It’s amazing seeing them forge weapons with their magic, instead of using it as the element itself. No offense to Morgan and Ryan, this is just…better.A shadow hides my devious squint as I think of using mine to create a dagger. One for slashing across Ethan’s throat the next time he threatens me.
Fire and ice clash within the barrier, and more phones record as onlookers become boisterous. Chris slashes his sword aside David’s head, missing by an inch, but close enough to burn a piece of his burgundy hair off. I gasp. The strike is too close for comfort, but I can’t reduce the thrilling titter it brings.
“You’re Kyra, from House Death, right?” Dimples randomly asks.
“Huh–Yeah,” I answer absent-mindedly. “Wait, how’d you know that?” I give him my undivided attention because what-the-fuck? Is he stalking me?
He flashes those enticing cheek divots, then taps against the ‘Life’ emblem on his chest. A white infinity dragon, biting its tail and surrounding a greatsword. Similar to my own House Death emblem. A dark serpent biting its tail that wraps around another greatsword, making a seamless circle.
“Our Houses share a connection in that regard.” His dimples set in deeper the broader his smile becomes.Focus.
“Right…” I huff, controlling the flow of warmth beneath my cheeks. “But how’d you know my name?” Scrunching my brows, I try to stay focused, which is nearly impossible. The way his honey-russet eyes capture my reflection inside the blackest orb of them, creating an angelic halo around my body, mixed with his defined cheekbones, gives an Egyptian impression. Yeah, my guardian angel has forsaken me.
“If honesty is something you value, then let me show that.” He leans lower for a more discreet conversation, and I take in the natural fragrance he has to offer–rainforest blended with fresh guava. Basically, this fay smells fucking edible. “It’s hard not to notice someone like you walking the hallways,” he says, then turns back towards the fight. He doesn’t answer my question but rather gives me more to think about. I refocus as well. My only thoughts are how Dimples here, must be one of the most beautiful men I’ve encountered. “Well, this fight is over.” He changes the subject.
“Why is that?” I allow the change because I need a moment, thenwatch David leap high, holding his battle ax above his head with every intent to murder.
“You see Chris’s hand behind his back? It’s been there the entire fight, building magic in preparation of summoning a fire fairy, a level three spell, which David hasn’t learned yet.” Sure enough, the crowd goes crazy. He slams his ax down at Chris’s head but is deflected by an incoming swing from the fire fairy’s blinding entrance.
“Oh shit.” Zest has me clapping. Serves David right for sleeping with Chris’s woman. He can do much better than her. Plus, his fairy is too damn adorable as it blows flames at David, knocking him unconscious.Yep, this match is over.
“Our victor is decided,” the mechanical voice chimes in. “Chris of House Fire remains ranked at three thousand seventeen and gains twenty House points. David of House Earth now ranks at three thousand one-hundred and twenty-two. Losing one-hundred ranking points as well as twenty House points.” Half the crowd boos and the other cheers.
Those aligned with David grab him quickly once the barrier vanishes. Chris and everyone else disperses, voicing how they’re uploading the video to Rebirth’s website, not before passing by me and returning their loathsome glares.Right, I forgot how everyone hates me.I turn and walk away.
“Where are you heading?” Dimples asks extremely close behind me.
“Class,” I respond. I want to get back to hacking for information on my next lecturer. But my thoughts revert to Mr. Smells Edible as he inches closer beside me.
“Would you mind an escort? I have time to kill.” With a side eye, I catch his infectious grin. “No harm if you say no,” he tacks on. My pace slows to a halt, and I face him, scanning his full body, not sure if he is trustworthy, or if an agenda hides behind his chivalrous notion. “How about I make it enticing?” His contagious smile grows, nudging one of my own into existence while raising a curious brow. “Heading to your next class, you can ask me anything.” Somethingdark glints over his features, and damn-it to hell, I’m inclined to say yes.
“What if you lie.”
“I’ll answer truthfully, fay’s honor.” He draws an imaginary ‘x’ over his heart. I squint, considering my options. On one hand, I could obtain more information, and on the other, he could be a stalker with other intentions.
Preparing to respond, a slender, yet elegant hand lands on his shoulder. Pristine and well-kept.Why am I paying so much attention?The word, ‘MINE,’ is painted on her nails. Each finger contains one letter.
“Horus, sweetheart, I’ve been searching all over for you,” she announces in a seductive tone, stepping into view and stealing his attention. Frost blue eyes, full make-up, perfectly tanned skin, and one hell of a body. I create distance between us, and he adjusts back to me.
“Sofia, what do you want?” he asks, keeping his focus but nudging her hand off his shoulder.
She plays it off by gripping his chin and forcing his head her way. “You promised we’d have some…” she pauses with a grin. “Alone time.” Then she gives an unnecessarily flirtatious chuckle.My God. She can’t be serious.“But here I find you with…her.”
I scoff, picking up Sofia’s underlying judgment.
“Sofia,” Horus warns. “I offered to train you. Not whatever you’re implying.” Since meeting him, not once has his expression become bland the way it is now.
“Don’t get me wrong, she’s cute for someone like her, but you promised.” She places a hand over his chest, ensuring I read the letters over her nails.
“What do you think, Kyra, should I join her?” Horus asks as I rule him out for pulling this trick.
“Let’s see?” I study how her pleasant features have become more appalled at his request. “Well, she seems like a Captivating…Unyielding…Nubile…Temptress…of an individual. So why not.”Shrugging my shoulders, I leave them behind. I smile hearing Sofia’s praise for a well-deserved complement. If she only knew.
I’m back stalking the halls with the school’s map directing me, noticing more whispers as I pass the other students. Yet I’m enjoying my moment of peace, until a rainforest scent causes my head to lift.
“If you’re heading tothatclass.” Horus points at my screen. “It starts at one, and you’re going the opposite way. We’re in the Green Wing heading to Red. You’re looking for the White Wing.” His dimples get deeper as I glance his way.
“Why do you care? I thought you had athingwith Sofia.” Continuing my walk despite heading the wrong way, I plan to wait for him to leave then turn around.
