“I’m okay. I promise. I don’t think he meant me any harm,” I said, flicking my gaze to Gabriel. “You didn’t mean anything by it, right?”
A muscle ticked in Gabriel’s jaw as he clenched his teeth. His face was painted with so much fury and loathing it nearly stolemy breath, and I couldn’t understand why it was directed at me. Sure, I’d clearly made a faux pas when he’d led me to the infirmary after combat class, but I didn’t think I’d given the vampire a reason to dislike me.
“Right,” Gabriel spoke up finally, not bothering to hide the malice in his gaze.
Zypher squeezed the back of Gabriel’s neck one more time before jerking him upright. “If you are smart, vampire, you will stay far away from my Dilectus. I am not as forgiving as she is, and I will have no problems tearing your heart from your chest should you touch her again.”
Gabriel gave Zypher a tight nod, and Zypher released his hold on him. The vampire shot me an angry scowl before moving toward the exit faster than my eyes could track.
“Selir, that was hot,” Shadrie spoke, fanning herself. “What I wouldn’t give to have a guy go all beast mode for me.”
I thrust my elbow back, catching her in the side just as Zypher turned his attention to me.
“Are you alright?” he asked, his gaze softening.
“I’m good,” I smiled.
“Good. Though I would caution you to keep your distance from that vampire.” Zypher replied as he tucked my hair behind my ear.
“Get a room, you two.” Shadrie laughed as she moved around me toward the food buffets.
Zypher’s eyes heated with desire, and his nostrils flared. “Say the word, Dilectus.”
Heat crept up my chest and into my cheeks as I flushed under his intense stare. Shadrie cackled loudly, and I cleared my throat before patting Zypher’s chest.
“Why don’t we focus on getting something to eat?” I said.
“Of course,” Zypher winked. “Sit, both of you. I shall bring your breakfast.”
Chapter Thirteen
Bechora
After breakfast, I made my way across campus to the tall tower where my astrology class was held. It was in a secluded area, but it wasn’t hard to find since the building was the tallest on campus. The circular building lay empty aside from a lone winding staircase that left me winded by the time I reached the top. Slipping into the classroom, I noted the seats were spread out around the wall and the large telescope in the center of the room, just near a large wooden desk where the Professor stood.
“You’re the last to arrive, Ms. Knight.” The portly, balding man spoke with a smile. “That will make you today’s volunteer.”
I bit back my retort as Professor Vatorgan motioned for me to stand beside his desk. My eyes scanned the smug faces of my classmates, catching sight of the rude blonde girl and her friend from my first day at the academy. My pulse quickened when my eyes landed on Dante, the guy I met in the communal bathroom, seated beside her. As if sensing my reaction to him, he smirked and shot me a wink.
“Prince Vallynn, if you would be so kind as to be my other volunteer for today.” The professor spoke, causing my gaze to fall to the handsome male rising from his seat beside Dante. “As those of you raised in the realm are aware, Vallynn’s chart was completed upon his birth, as are those of any royal. It will provide an excellent example of what you may find in your own, while we use Ms. Knight to show you how to get started.”
Vallynn prowled through the circular room and stopped justbeside me without a word. Before I could politely introduce myself, Professor Vatorgan leaned toward me and asked my birthday.
“November fifteenth,” I replied quietly.
“And do you know the time of your birth?” he asked.
I shook my head in response. It was a miracle I knew my first name and birthday to begin with. I was found wandering the streets alone when I was three, with only the name Bechora andborn November 15scrawled on a piece of paper clutched in my tiny fist. The social workers weren’t able to locate my birth parents, and by the time I fled my latest foster home at sixteen, I’d given up hope of ever knowing where I came from.
“Very well, your chart may not be as accurate, but it will be close enough.” The professor smiled before waving his hand in the air. “Now, if you will all turn your attention to the ceiling.”
Tilting my head back, I let out an awed gasp. Sparkling along the ceiling was a system of planets and stars unlike anything I’d ever seen. The lack of similarity to my own solar system only made it clearer that I wasn’t in the human realm anymore. The Professor’s hand waved again, and a series of golden lines formed, connecting various stars and planets.
“This is Prince Vallynn’s star chart, plotted along the galaxy.” Professor Vatorgan started. “Would any of you like to make an attempt at interpreting part of it?”
“I will, Professor.” A nasally, feminine voice called out.
“Very good, Daena. What do you see for the prince based on his chart?”
