Page 34 of A Sky of Storms
It all seemed so normal, seeing everyone from all backgrounds coming together. But everything would change in a week. Many of these students had found their groups, but would that change when the first trial began? Survival of the fittest, Celeste had said. And not all of us would come out of it alive.
My mind drifted to Ethan. I had to survive for him and Hadley. There was no alternative. I flapped my wings, descending towards the ground when I spotted Noah running along the path through the woods.
He had his shirt off, the beautiful green pattern snaking around his collarbone and down his chest and back, glittering over his dark skin. The guy was sleek over his muscles. Sweat dripped down his chest toward the vee above his hips, his powerful thighs pounding beneath loose shorts.
I changed course, gliding after him thoughtfully. Noah was mysterious and quiet, always lingering in the background observing others. The pattern on his skin meant he could camouflage, which made him the perfect fly on the wall to gather information around this place, so if anyone would know about how students were getting weapons and who knew what else into the academy, Noah would.
If my sister had access to information or smuggled goods from outside the House of Ascension, she had a serious advantage over me, not to mention she could have some ulterior motives. And if a troll like Mark had access to the same, it didn’t bode well for anyone. Come to think of it, Ace had seen Victoria take that weapon out and hadn’t batted an eye either.
Screw it. Noah and I were going to have a little chat. Zane seemed to like him, so how bad could he be?
I tucked my wings in tight and zoomed towards the guy, landing just in front of him so he had to skid along the dirt, stopping right in front of my face.
I grinned. “Hi.”
“Uh … hi?” He blinked, running a hand over his eyes as if that might make me disappear.
“Yup, still here. So, I was hoping we could have a little chat.” I looped my arm through his, ignoring the sweat and appreciating the hardness of his bicep as I pulled him along. He allowed me, looking thoroughly baffled and flustered.
“And here I thought you flew in front of people for sport.”
“Look, I’ll be straight with you. I’ve noticed you around. You observe people, and you’re so quiet nobody really notices until they’ve already run their mouth. Probably doesn’t hurt that you can camouflage too, right?” I winked at him.
He looked at me oddly, and I couldn’t help but notice his honey-brown eyes had little flecks that looked like gold around the iris, so small you’d only see them up close. He was very attractive, with full lips, a strong jaw and nose, and … dare I hope for a dimple if he actually smiled?
“What?” I said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. It probably looked like a crow’s nest after flying with it wet, and I suddenly felt self-conscious.
“Nothing,” he said quietly.
It was definitely not nothing, but I’d let him keep some secrets. The way he looked at me was a little uncomfortable—like he could see right into my soul—but it was a damn sight better than the way everyone else turned their noses up at me. His quiet yet commanding presence was actually kinda nice. I could see why Zane was so drawn to him.
“So … I’m an observer too, buuut I could see how you might not think that when I’ve been busy getting the shit kicked out of me and being humiliated in front of the whole academy.”
A slight smile curved over his lips, the hint of a dimple popping into view. Bingo.
“So that’s it then. You came here to ask about your sister,” he said.
I cocked my head. No beating around the bush then. “That’s right. And given you know that much I suspect you know why.”
Noah beckoned us to continue walking, looking around in case anyone was listening. We headed deeper into the woods and he stopped, leaning against a tree and crossing his arms over his chest.
“It’ll cost you.”
I raised a brow. “Credits? Name your price.”
Noah shook his head. “I don’t want money. I want a favour. You’ll owe me when I’m ready to call it in.”
“How mysterious.” I tapped my pursed lips, contemplating his terms. It seemed harmless enough, but to be honest, I was too curious to say anything but yes. “Okay, I’m in. As long as you’re not asking me to forfeit the crown, you’ve got a deal.”
He nodded, his posture relaxing. “I’ve been keeping tabs on a few people … for obvious reasons. The other night I saw your sister meeting with a hooded guy. They didn’t reveal much during their meeting, though I know House Jupiter is heavily involved in whatever they’re up to.” He shook his head. “Your sister also had a pulse gun smuggled in.”
I bit my lip, chewing over this information. Not only did she have a blade but a pulse gun too. If Victoria had weapons coming in, there was no reason others wouldn’t have them too. The trials were rigged.
“If House Jupiter is involved,” I said slowly, “it must mean my parents are aiding my sister. Either that, or she has some very powerful friends backing her for their own gain. Maybe she made a deal before coming here.”
Noah shrugged. “Whatever the case, it means you’ll have to watch your back. Many students have it out for you, if only because of where you come from. There are no rules in the first trial.”
I heard him loud and clear. It was a trial of strength, and though I didn’t know what it entailed yet, I knew Victoria would have no problems bringing weapons to a fistfight. Things could get really bloody, real fast.
