“Please, don’t ask me if I’m ready.” I giggle as my pace ceases before him. “Do you know who I’m facing?”
“No one knows but Rebecca. She considers who’s best in bringing out your ‘react or run’ response.”
“Fight or flight, you mean, but yeah, I get it.” *Sigh* “I apologize for not seeing or responding to your message last night,” I say, turning away from him. Regret still lingers.
“Message?”
“Yeah, you texted me last night. I heard the song–” Caspian’s eyes flash with curiosity. “I mean notification.” More blood draws into my cheeks.
“I didn’t text you last night, but it’s good to know I was on your mind.” My gaze returns to catch his formidable grin.
“Yes you…never mind.” I’m not about to sound desperate. If he says he didn’t then I’ll blame my mind for the mistake.Am I tripping?
“Clear your thoughts, and good luck. I’ll be watching,” he says, turning and nodding to Marcel who approaches next, still displaying his grumpy nature.
“What did I do now?”
“I don’t care if you’re scared or not. Win this match and you pass my class,” he shares, looking down from his towering height. Like Caspian, his hair is pulled from his face but into a man-bun.
“Gee, that’s reassuring. If I lose, I’ll fail, right?”
“Check and ensure you have what you need.” Of course, he ignores my question.
“Marcel, I don’t know what I need. Apparently, no one knows but continues wishing me luck as though it’s my last day breathing.” I scowl up at him.
“Could be, yes. Do you have weapons?” I nod as he rakes over my appearance. “What is it?”
“Daggers.”
“Where?”
“If you’re who I’m fighting, I shouldn’t say.” I keep hisfocus.
“It’s not me, so where.”
“Fine, but if you’re–”
“Where, Kyra. Hurry. Up.”
“Okay. Damn.” Stepping in front of him and masking my movements, I point two fingers at my feet, thighs, ribs, and one at my hair instead of speaking, knowing vampires have impeccable hearing.
“Good. I expect greatness and nothing less. Now, stay here.”
What is wrong with him?Chuckling, I’m confused on how Marcel is able to attend, but not…Russ is here too!My chest flutters at seeing him wave. A ball of energy, this guy. I could use more of it and wish he was closer, but I remain planted, watching Marcel join the others and now thinking how they both are able to be here.
Perhaps this is a match where House Leaders and friends can watch. Then where is Raine, Yasmine, and Alise?
“About time,” Ethan yells from across the room, seated alone with one leg on top of the other. Rolling my eyes, I mumble, “Annoying,” with the intent of him hearing. Vampire and all.
Everyone is gathered behind the royal pain in my ass, and past them, stand our Elders. Draped in their cult-ish robes, I am reminded of my first day and when they tested my magic.
Which turns me towards Rebecca and Holland who are whispering out front, closest to me, and my stomach knots seeing his loathsome expression. Out of them all, I’m sure he is praying for my downfall the most.
She breaks away, waving him off, then addresses me. “Welcome, Kyra, let us get started with today’s second ranking match”
Oh yeah, Ashlyn. I’m sure she did amazing.
“She’ll live,” Elizabeth mentions, walking in from behind the leaders with an unknown fay.Okay, never mind.“A good night’s rest will have Ashlyn up and running by tomorrow.”
