Page 46 of Ever Dark Academy: Vol. 3
Grayson turned towards him. His face was still that beautiful, unreadable mask. “She is not important to me. If she is a threat, I want her neutralized. That’s all I have to say on it.”
Silence fell at that.
Ryder could tell that the others were disturbed by Grayson’s frigid responses about this woman. Or maybe “disturbed” was the wrong word. More like concerned.
He was concerned. Because while Grayson was saying he didn’t give a damn about this woman it was clear that he did. Grayson was worried about the owners of the shop he’d worked at. He’d cared deeply about a homeless man who was headed to an early grave because he was an alcoholic. So did Grayson really expect him to think he didn’t care about the woman who had given birth to him and raised him for half this life? No. Grayson cared for strangers. He must have cared for her.
And if he truly didn’t then he would be open to whatever plan Balthazar had that involves him. But he isn’t.
Grayson rolled his shoulders back and said, “The Mirryr event is tonight, right?”
“Yes, in about eight hours,” Seeyr answered. These were the first words she’d spoken since the subject of Grayson’s mother came up. “It’s a masked ball.”
“Of course, it’s a masked ball.” Fiona rolled her eyes. “That’s not going to make it harder to take care of the students. We can tell the humans from the Vampires by smell, but who had the time to memorize those.”
“I did,” Ryder answered.
They all looked at him. Even Grayson who lifted an eyebrow.
“I thought you had no interest in the students before now, but you’ve sniffed them all and memorized their scents?” Grayson pointed out, a slight twitch appearing on his lips.
Ryder stood up straighter. “I am keenly aware of who is in my territory.”
Balthazar looked delighted as he said, “You really are like those stories about the alpha wolf knowing every one of his pack by scent–”
“They are not my pack, Balthazar,” Ryder replied dryly.
“Not yet.” Fiona smiled. “Are you going to put your hat into the ring now and look for fledglings among them, Ryder?”
Ryder’s eyes flickered to Grayson, but he quickly looked away. “I, personally, won’t, but I want my Bloodline to. If there is someone among the student who appeals to them–”
“Oh, there are.” Balthazar grinned like a naughty school boy.
Ryder frowned. “Why would you choose students you knew appealed to the Weryn when we were not participating?”
“Because he wanted to lure you to participate or punish you for not doing so,” Grayson guessed. “Or Seeyr knew you’d change your mind.”
Seeyr lifted her shoulders. “A little of all of that. But tonight is the Mirryrs’ turn to shine. We need to support them.”
“If we shut down their party or alter it the Sect may know and change their own plans.” Grayson ran his hands through his hair, causing some strands to stick up. Ryder smoothed them down and was rewarded with a genuine smile. “Right now, at least, we know that the attack will take place during the party.”
Balthazar gestured to the door that led out into the hall. “I’ve asked Charlie to come by. He is leading the Mirryr for now.
“I should test him before we reveal our plan,” Grayson said, but then he frowned. “If he is one of them though I don’t want him to be alerted to what I can do or who I am. I assume that imprisoning the acting leader the Mirryr would be a bad idea and you won’t be able to use your mind wipe on him, Balthazar, if he is one of them.”
“True, but I can’t imagine Charlie being involved in the Sect. Charlie’s goals in life are to figure out what the hottest looks of the new season are going to be. Hardly overthrowing the Vampire rule.” Balthazar shrugged, but then he went to the wall and pressed a panel. A section of bookshelf slid back to reveal a secret room. His eyes sparkled. “I love these. Have them all around my palace. I can overhear intriguing conversations, learn possible subterfuge and glimpse dangerous liaisons!”
“Considering you can read people’s minds, why would you need rooms to overhear conversations?” Fiona’s eyebrows drew together.
“Well… because!” Balthazar blinked. “Because it’s cool! And it’s very handy for now, isn’t it?”
“Uh huh.” Fiona just grinned.
“I do need line of sight to use my gift,” Grayson said. He was frowning a little. “In the future, I’ll be able to do more, but not now.”
“There’s a peep hole. Will that do?” Balthazar asked.
Grayson nodded. “If they’re all right, I’ll let you know, Balthazar. But regardless, I think we should keep me out of things if possible.”
