag my gaze from the trio, faltering. Val waves excitedly and I march over, throwing myself down next to her and Hewie. I’m not looking at Naeve. I can’t. She’ll be doing her best kicked-puppy impression, and I can’t hack it.

Instead I concentrate on Val. Somehow, despite wearing the same uniform as everyone else, she’s still managing to pull off a rock chic vibe. Her violet hair is just long enough to flop over one eye and curl behind her ear, showing off her stunning helix piercings. The dean’s magically amplified voice booms across our excited hellos.

“Good morning to our esteemed teachers and vibrant students. It is the time for new beginnings, new adventures, and new challenges.”

“Here we go,” Val mutters, slouching lower in her seat. “The same old welcome speech.”

“Students, I invite you to treat this year as a fresh start. Exciting changes are afoot. I am delighted to inform you Our Glorious Leader has great plans for Fates Academy.”

Hewie lets out a squeak of surprise and everyone, even Val, sits up. Muttering breaks out around us.

“Holy hell,” Chano says.

“The Angel King can’t have heard about the rebellion already, can he?” I ask, drowned out by one of Hewie’s ear-piercing screeches. I flinch. Hellfire, I know it’s a banshee thing, but surely the guy has a volume button?

Chano eyes Hewie. “Shut it, screamer.”

“Then keep your voices down,” Hewie snaps back. “It’s not safe to talk like that.”

Hewie looks between the two of us, and I’m proud of him when he only pales slightly at Chano’s growl.

Satyr shit. Hewie’s looking out for me.

I lean across Val and pat his knee.

He shrinks back. Not the response I was expecting, but okay.

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