Page 79 of Wings of Ash & Flame
“Or are you accusingherof making the wrong choice?” Alaire asked, glancing at her phoenix.
“Neither,” he said quickly, gaze darting between them. “But you must understand this is unprecedented.”
“On that,” she replied coolly, “we agree.”
“Thank you,” he said, though his eyes lingered warily on Solflara.
They’d anticipated it would play out this way. Her resolve was now as unyielding as the flames of House Ashfyre—power that belonged to her.
Kaia’s expression was a mix of pride and concern as she buried one hand in Hadrian’s mane and gripped Archer’s hand with the other.
“My name is Alaire Eloire Vallorian, heir to House Ashfyre and ruler of Aurelia. And this is Solflara.”
The Heir of Light. Wielder of Flame.
She paused, letting her words settle. Around her faces shifted—shock, dismay, anger, disbelief. Skepticism burned in their eyes, the kind of doubt that would follow her for the rest of her life.
Whispers spread through the rotunda like wildfire. Kaia silenced some with sharp looks, while others leaned in, murmuring louder. From the back, a voice called, “Phoenixes don’t bond with imposters,” drawing nervous laughter from a cluster of students. Archer’s jaw tightened. Others shifted, glancing at the headmaster.
From across the room, Kole shouted, “You’re just going to believe her? That’s it?”
Professor Ross cut in, his voice edged with steel. “From the way Solflara’s looking at us, I’d say she’d have no problem roasting your bones until the flesh melts off for doubting her flier. We all know celestials choose their bonded.”
“And yet,” Kole snapped, gesturing toward Alaire, “there’s no proof she is who she claims to be. All we have is the word of a human and a phoenix that doesn’t speak. What if it’s a trick?” His eyes narrowed, daring someone to challenge him.
A few students muttered their agreement.
Alaire stepped forward, her gaze hard. “I don’t need to explain myself to you, Kole.”
He opened his mouth to retort, but Headmaster Carth raised a hand, silencing him with a look. “You’d do well to observe before speaking out of turn, novice.” Turning to Alaire, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes, he said, “Please continue. Let’s hear the full story, Ms. Vallorian.”
“I am half-human, half-fae—the last of the Vallorian line.”
A crease formed between the headmaster’s brows. “I thought Queen Elara, King Brock, her heir, and the entire royal family perished when Aurelia fell.”
“That’s what the world was told. I was raised human, with no knowledge of who or what I was.” Her thoughts lingered on whoever ensured the world believed House Ashfyre’s line was extinguished during Starfall. She rolled her shoulders back and pressed on.
“Let me make one thing clear.” Her voice hardened. “I’m not here to ask for your belief or support. I don’t need it. It is well known that only a Vallorian can bond with a phoenix—just as with the other six original bloodlines. But if you require a more credible witness, Headmaster, you can ask Prince Dawson Knox. Surely, you’ll have no trouble trusting his word.”
Her challenge hung in the air. Headmaster Carth folded his arms but said nothing.
“And if we do?” Kole muttered.
Her gaze snapped to him. “Then find the courage to say it to my face. And this time, Kole, I’ll show you just how creative I can be with pain. I’ve had years of firsthand experience to draw from.” The threat lingered between them.
“I’m here to claim what’s mine by birthright, blood, and fire—as proof that I am bonded to a celestial,” she declared, her voice unwavering.
Professor Ross broke the silence. “A phoenix bond is undeniable,” he said carefully. “You’ve interrupted a lesson to make your point. Now can we?—”
Her eyes blazed. “I’ll complete my education at Aeris Academy as an equal to my peers.” Her gaze locked on Professor Ross. “I’m not here to play games. After all, I’m an heir in name only. But if you cannot accept my terms, I will take my belongings and phoenix with me.”
The deal she’d struck with Professor Ross in the bowels of Grimstone was now null and void. She would remain at Aeris Academy on her own terms. Everything had changed the moment she bonded to Solflara.
“You’re asking for acceptance, but you’ve given us no room for conversation,” Headmaster Carth pointed out. “That doesn’t strike me as fair, Ms. Vallorian.”
Solflara uttered a low, resonant cry, daring anyone to challenge her. Alaire drew strength from her celestial’s unshakable confidence.
“I’m not asking for your acceptance,” she replied sharply. “I’m stating my terms. Solflara and I are here by choice, not obligation.”
