I wrinkle my nose. “So, it’s not just me?”
He chuckles. “No. I’m definitely in the pariah club with you. Apparently, my mixed race is an affront to the pure-magic witches and even more so with the Elites.”
“I can’t believe my mother would’ve put up with that. I don’t remember her, but from what I’ve heard and learned, she didn’t seem to be a woman to suffer such behavior.”
“Yeah, well, it wasn’t like this in the days of your mom. It was after she died and the accident took down three other coven leaders that Laurel stepped up as high priestess and closed ranks.”
“And disposed of me and my sisters.”
He nods. “Nobody knew that. Again, I’m sorry. We were told you three were placed with a distant aunt in Europe. Everyone was still in shock and reeling from the loss to the coven, and nobody questioned it.”
“What’s done is done. Once I’m in control of my affinity, and can track down my sisters, we’ll decide what to do about all that. For now, I have to get ready for an afternoon of disdain with my judgy jailer.”
Orion heads over to the kitchen, and I follow. He leans against the counter and points to the fridge. “We’ve got a ton of sandwich stuff. Do you like turkey or ham?”
I wave away his concern. “I’m good.”
He arches an ebony brow. “I have heightened senses and can hear your stomach growling.”
I laugh. “Well, that’s a little embarrassing, but I suppose on the list of awkward moments lately, it doesn’t even rank.”
He pulls out bread, turkey, ham, and Havarti slices, sliding everything onto the counter. “And just so you know, aside from the Elites and a few bitch witches that ride their cloaktails, there are some members of the coven who are pretty cool.”
I slather mayo on my bread, hoping that’s true. “That’s good to hear but hard to believe. So far, my welcome has been Wylder attacking me with killer strangleweeds and then kidnapping me to be tortured and threatened. I’m under no illusions that I’msafe here, but I do appreciate you being here to keep me from being disappeared again.”
Orion frowns. “I don’t think you’re in any immediate danger, especially not from Wylder.”
I laugh and then take a huge bite of my sandwich, almost moaning at how good food tastes. “Trust me, even without magical insight, I know when someone wants me to keel over and die. Wylder is no fan of mine. I’m just waiting for him to push me in front of a bus. No, they likely don’t have buses here, so then it’ll be in front of a feral Guardian.”
Orion takes a long moment to focus on building his sandwich, and when he looks up at me, he seems conflicted. “Wylder isn’t a bad guy. It’s just this situation. He’s stressed. Give him time. Right now, your presence is stirring up a lot of dust. Eventually, it’ll settle.”
Before I can ask what he means by that, the door swings open and Wylder walks in, his eyes immediately locking onto Orion’s shirtless state before shifting to me. His expression tightens. “What’s going on here?”
Orion grins and takes another bite of his sandwich. “Just being a good host to the latest Emberwood disgrace. I’m thinking Poppy here might actually knock me out of the top spot.”
I take another bite and laugh. “Thanks a lot.”
Orion presses a hand over his chest. “It’ll be tough to lose the title, but I’m willing to share.”
“You’re a peach. Thanks.”
The two of us chuckle about our situation a bit more and then Wylder frowns. “Get the iPad you were assigned. We have a lot of ground to cover.”
I shove the last bite of my lunch into my mouth and nod, wondering what new torture awaits me this afternoon.
Wylder waits impatiently as I grab my iPad from the bedroom, and when I return, Orion has retreated into his room and Wylder’s expression is tense. I hope Orion didn’t say anything that will make the situation worse.
“All set.” I tuck the device into my backpack and slide my arm through the shoulder strap.
He holds the door open, and I catch a whiff of pine and earth as I pass. It’s becoming a familiar scent.
The late afternoon sun warms my face as we cross the academy grounds. Where the November weather was taking hold in Emberwood, it’s as warm as a perfect summer’s day here. I’m not sure if that’s seasonal or if it’s always perfect weather in the Arcana magical pocket.
Students mill about, some sitting in clusters under trees, others walking purposefully between buildings. A few glance our way, their expressions ranging from curious to outright hostile.
“Where are we going?” I lengthen my stride to keep up.
“Somewhere quiet.” He doesn’t elaborate, just leads me along a winding, crystal-lined path toward a cluster of trees.
