Alex sighs, taking a half step in front of me, leaving enough space for this ungodly visual.
“Elder, we’re here on behalf of this. By chance, is it something within your collection?”
“Oh, your mind is hungry for more knowledge. One can’t let something so big go unsatisfied,” Elder Kraven answers. Taking the small piece of paper and looking it over, he responds, “Ah. TheBook of Terror. Yes, I remember seeing this somewhere.” Wonder creeps into his features. “What need do you have for this? A strong lad shouldn’t have fears.”
“It’s for Kyra.” A low rumble calls out. Delighted by this information, the Elder turns, engaging me.
“Is someone frightening you? Tell me, my dear, so I can give them a good tongue lashing.”Is he serious right now?I snort, but mask it behind a cough.
“Uhh. I’m not sure. Yasmine suggests it can help rid my fears?” Shrugging, I glance at Alex.
“Dearest Yasmine, you say. She’s quite a spark of energy. A dangerous fay with an even larger attitude. The last we spoke, I found her entering my hole with great speed.”
“Excuse me, what–” Frowning, I cough up a lung as Alex roars in a threatening pitch, disregarding his title.
“Kraven, your words! You will not refer to Haven’s Hole as your…” Alex trails off with an even deeper sigh.Ohhh, the hangout. I heard he created it. Now it makes sense.
Another snort bursts out of me, but my hand is quick to cover the full blown laugh trailing behind. This prompts the Elder to raise his brows in a delightful manner. “Have you been inside Haven’s Hole?”
“Once, yes.” Continuing the fight within, my gaze flicks between these two men, noting one wears disgust and the other–something…else.
“I see. A conversation better fitting another time. But Yasmine stormed in, looking for me in hopes of gaining access to my world of books. She offered something the likes of me has never seen, so what will you be offering for admission?”
“How much–”
“She won’t be offering you anything,” Alex snarls. “You and I will work something out.”
“No. I can…” His glare snaps to me, and I bite my tongue. I’ll allow it. I’m not foolish enough to combat something out of my territory. If he demands it, there is a reason.
“No need to pound the pole so roughly. Take your time,” Elder Kraven whispers. But his ongoing smirk sends a shiver down myspine, triggering another rumble from Alex. “I’ll retrieve the book, and we can discuss an offering later.”
“Inform me once it’s within your grasp. Kyra, are you ready?” Not leaving me room to decline since his sigil is already humming with black energy, I agree by grabbing his hand, and we vanish once more.
Chapter 38
Who needs privacy
KYRA
Alexand I parted ways after arriving on campus, not before he informed me he was calling a meeting of House Leaders before dusk. Meaning, when the sun is setting. Their way of words can be a bit puzzling at times, yet oddly enough, I’m growing accustomed to it. Old English mixed with twenty-first century English and their own idioms.
My clothes are fresh, sweatpants and a long-sleeved, hooded shirt. Letting my hair fall on my shoulders, retaining the passion twists, I still smell of smoke, grit, and dried blood, so I head to my shower, stretching my legs instead of using sigil magic.
Wishing like hell I had another sucker or bag of chips, I’m back to relying on an incantation to suppress my hunger.
It’s quiet as I walk through Rebirth’s Green Wing. There is a change in the atmosphere from its normal routine of chaos and rumors. Alex went to speak with Caspian about something, which is why I’m alone.
“Kyra, wait up,” a familiar voice calls.Never mind about walking alone.And already I’m smiling before turning around.
“Hey, Russ, fancy seeing you here.” I look for which secret passage he took to find me.
“Funny, isn’t it? Like I can’t seem to get rid of you.” His smile grows, and my head shakes in a chuckle. “By the way, are you searching for the list?”
“What do you mean?”
“You haven’t heard about it yet, good.”
“No, no, spill it. What list?” Folding my arms beneath the swell of my breasts, I notice he shifts his gaze up, fighting an urge to look.I really have to stop doing this around them.
