I woke with a gasp and lay there panting as the waves coursed through me. Was pretty sure I’d cried out, which was a definite step up from snoring. I shot the log a look, but it remained in darkness.
For all I knew, my roomie could be pressed to the window. I rolled over and put my back to it.
My body felt so alive, it was difficult to believe it had only been a dream. But there was something missing.
A certain grumpy Gryphon, telling me to eat more powder.
Only then did I realize I was naked. My scaled, furred, and feathered clothes were gone.
I reached for him, but there was no one there.
I sat in my black academy clothes and added two full tablespoons of crystal dust to my breakfast.
On top of my cycle powder, it made for some damned grainy eggs.
Are you there?I asked, pushing.
He stirred within me, but I sensed how sluggish he was.Where else would I be?The words were completely devoid of emotion.
You’ve been awfully quiet.
I’ve had nothing to say.
I sighed and added another tablespoon to my scrambled eggs. Never thought I would want the grumpy Caliel back, but anything was better than this indifference.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Riggs sat with Sid opposite me, their towering forms overpowering that side of the table.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I told him. “Another ten hot showers ought to get the ice out of my bones.”
Sid’s brows lowered. “You were damned lucky you didn’t freeze to death.”
“Yeah, I was,” I agreed. Riggs had likely told the Anisau the same story that I’d told Adilyn, but figured the conversation was best diverted. “So not looking forward to special abilities.”
Sid’s big mouth pulled straight. “Yes. I am also not looking forward to it. I prefer the run afterward.” His face looked so tense…
“Riggs and I are working with Cara, but what do other students do?”
“Everyone is matched with an instructor that specializes in their talent,” Sid explained. “We have quite a variety of abilities among the students. The largest group, though, are the shapeshifters.”
Adilyn waved a piece of toast that had an odd color. “They stand around in a group and practice changing back and forth between human and whatever effing else they are. Mostly Dires, but there are a few Dragons and, of course, Nar and Leah. Sid is the only Anisau.”
“Good thing, too,” Sid stated.
Something softened in the Faerie’s face. “You are improving.”
Her voice had a hesitant note to it, and I glanced at her.
“I am not,” Sid growled. “As soon as I sprout fur, I lose it.” He shot a glance at me and swallowed. “My people tend to have anger issues, but I take it another step further.”
“He goes completely savage,” Leah stated cheerfully, stabbing a chunk of steamed fish on her plate. “Almost nine feet of hair and attitude.” She batted her eyes at the big shifter. “Bet I could tame you, if you’d let me.”
Nar stopped chewing and eyed Sid hopefully.
Sid tossed his fork onto his tray. “I would rip you into small furry bits,” he stated emphatically as he rose. “I’ll see you guys at the run.”
I stared after him.
“He’s got issues with shifting.” Adilyn’s eyes were also following the Anisau’s progress out of the cafeteria. “I think he’s so afraid of losing control that it pretty much ensures it.”
