Page 46 of Phixmery

The moment he’s out of ear shot, the Sergeant’s voice is far too low for me to hear anything, especially with the door between us. Evera saunters towards me and whispers so that only I can hear. “My father and the Major are great friends. You don’t stand a chance, and you have no one to fight for you. You should have just let me finish the job in the Nairiden Woods,” she seethes.

“Please, for the love of all that is sacred, please let me remove her eyes to match her ears,” Nero begs, his plumage puffing up in anger.

“No, we are better than this. And considering the position we’re in, that won’t look good on us. I’d rather try to get out of this alive,” I remind him, which calms him—only a bit.

Rune storms back in and the Sergeant from Wing One strides away in the opposite direction, and that’s the last I see of him before the door is slammed shut again. “I’ve taken both stories into consideration. You both will remain at Phixmery. Gannon, Spade, and Fellowes, you will be joining a different squad, comprised of other cadets who lost their groups. Solace, I suggest keeping a better eye on your bird and your anger in check. Emotional balance is required if you want to rise within the ranks. This will be going on your permanent file.”

My nails dig into the meaty part of my hands, and I know I’ll have crescent indents marring the skin, but I’m alive. This is all the more reason I need to keep my head down and stay the hell away from them. Evera leaving our squad will definitely make this easier. But how is this just? The fact that the Major is in Evera’s father’s pocket is just a testament to this place and what it seems like she can get away with. If it wasn’t for whatever Driscol said to Rune… I may have had to fight my way out of here.

Maybe I shouldn’t have gone after them like that, I should have chosen my battles. But they’re going to be keeping a closer eye on me now. The stakes are even higher for me to leave.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

“TELL ME WHAT YOU SAW again. From the start,” I say again, not able to wrap my head around what went down at the trial.

Killian narrows his gaze at me, his lips pinched with annoyance. “Nothing has changed from the other ten times I explained it. Her familiar was attacked by your future mate, she used earth magick, and I left, not interfering,” he grunts, his crimson eyes twitching.

I’m positive he’s hiding something, but if he isn’t going to tell me, I’ll have to figure it out for myself. Cadet Solace has obviously been hiding another element if she’s been able to wield that magick as well as he said she did. It does explain how she’s been able to escape their notice in the tunnels under the castle, but it doesn’t bode well for her that she’s been hiding things.

I roll my neck, trying to get relief from the tension that’s building up between my shoulder blades. “I’m coming with you next time you follow her. If she’s using earth, I should be able to sense her using the magick if we’re close enough.”

Jesper grins, clasps his hands together and leans forward with a wide grin. “It’s about time you join us. I’ve been telling you: my Little Mouse is up to something.”

My rough, calloused hand runs down my face before I tilt my head and stare at him. “I thought I told you to stop calling her that?”

He shrugs, while Killian’s gaze volleys between us. “She’s small, hard to catch, disappears into walls right before you catch her, and she’s stunning,” he explains.

“So is she stunning? Or is she a traitor to Damorleia? You can’t be pining after the enemy, Jesper,” I snap, losing a small hold on my jealousy—no. That can’t be it. She’s an annoyance, nothing more. A small snag in the grand scheme of things.

He smirks, and a spider the size of my hand begins crawling up my leg, its pincers dripping with bright yellow venom. I swat it away, hissing in frustration as my heart pounds. The arachnid vanishes like wisps of smoke, which has Jesper laughing, and an amused glint in Killian’s eyes.

Him and his fates-damned illusions.

They can’t truly do you harm, but they’re so life-like they seem like they can.

“Some of the most beautiful creatures in the realm are the most poisonous. It doesn’t mean I can’t admire its beauty though,” he states.

There’s truth to his words, so I let it slide. There will be no changing his mind with this. He’s already lost on the female. I’ll just have to keep him protected the best I can.

I run my hand through my shortened hair—which is unlike most fae who prefer to keep theirs long. “My father sent his personal pixie to send me a letter this morning. He wants me to attend a dinner with him in two nights, so I’ll need to leave tonight,” I state, knowing their reactions.

Killian shakes his head, his numerous braids snapping with his head. “No. Your father is worse than both of ours combined. You won’t be going there alone,” he snarls, rising to his towering height.

“I figured you’d say as much. The inn near my father’s should have space for you. I’ve already sent word to have rooms ready for the night. Tisur and Voissor will have to stay out of town as usual. You know he’ll be watching, but I’d feel better knowing you two were close by.” It’s easier than trying to convince them to stay here, or come to my father’s home with me and possibly blow our cover. My father would see their company as my being weak, that his son can’t travel without company to keep him safe, and he won’t let anyone—especially him—think his heir pathetic. “Just make sure, Jesper, that you conceal your appearances.”

He nods, having been through the plan before. “Same names as usual?”

My chin dips. “Everything is as usual.”

There’s safety in numbers, and I’ve learned my lesson on going places alone. It almost cost me my life, and I’ve never heard the end of it, especially since it almost foiled everything we have in the works.

Jesper’s mismatched eyes widen. “We won’t be able to follow her tomorrow if we’re gone dealing with the Lord of Allondë.”

“We will deal with her next time. She hasn’t changed things up since she’s been here. I doubt she’s going to do it now. Now, get out of my chambers so I can pack. It’s going to be a long and fast flight. I’ll meet you in the wing room before heading to the dragon den,” I tell them as I rise out of my chair, stretching out my tightened limbs.

I just want to get this over with. Dealing with my father is always a crisis I try to avoid for as long as possible. I’ve put him off long enough—he won’t let me get away with canceling again.

THE COOL AIR brushes against my face as we begin our descent far outside the Allondë city borders, to a farm where I know Jesper and Killian’s dragons can rest and they can rent horses to get into the city. The owners of this establishment are on our side, and I don’t need to fear word getting back to my father.

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