Page 234 of Blood & Betrayals

I look down at the small bag, certain it wasn’t there when I left this morning. Crouching, I take a closer look. It’s a silk black bag held closed by a silver ribbon tied into a pretty bow. It seems benign, but I am still cautious as I pick it up, looking around again before tugging it open. The fabric parts, and I peek in before carefully slipping my hand inside. The first thing I feel is a piece of paper, and I pull it out, looking at the small note.

Happy Yule

- S

The script is elegant, and I can sense the power the writer possesses, even with the simple message. I linger over the note longer than I should, soaking up this small bit of him. Forcing myself to set it aside, I reach into the bag again, and my fingers brush against what feels like leather. I hold my breath and pull it free. My knees hit the carpet, and I sit back on my heels, staring down at the black leather binding hundreds of pieces of papyrus. I angle the bundle, running my fingers over the rune embossed on the front. It is an old rune, but I don’t recognize it.

I gather everything and stand up, looking up and down the hall once more before entering the dorm. I put the note and bag down on the counter, eagerly unwrapping the leather straps wound around the width of the book. Slowly, I open the cover, taking my time. This book is obviously ancient, and I don’t want to cause it any damage. Though the edges of the paper look damaged and delicate from the outside, the cover and the main body of the pages are perfectly preserved. There has been no fading or running of the ink and no water damage. It looks like it’s rarely been opened.

Carefully, I flip through the pages. It looks like most of the book is in New Faerie, but I do recognize some Ancient Daoine Sith, and there are sections written exclusively in… runes? They are old and strange, and I’ve never seen anything like them. I cannot wait to explore and translate them. I scoop everything up and hurry to my room. Connor is still snoring softly, so I sit at my desk and open the book again. It’s clearly priceless, an antique. My phone sits heavily in my pocket, and I think about messaging him. I shouldn’t. He’s not in my life anymore. He’s left me alone, which is what I wanted. Isn’t it?

Yes.

Maybe…

I pick up the note, seeking the familiar comfort of his power. Pulling my phone out, I open my message with him and feel a little sad that it’s been as long as it has since we spoke and since I feltnormal. Even after our fight, I still miss him. I know it doesn’t make sense, but I felt safe with him, and there was something freeing in that safety.

I curse under my breath and lock the phone, slamming the tome shut before slipping back into bed. I nuzzle my nose against Connor’s cheek. “Big guy?”

Connor groans, but his eyes are still closed. He pats the space where I had slept, still there for me if I should want it.

I sigh and climb back into bed, looking at him. “Good morning, handsome.”

“Hi,” Connor moans sleepily as he wraps his arms around me and pulls me into his warmth. “How was the gym?”

“Fine. I’m all sweaty and gross.”

Connor nuzzles into my neck. “You smell incredible, like always.”

I smile, running my fingers through his blond locks. “I beat Max’s ass.”

“That’s my girl.” Connor smiles, his eyes still closed as he basks in the intimacy. “Are you ready for our first day back?” he asks.

“I think so. It’s your last semester at Avalon. Are you ready to be done with school, big guy?”

Connor opens his eyes, revealing the love shining in their depths. “I’m ready for graduation.”

“You planning a rager?”

Connor shrugs. “Not a big one.”

I brush my lips over his. “You excited about the sexy robes you’ll get to wear for graduation?”

“Nope.”

“Then what is it you’re excited for? Getting your Legion?”

“It’s a surprise,” Connor says, pulling me tighter against him.

I lift an eyebrow.

Connor smiles. “I can havesomesecrets.”

I narrow my eyes at him and climb out of bed. “Whatever, I’m going to shower.”

Connor follows me into the bathroom and wraps his arms around me. “Are you pouting?”

“Yes,” I say, getting undressed.

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