Page 88 of Oleander
After a couple more days of rest, I’m feeling even better, and my stitches are less tender. I know the rumors are buzzing around the academy because Gaia was sure to inform me. Everyone learned that Ander and I won the Wild Hunt, getting far more hellhound kills than any other contestant. Some of the stories are absolutely wild, but some are uncomfortably close to the truth. Like the rumor that says we battled a group of rogue Blood Fae, sending them straight to the Underworld with our combined powers.
We went from being two outsiders to the kings of Elemental Academy overnight. It fills me with even more confidence as Ander and I make our way to the administrative office to confront Headmaster Goulding.
“Hello, Ember. Long time no see,” I say casually.
Her eyes light up with a new type of interest and a new respect. “Skyler.Hey.I’ve heard some pretty crazy shit about you, friend.”
Friend? Hmm, okay.
“Oh yeah? I can’t imagine what,” I deadpan. “Anyway, I’m here to see the headmaster if he’s available, please.”
“Do you have an appointment?” she asks, her dumb robot voice grating on my nerves.
“No.But it’s important that we speak to him.Immediately.”
“It cannot wait,” Oleander adds with authority.
How can she say no to the fucking prince?
Ember eyes us both before coming to a decision. “One moment.” Her nails fly across the keyboard, tapping away. “Okay, go on back. He’ll squeeze you in. But don’t make a habit out of this.” I nod, not wanting to argue with her.
We take the hallway back to the headmaster’s office, the metal door parting for us like a liquid curtain.
“Skyler Fairfield and Oleander Sauveterre. To what do I owe the pleasure of this unscheduled and unannounced visit?” His amber eyes flare with annoyance. “There are some interesting stories being whispered in these halls about you two.”
I ignore his comment and skip the small talk because I know him well enough at this point.
“Why did you keep my mom’s new phone number from me?” I accuse with an unusual fire behind my words.
“It was only temporary, Skyler,” Goulding interrupts, immediately dismissing me, but I don’t let him continue.
“How can youpossiblythink that’s your decision to make? As if I’m a child, and you’re my guardian.” I’m trying not to get worked up, but it’s hard.
“As I said, it was only temporary. You need to focus on your studies and your magic. You have great power, Skyler. And you don’t need distractions of any sort from the human realm?—”
“That’s my mom,” I interrupt him, my words impassioned and angry. “She isnota distraction. You had no right.”
“I will not argue with you, child. You’re lucky you have a comfortable home here, a scholarship, andthe princeas your boyfriend. You could have been locked up for the rest of your life because of what happened in Oklahoma. But we all pushed foryou to have a second chance. Don’t take my kindness for granted and ruin it with your angry words right now.”
I ignore his threats, knowing the past can’t be changed, and I have the future king on my side now. “You basically lied to me.How?”
“I never lied; I simply did not tell you she changed her phone number. That’s a big difference. There are easy ways to manipulate the balance of nature, and when you’re as old as I am, you’ve figured these things out.”
I try to control my anger, since hedidgive me a second and third chance here at the academy. I attempt to soften my voice, letting the concern for my mom seep into my tone. Because that’s what this is really about. “Is she okay? Is she happy?”
“Yes, she’s doing well, and I believe she’s happy too. She’s growing and prospering in her new home and city. Much like you are here, Skyler. And I wanted to give you that same opportunity without any distractions. Rest assured, I have been keeping a magical eye on her. I am not a monster, despite what you’re both thinking.”
A new understanding washes over me, even though I still don’t agree with what he did. I guess I can at least get where he was coming from.A little bit.
“I hope this won’t sour our relationship. I quite enjoy our Wednesday mornings.”
“It’s fine,” I assure him. “Thanks for watching out for her.” I’m overwhelmed and nearly choke on my next words, so Ander speaks up for me.
“Can we have her number, please?” His voice is soft and respectful yet firm.
“Yes, you may,” Goulding replies easily, digging through a drawer in his desk while still continuing to lecture us. “Congratulations on winning the Hunt, by the way. You’ve sent shockwaves through the kingdom with that little stunt.Although, I hope these reckless, off-campus pursuits won’t become a regular occurrence for you two. It only brings trouble to my doors.Ah.Here we go.” He pulls out a sticky note and hands it over. “Amanda Fairfield’s phone number.”
“Thanks.” I’m not sure what else to say to him, I need to let this settle.
