Page 41 of Shattered & Returned

Yet nothing about Nero Ravencrux had felt perverse to me, not when his tongue drove into my wet heat and coaxed pleasure from my body, not when his teeth bit my silken peak while dragging me to a shattering climax. But perhaps that was exactly Sebastian’s point. The danger was part of the allure.

“How can you be so certain?”I challenged, letting my skepticism show.“These are serious accusations.”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened.“I’ve tracked him since our first year. Every student he’s fucked emerges with no memory of it. He wipes them clean and leaves no witnesses, no evidence of his violation.”His fingers curled into fists.“Nothing I can bring to the Council.”

My pulse hammered, fury licking through my veins—but this rage felt unnatural, amplified by Sebastian’s proximity.

“He doesn’t even learn their names,”I spat.“Just ‘Girl Two,’ unless they’re next in line for his collection.”The realization curdled in my stomach.“Like me.”

Sebastian’s tiger-golden eyes burned with grim confirmation. Gods, he was beautiful, distractingly so. The most breathtaking man I’d ever laid eyes on.

“That’s why you’re not safe,”he said, leaning in.“You’re different. He knows it. Wants it.”His voice dropped to a menacing whisper.“If you let him fuck you, it won’t just be your reputation he ruins. It’ll be your life. You’ll end up dead like the other redheads.”

I recoiled. How had this conversation veered into mortal danger while I was in the middle of a delicious meal?

If Ravencrux truly meant me harm, why awaken my magic at all? Yes, danger clung to him like a shadow, but I’d never felt his menace directed atme. Was I deluding myself? Too blind to see it because that single shattering orgasm had rewired my common sense?

I forced a steadying breath, wrestling my thoughts back under control.

“But why would he wantmedead,”I asked slowly,“when he lets others live?”

“I’m glad you asked,” Sebastian said. “Let me show you.”

His hand dipped into his pocket?—

A red-haired woman stalked toward our table, her hips swaying with purpose, her venomous gaze locking onto me.

Sebastian leaned back, the sound barrier dissolving just as her manicured finger jabbed toward my face.

“I challenge you!” she bellowed.

My face paled.

This—thiswas what I’d feared since leaving Ravencrux’s classroom. The first challenge was never the last.

And what did I have? A flicker of wind magic? Myinhaler?Ravencrux might call me a Weaver, but right now, I could barely summon a breeze, and this woman looked like she ate first-years for breakfast.

Chapter

Fourteen

Bloom

Blood Sport

She was striking, with copper skin and silver eyes with unnerving vertical pupils, a ruby like a drop of blood at her throat. Dark red curls framed a face marked by a faint five-pointed scar on her temple.

Her high-necked Victorian gown, the deep blue of Kingsley House, hugged her athletic frame, its fitted bodice and layered skirts swaying as she moved. The metallic gold embroidery along the cuffs and collar marked her elite status.

Dresses only.Another unspoken rule of Forsaken Academy’s opulent formality. No casual wear, no exceptions.

“Angelina.”Sebastian’s voice carried a warning, his amber eyes flashing with irritation.“Don’t be dramatic.”

She gave him a wounded look. “How charitable of you, Sebastian.” She purred and rested a hand on his shoulder, staking a claim. Fine, I got it. They’d slept together. “Collecting strays now?”

Three identical girls flanked her, moving in perfect synchronization. Their glossy ash-blonde hair was pulled into high ponytails that swung in unison. Their winged eyeliner emphasized their calculating, cold eyes. Their matching burgundy dresses screamed allegiance.

I set my fork down with deliberate calm.“You’re interrupting my meal.”My gaze didn’t waver from Angelina’s.“This isn’t your table, and I’m not interested in whatever drama you’ve dragged here.”A dismissive gesture between her and Sebastian.“Take it elsewhere.”

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