Page 47 of Darkbirch Academy

“Better.” He nods approvingly. “But your smile.” He crosses his arms over his chest. “It doesn’t reach your eyes.”

I attempt to correct this, forcing my lips to curve upward, but his expression tells me I’ve failed miserably.

“That’s not a smile,” he says drily. “That’s a threat display.”

“Maybe if you stopped critiquing every move I make?—”

“Don’t you want help?” he asks. “Would you prefer to improvise when you’re face to face with a magically enhanced killing machine, while you’re operating at about thirty percent of your usual capacity?”

I exhale slowly through my nose. He’s right that my magical abilities will be smothered even more, since I will have to take two suppression tablets to reduce my darkblood signature, thanks to Mazrov’s improving detection skills. “Fine,” I say. “Show me.”

He approaches, standing behind me as we both face the mirror. “A genuine smile starts here,” he says, lightly touching the corner of my eye. His finger traces a path down to the edge of my mouth. “Then travels here. Think of something that actually pleases you.”

“Like succeeding in this mission and being rid of you?”

The corner of his mouth twitches. “If that works.”

I try again, visualizing completing the ritual, returning to Darkbirch victorious, and seeing my brother healthy. Myreflection shows a subtle but decidedly more authentic smile. Not radiant, but at least no longer threatening bodily harm.

“That’s more convincing,” Dayn says. “Now let’s see you walk again.”

I shoot him a withering glance. “Is this a seduction lesson or a runway class?”

“The two aren’t as different as you might think.” He steps back, gesturing for me to proceed. “Movement is language. Yours currently says ‘I will kill you if you approach.’”

I make another attempt, consciously softening my stride, letting my hips sway more naturally.

Dayn watches with his analytical gaze. “Better. Now add a slight hesitation when you turn—like this.” He demonstrates, the movement oddly graceful despite his masculine frame. “It creates a moment of vulnerability, an opening he’ll instinctively want to protect.”

“You seem to know an awful lot about manipulating men for someone who isn’t human,” I observe, mimicking the turn he showed me.

His lips curve. “Dragons have studied human behavior for millennia. Your species is remarkably consistent in its weaknesses.”

“And what are dragon weaknesses?” I ask, seizing the opportunity. “For academic purposes, of course.”

“Nice try.” He adjusts the fall of my hair, his fingers briefly brushing my neck. “Also, it’s survival instinct,” he continues. “Dragons who couldn’t charm humans rarely survived long enough to reproduce.”

Dragons… reproduced with humans? That is news to me. Then again, everything about dragons is news to me.

“Charming isn’t the first word I’d associate with you,” I say, recovering my equilibrium.

“I save it for special occasions.” He returns to his normal stance, the intensity returning to his eyes. “When you speak to him, maintain eye contact for three seconds, then look away—preferably at his mouth. It suggests interest without desperation. And as for the voice: lower, slower. Each word should feel like honey.”

I clear my throat. “Like this?” I attempt, lowering my pitch.

“Gods above, no. Softer. Combat requires adaptation to your opponent’s weaknesses. Mazrov responds to vulnerability, not strength.”

“So I should act helpless?” The very thought makes my skin crawl.

“Not helpless,” he corrects, his voice dropping lower. “Available. There’s power in apparent surrender. Sometimes the most effective way to control someone is to let them believe they’re in control.”

I arch an eyebrow. “Is that how you’ve survived so long among clearbloods? Letting them think they control you?”

“We’re discussing your performance, not mine,” he replies coolly.

“Then perhaps you should demonstrate properly,” I challenge, crossing my arms. “Show me exactly how I should approach Mazrov.” I’m getting fed up with all his complicated advice.

Dayn’s expression shifts subtly, calculation replacing irritation. “Very well.”

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