Page 78 of Wings of Ash & Flame
“A phoenix,” someone whispered, reverently. “I didn’t even think that was possible.”
“I can see that now,” Professor Ross replied, his voice tinged with awe. His eyes traced Solflara’s flames as if committing every detail to memory. “You are a Vallorian?”
She nodded, lifting her chin. “I am.”
“Phoenixes, I’ve heard, are magnificent creatures. Please, take your place with the other fliers”—his gaze returned to Alaire—“and congratulations.”
To his credit, he only gave her an approving nod, maintaining composure in stark contrast to her peers.
Murmurs surged behind her. Snippets reached her ears: “How is that possible?” and “A phoenix bonded toher? What an insult! This must be an illusion.” Their venom coiled around her like a viper.
“I should burn the lot to smithereens,” Solfara said.
“Tempting,but we need to be cool and calculated.Not my strongest attribute,but we’ll work on it.”
Alaire didn’t hide the satisfied grin she hoped everyone noticed.
As she strode toward Kaia, she glanced at the column where Dawson had been watching from the shadows, eager to see his reaction. But he was gone.
Something splintered inside her. She looked away, refusing to give him more space in her mind.
“Say the word,and I’ll incinerate him.”
She chuckled under her breath. “I may take you up on that.For now,we need him.But afterward,he’s fair game.”
Joining the others at the dome’s edge, Alaire caught Kole’s gaze and flashed him her best shit-eating grin. A human bonded to a phoenix.
His cheeks burned as bright as Solflara’s flames, fists clenching, polished charm nowhere to be found. “You bonded with a creature! How is that even possible?”
Alaire arched a brow, a smirk tugging at her lips. “It’s amazing what talent and destiny can do,” she drawled. “Don’t worry. Maybe one day you’ll be chosen by something greater than your ego.”
His cheeks swelled like a puffer fish. “You’re lying! I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re using dark magic. First a human at the academy, next you’re bonded to a phoenix. Bullshit!” Kole snarled.
“Is that an allegation you’re willing to bring before the Consortium? Willing to put yourself on the line with irrefutable proof that I somehow cheated the system?” Alaire challenged.
“Fuck you,” he spat, stomping toward her.
“Fuck you!” She glared, stepping out from behind Solflara’s wing, more than ready for the fight.
Before she could take another step, smoke curled from the top of Kole’s head. Alaire whipped her gaze to Solflara. “Did you just burn off his hair?”
“That’s the least of what I’ll do if he takes one more step toward you.” Solflara’s eyes narrowed, another ball of flame kindling in her throat.
Kole paled and retreated to his owl.
“Enough.” Professor Ross’s voice cut through the air as he strode back into the arena, Headmaster Carth at his side.
The headmaster curled a finger at Alaire, beckoning her forward. When their gazes met, his pupils were blown wide, tie loosened.
“Alaire Aerendyl, please explain how you’ve come to be bonded with a phoenix—a creature thought lost to Elithian.”
Her shoulders stiffened. “Why am I the only one who has to justify my bond?”
“Because you did not enter this academy with a celestial,” he answered firmly. “It’s unheard of—impossible—for one to imprint on a human.”
Alaire lifted her chin. “Are you accusing me of lying?”
Solflara stepped forward, releasing a stream of fire that scorched the sand a mere pace from the headmaster’s feet—a clear warning.
