Page 84 of The Scars Within
His words cut deep, but it was the venom in his gaze that struck a nerve. I stood abruptly, my fists clenched so tightly that my nails bit into my palms. “Whatever I may be, I am nothing to you. So please, stay out of this, Thorne.”
He ignored my statement and went back to Cora. They argued back and forth, their voices rising and falling as if I weren’t even there, standing in the eye of the storm until Kalluri’s attention snapped to the door.
“Cadets were sent to their dorms, Wylder.”
I jumped in my chair, twisting to see Shayde—
No.
Rhodes.
Rhodes tucked his hands behind his back and bowed his head respectfully. “I understand, Chief Kalluri. But as Cadet Thorne’s team leader, I find it unfair for her to fight this battle alone. Perhaps it would be best if we all called it a night and resumed this discussion another time.” He kept his eyes on the ground, careful not to challenge the Chief too directly.
Kalluri grunted, clearly reluctant to take advice from a second-year cadet, but he conceded. “This meeting is dismissed. Classes are canceled for tomorrow, but no one is permitted to leave the castle grounds—especially you, Thorne.” He met my eyes briefly, then quickly looked away. “Now get out. All of you.”
I took a step toward Rhodes, my focus set on him, but Kalluri’s voice lashed out like a chain, yanking me back.
“And don’t even think about channeling either of your elements,” he barked. “Your magic is hereby suspended until further notice.”
I froze, whipping around to face him, my brows furrowed in shock. Suspended? He can’t justdothat. Can he?
Before I could find the words to protest, Professor Maksimov stepped forward, planting herself firmly in Kalluri’s space. She carried none of the deference usually shown to the War Chief, and showed so inferiority to his tall frame.
“You cannot suspend a magical essence thatchoseher,” Maksimov seethed. “You arenota God, Kalluri. You arenotthe Gem.”
The room seemed to hold its breath as Maksimov took another step closer, her gaze boring into the War Chief.
“She needs to learn how to fly,” she continued. “She must be taught how tochannel, Kalluri! Denying her that will only make her more dangerous to everyone around her—not less.”
Kalluri’s jaw tightened, the cords in his neck visibly straining. For a moment, it looked like he might lash out again, but he didn’t. Instead, he glared at Maksimov with barely-contained fury, his silence speakingvolumes. He pinched the bridge of his nose, growling under his breath and closing his eyes.
“Cadet Thorne will attend classes as usual,” Kalluri said, his voice clipped and commanding, “but she is only to channel while under supervision.”
“And flying? Or do you want to witness what he’ll do if you keep his bonded rider from him again?” Maksimov’s voice was lower now, aimed only at War Chief Kalluri.
Kalluri’s gaze snapped to mine, his eyes cold as ice. For a heartbeat, it felt as though the entire room was holding its breath, waiting for him to decide my fate.
“Flying lessons are permittedunder supervision,” Kalluri finally said, his voice rigid with restraint. “Now get out. All of you.”
There was no room for argument in his tone, no room for anything but compliance. As the words left his mouth, I felt the weight of his command settle over me, and I knew—knew—there would be no reprieve. Not now. Not unless I played his game.
Once again, I am playing with cards that have been hand-selected for me.
We all filed out of the office at once. Cora hugged me tightly, telling me she’d be in her chambers for the rest of the evening. She made me promise to find her if I needed anything, and I assured her I would. With a lingering look, she walked away with the other professors. Chief Kalluri slammed his door shut behind us, the sound echoing down the hallway, jarring my nerves and making me flinch.
Then, most unexpectedly, I was wrapped in another embrace—this time from Rhodes. He pulled me close, tucking me against his chest and resting his chin on my head. It was, oddly enough, the most comforting hug I’d ever experienced, soothing me in a way that left no trace of unease.
I feltfound.
I didn’t wrap my arms around him but instead tucked them in, letting him hold me in his secure embrace.
“Are you okay?” he asked gently, his voice vibrating through his chest.
I didn’t have to think twice about admitting the truth, “I don’t know.”
We stood there for a moment, the world quiet around us, until he broke the silence.
“Would you like to go meet your dragon? He never said you couldn’t enter the valley.”
