Page 53 of Wings of Ash & Flame
Kaia barked out a laugh.
Alaire poked Caius in the chest, but he didn’t budge. Kaia slid an arm around her waist and tugged her back. This was exactly what she feared when Professor Leslie forced them to be partners—Dawson made her look weak.
Damn his rippling muskeletons.
“Curiosity won’t be what kills you,” Caius said coldly, his lips curling into a cruel smile. “That would be your stupidity. But I suppose that’s all you have to offer.”
Kaia shoved another piece of bread in Alaire’s mouth before she could retort.
“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” Alaire mumbled around the bread. Finally, her words weren’t slurred. “I’d invite you to join us, but we don’t want you here. Only hotties allowed.”
“Stop it, both of you.” Kaia stepped between them, exasperated. “We’re supposed to be having fun.”
Caius’s eyes narrowed, disdain palpable in his voice. “Fun? She can’t even handle one glass of fae wine.”
“Ease up, Caius. Need I remind you we’re at aparty.” Kaia’s voice sharpened as she blocked him with a protective stance.
But Caius wasn’t finished. “Not everything is a game. You don’t belong here. The slums you came from are much more fitting.” His eyes darkened. “Everything humans touch turns to ash.”
Despite the lingering tingles in her legs, Alaire pushed through the haze. “Feel free to keep projecting your insecurities on me—it’s riveting.” Her control was hanging by a thread.
“You’ll always be an outsider,” Caius sneered. “Pretending otherwise is ignorant, even for you.”
Kaia’s temper finally snapped. “Back off, Caius!” she shouted, her voice cutting through the music. “You’re out of line. We’re here to enjoy the party.”
He clenched his jaw and stepped back, eyes blazing with anger. “Enjoy the rest of the party, then,” he spat before turning on his heel and stalking away.
Kaia’s brows furrowed as she watched him disappear into the crowd. Then she turned to Alaire with a wide smile. “Forget him. Let’s dance!”
Fourteen
Losing herself in the music was divine. Heavy bass reverberated through the room, the dance floor packed with swarming bodies. Some moved loosely in groups while others gyrated their hips together in time with the beat.
Alaire had no idea how long they’d been dancing. Her limbs were still shaky from the wine, but she was content to let the music wash over her as each song seamlessly bled into the next. Warmth clung to her skin, leaving it sticky with sweat. She caught sight of Archer near a wall of blooming flowers, dressed to impress, and was grateful for the occasional breeze that tickled the back of her neck.
“Want to take a break?” Kaia leaned close, shouting in her ear.
“One more song.” A rare, carefree smile cracked Alaire’s face.
“There she is. I knew underneath all that poise, venom, and snark was something wild. Dance it out, Al.”
Alaire gave her an exaggerated wink.
Kaia grabbed Alaire’s forearm, eyes fixed over her shoulder. “Don’t look now, but a lot of handsome is coming this way.”
“A fae?” Alaire asked.
“No, a flower just sprouted legs.”
Alaire pinched Kaia’s elbow, earning a playful bat in return.
She glanced slyly over her shoulder.
A towering novice with wavy chestnut hair she’d seen before, but never interacted with, strode toward them. Alaire’s eyes narrowed at his approach. She wasn’t in the mood to face off with anyone else tonight. All she wanted was to enjoy the evening with her friend.
“I told you not to look,” Kaia scolded.
“I thought you were lying,” Alaire muttered, still swaying to the beat.
