Page 29 of Dragon Unleashed

“Thank the goddesses it’s Frrrrrriday!” Val shouts.

She drags her academy tie over her head, stuffing it into her satchel as we walk down the cobbled path and across campus.

“I thought Potions was never going to end.” She does a happy dance on the spot.

No way I’m going to admit I like Potions, even last thing on a Friday.

“Coming into town to drown your sorrows?” She eyes me shrewdly. “Lover boy’s away, isn’t he? Me and a few of my gigging buddies are having a music sesh in the Wailing Moon.”

We pause at our lockers and Val stuffs her books on the top shelf. Every last one. Guess she’s not studying this weekend. I chew my lip, suddenly craving a Magic Mary and some downtime. A drink and an open mic sound heavenly.

Chano’s heading home to tell his mom about our thesis, and I can’t go. The Virrey’s rules. But I’m doing something more productive than drinking this evening. Tonight I track down Zephyr, and apologize—if I can pry him away from Professor Allegra. It’s the one thing I do hate about Potions—having towatch her make stupid googly eyes at him. How she thinks she’s being subtle is beyond me. And I used to admire her too.

“Earth to Lorelei.”

“Uh, sorry. I have something to do tonight.”

“Got a better offer? Out to play while Chano is away?”

“I wish.”

She raises an eyebrow.

“No! I don’t mean like that. It’s just, I have some apologizing to do and I don’t know where to start.”

Val grimaces as she drags her guitar from her locker. “Chocolates and flowers if it’s a girl, beer and blow job if it’s a guy. Don’t tell Chano I said that!” The metal of her locker door crashes shut and with a wink she’s gone. She didn’t even bother to lock it.

Holy hags, she’s a tornado. Shaking my head, I flick her padlock shut and drag myself back to my room to change. I hate our damn uniform; we’re in university for Hades’ sake. The white knee-high socks are especially disturbing. Either someone thinks we’re all still twelve, or they have a weird-ass kink. I stuff the whole lot into the laundry basket for the hada. Poor things get all the shitty jobs—although I’m pretty sure my kit smells better than the majority of the boys’.

With a sigh I poke the spot where Naeve’s knitting normally sits. A quick glance in the bathroom confirms her toothbrush is missing. Just me all weekend.

Flinging myself onto my bed, I lie staring at the ceiling. My neck prickles. Something in the sheets is irritating my skin. What the hell have the hada been washing our laundry with? Eventually I count to three, roll over, and sit up. Slipping a hand under my pillow, my fingers brush something unexpected. I pull out a scrawled note and a single bar of Voodoofinger. The wrapper is off and the chocolate’s in my mouth before I’ve even read the note.

Gone home. There’s no one else to check on Father. Talk when I’m back?—N

Poor Naeve. I rub the back of my hand across my mouth, bringing it away covered in chocolate. I’m such a delicate princess. Dammit, now Naeve’s gone, I’ve no excuse to delay this. I have to find a way to apologize to Zephyr. And Val’s suggestion is out.

I’m walking through the common room when I catch sight of the very guy I’m heading to see—out the damn window. Zephyr’s unmistakable blond hair whips in the wind as he hefts a suitcase away from the accommodation block. That’s one heck of an overnight bag. Farrell flanks one side of him, and Professor Allegra is a few steps behind. You’d hardly recognize the woman from an hour ago. Gone are the university robes, the thick-rimmed glasses, and the severe scraped back bun. She looks ten years younger, and sexy. Her skintight jeans cling to her curves, and her perfectly straight hair sways down her back. My gut clenches as she sneaks a look over her shoulder before scuttling forward and squeezing Zephyr’s ass.

Isawthat, you miserable excuse for a professor.

She drops back again and I hang out the window, watching as they all move slowly in the direction of the portal. The ancient stone arch beckons in the distance, the surface rippling slightly like an oil slick on the waves. Freedom is out there, wherever they’re going. And I’m stuck here, thanks to the Virrey’s stupid punishment.

Zephyr steps through, casting a glance back at Professor Allegra just before he’s swallowed by the shimmering surface.

How has she not been reported yet? His shirt collar is peppered with the same bright red lipstick she’s wearing. It shouldn’t take a genius to figure it out. I slam the window shut, ducking out of sight when Farrell’s sharp gaze sweeps back toward the dorm building.

Now what? My entire allegiance is gone. I glance at the time. Val’s headed into town by now too. Common room it is.

I scuff my toe on the pool table, trying to ignore the stares coming my way. What’s their problem? Oh yeah, I’m supposedly stringing along two of the most eligible guys in the school. Gossips.

Thin bony fingers dig into my bicep and I snatch my arm back.

Silas.

My heart sinks to my boots.

“When Farrell isn’t here, you’re to train with me. Virrey’s orders. Farrell just stepped into the portal, which makes you mine for the evening.”

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