Page 130 of Firestorm
I pushed Zephyr out of my mind, ignoring his objection. I’d speak with him later. I needed to focus.
By the time we made it to the office, I strode past the WAA president while he held the door for me, as if I was completely unbothered by his eyes tracing down my back. I was in the perfect headspace for a confrontation, though I still hoped that wasn’t what was about to happen.
I sat in the open chair I’d been in during my last visit with the headmaster, who sighed as he took a seat behind his desk. The WAA president leaned against the wall, eyeing me carefully. For a moment, my heart-rate spiked. Did he recognize me?
“Ms. Aria, thank you for your time. Alexander here is the president of the World Affinity Association. He’s come to speak with you regarding your easy mastery over your affinities.”
My eyes darted toward Alexander, who offered me a soft smile, very unlike any facial expression he’d shown me so far.
“Ms. Aria,” Alexander said, his voice deep and gravelly. “I want to extend my warmest greetings to you today. The WAA is always on the hunt for exceptional students to assist in the Royal government’s peace efforts. Your quick mastery over your newly awakened water affinity is something that we at the WAA have noticed.”
“I’m not looking for a job,” I started, and Alexander chuckled. My shoulders raised slightly at his grating laugh.
“No, no. This is only recognizing you for your talents. Many of my partners at the WAA are interested in meeting you. There’s a gala at the end of next month. We’d be happy to have you attend alongside me.”
Alongside…Alexander? I almost shivered.Gross.
My hands itched, and for once, I didn’t care. He didn’t act like herecognized me, but something was off about this man, I just couldn’t put my finger on it.
“I’m not sure if I can take time away from my studies for that–”
“Nonsense,” Headmaster Earl practically barked at me. “Students are always welcome to leave campus for official events. Especially with a royal invitation.”
My eyebrows rose slowly. “Royal invitation…”
Alexander chuckled, though he shot Earl a quick glare. “What he means is, His Royal Highness the Prince Rafael will also be in attendance.”
My heart skipped a beat.
“And…the prince is the one inviting me?” I asked slowly.
Earl gave Alexander a strange look before pursing his lips.
“Yes,” Alexander replied smoothly. “You’re in a Royal Chain now, Ms. Aria. I’ll have a dress sent for you so you’ll match His Royal Highness. This will be the last large event before the Crown Princess’ coronation next spring, so it’ll be the perfect time to introduce you to the public.”
My heart pounded so hard, my vision blurred for a moment. Why was the president of the WAA here to tell me this instead of the Prince himself?
Good God, what if Rafael reallyhadtaken one look at my file and dismissed me? I felt like I was going to throw up.
“I’d like to give you my personal phone number,” Alexander went on while Earl watched me carefully. “That way we can coordinate the event.”
“I…I have to go.” I stood up, ignoring how my knees threatened to give out.
“Of course,” Alexander said, his face falling slightly. “I’ll send all the information you need right over.”
I looked to Headmaster Earl, who nodded to me.
And then I was out the door.
I was nearlyto the stairs when I was stopped.
“Ms. Aria,” that deep, gravelly voice called out for me.
I froze in the middle of the hall, sucking in a loud breath before turning to face down Alexander.
He approached me slowly, like he was afraid I’d lash out at him, which was laughable. He didn’t know what I was. He only knew me as a lowly air and water affinate. I didn’t know anything of his affinity, but I knew he’d surely piss his pants if he really knew what I was capable of.
Alexander had his hands in his pockets, the perfect picture of nonchalance as he stopped in front of me. He was quite a bit taller than me, which was annoying. He definitely had the attitude of a short man.
