Page 154 of Wings of Ash & Flame
That night in Kaia’s room, when they’d first plotted, she’d shared everything with them: Professor Ross’s mysterious files and refusal to explain, the burned sigils in the grass, the Consortium’s lies about the bloodravagers.
“We need to talk about Dexter,” Alaire said.
“What happened?” Kaia asked.
Alaire recounted their exchange, his thinly veiled threats, his desperation to secure power. Archer pinched the bridge of his nose, while Kaia’s brow furrowed.
“Dexter’s desperate,” Alaire concluded. “His interest in Dawson can’t be entirely genuine. I’d wager he’d like to see himself seated as Premiere Lord of House Aetheris. The Chief Advisor wields considerable power in Cielore, but he isn’t royalty. New players on the board are opportunities to advance. He’ll sacrifice anyone—anything—to get there. Except his son.”
When she’d first arrived, all she’d wanted was to know why Professor Ross had plucked her from Grimstone and offered her a place at Aeris Academy. The files validated her instincts. Learning she was Vallorian proved she’d been right. Solflara confirmed her magic had been bound, her memories erased.
But the answers had only led to more questions—and possibilities she’d never considered.
Yet Kaia’s words from after her meeting in Headmaster Carth’s office echoed in her mind:You could be a bridge between two worlds.
She’d never wanted to rule, but while uncovering her own truths, she would help bring change however she could.
And her friends, who knew the risks, had vowed to stand with her.
Kaia’s eyes widened. “What are you going to do?”
Alaire leaned back against the wall, gaze drifting to the couples sweeping across the dance floor. “I’m not trying to upend the Consortium. But Elithian is rotted from the inside out. Things need to change. They cannot stay the same. Dexter’s as good a place to start as any.”
“Perhaps we can use his ambition against him,” Kaia mused.
“Exactly,” Alaire said with a smile. “And Archer, your knowledge of court politics will be invaluable in tracking his next moves now that we’ve baited him with talk of cracks in Consortium leadership.”
His expression was resolute. “I’ll assist in whatever way I can. You know that.”
Kaia laid a reassuring hand on Alaire’s shoulder. “We’ll figure this out somehow. You aren’t alone in this, Al.”
Archer smiled warmly. “Indeed. With such esteemed company, what challenges could elude us?”
They decided to split up to cover more ground. Alaire drifted through the crowd, striking up light conversation with members of House Arborstone. Each polite smile yielded scraps of gossip, fragments she hoped would help expose what lay beneath the Consortium’s polished veneer.
On her way to the bar for water, a smooth, melodic voice called her name. “Your Majesty, Alaire. May I request the honor of a dance?”
She turned. A towering fae stood before her, hand extended. Blonde curls brushed his collar, blue eyes shining.
Caelan Rive of House Aqualis. His full lips curled into a smile.
He wasn’t part of tonight’s plan. But as a high-ranking flier and member of House Aqualis, as Archer had said, it would be foolish to refuse. A dance was a small price to pay for a potential ally.
“Caelan,” she greeted, placing her hand in his. His grip was warm, steady. “An honor.”
“The honor is mine.” His voice dropped for her ears alone. “I’ve been eager to meet you.”
“And let me guess… my phoenix?” She arched a brow, testing his intentions.
He chuckled, a deep, rich sound that sent a shiver down her spine. “I’d be remiss to begin with a lie. A resurfaced Celestial Familiar is undeniably intriguing. But it’s you who holds my interest.” His gaze met hers.
He was charming—she’d give him that—with an undeniable magnetism about him.
Caelan led her onto the dance floor, guiding her with quiet confidence, hand firm at her waist as he steered her through turns that made her skirts flare. She could feel the contained strength in his movements.
The world blurred in colors and melody. His breath brushed her temple as the music swelled and he drew closer.
Her body hummed at his proximity. She couldn’t deny the pull. Few could.
