“His chart starts in planet Nomia, like all royals,” she began, “but then it reaches out to the star Etraalis, which means a happy soul bonding.”
Vallynn stiffened beside me, and I could have sworn I heard him mutter a curse as Daena shot him a saccharine smile.
“Excellent.” Professor Vatorgan praised. “And what of the placement of Mebiphus in his chart?” I couldn’t help the satisfaction that rolled through me when the blonde fae frowned, unable to answer. “Anyone?”
“It means I will be tested,” Vallynn spoke, his voice rolling through me and causing me to shiver. “That the outcome of whatever trials lie ahead for me could alter the course of the rest of my chart.”
“Exactly!” The professor clapped. “Which brings me to a very important point. While our charts can often provide a clear picture of what is to come, there are times they can be altered. Given the proximity of Mebiphus to Nomia in Vallynn’s chart, it is likely the tests he will face are the academy’s own trials. Which, as you are all aware, can alter the course of any student’s life.” He waved his hand again, and new silver lines appeared. “This is Ms. Knight’s star chart, based on the date of her birth.”
“Professor,” Daena interrupted. “Are you sure that’s right? Her chart starts in Nomia, too.”
Professor Vatorgan frowned and moved his fingers in the air as if recalculating something. “Are you quite sure that you were born on November fifteenth?” he asked me.
“As sure as I can be,” I frowned.
The professor studied me closely for a moment, his brows knitted together. “Most interesting,” he mumbled before addressing the class again. “While not common, we have seen historical accounts of star charts starting in Nomia for non-royals. It seems Ms. Knight is one of those rare instances. Now, would anyone like to take an attempt at interpreting part of her chart?”
Tilting my head back to study the illusion above us, I tried to make sense of it. While I didn’t know any of the planets or stars floating near the ceiling, I didn’t miss how many of the silver lines of my chart followed a similar path to the golden lines of Vallynn’s.
“Etraalis connects to Zoax,” Dante snickered. “Looks like Ms. Knight is gonna have a hard time keeping her mate.”
The rest of the class laughed along with him, and I felt myself flush with embarrassment. I was seconds away from racing from the room just to escape the laughter and taunts whenProfessor Vatorgan got the class back under control.
“Mr. Vazgurr’s interpretation brings me to my next point.” The professor spoke. “If one stops too soon with their interpretation, they miss the true meaning of the chart.” He traced the line from a dark, angry-looking planet to a bright star slightly to the planet’s left. “Okraxih would indicate the struggles that Ms. Knight and her mate will face are ones they will work together to overcome.” With another wave of his hand, the illusion above us vanished to reveal the dome ceiling. “Thank you for your assistance. You two may take your seats now.”
Vallynn moved first as my eyes worked to find an empty seat. When I found one three rows behind his friends, I moved toward it, walking behind the prince. I’d just started to pass Daena when she slid her foot into the aisle, causing me to trip and stumble forward. Vallynn moved as quickly as Zypher that morning, turning to face me and catching my bare forearms in his hands faster than I could blink. Heat shot through me as I steadied myself against his hold and looked up into his face. Our eyes locked, and my mind struggled to comprehend the unrestrained awe shining in his gaze.
“Vallynn,” Daena called, her tone harsh. “What in the realm are you doing?”
The reverence in his face dissipated, and his expression smoothed into a mask of disgust. Shoving me back slightly, his upper lip curled. “Ensuring the trash doesn’t molest me further.”
“Fuck you,” I hissed, shoving past him and stalking to the empty seat I’d spotted.
“I doubt he’d touch you with Professor Vatorgan’s cock,” Dante snorted, causing Daena and her friend to snicker.
I flipped them off over my shoulder and took my seat, slumping down in a poor attempt to disappear. The rest of the class went by in a haze of growing anger, and I barely heard anything the professor said as he talked us through the first few chapters of our textbooks and walked us through the stepsof utilizing our birthdate, time of birth, and name to create our star charts. The moment he dismissed us, I fled the tower for the safety of my dorm room.
“What’s wrong?” Shadrie asked, jumping up from our sofa as I slammed the door behind me.
“Fucking mean girls.” I snapped.
“Tell me who and I’ll ice their asses.”
I began to pace angrily, staring at the floor as I told Shadrie what happened in astrology class. Replaying the scene only served to make me angrier, and I was boiling with rage by the time I finished talking.
“Oh, shit. Bechora.” Shadrie squeaked, causing my head to snap up. “What in the seven hells? How do you have shadow magic?”
The common area of our dorm was rapidly filling with inky, black shadows that seemed to suck all the life and heat out of the space. The edge of them brushed against Shadrie’s calf, causing her to cry out in pain before she jerked backward toward the door.
“Call them back, Bechora!” she called out.
Panic laced through me as I looked at my friend. “I don’t know how!”
“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” Shadrie chanted. “Selir damn it! Stay here, I’m going to get help.”
“Please, hurry,” I wailed, the shadows growing thicker in my panic.
Shadrie nodded and ran for the door, letting it slam shut behind her. I begged, pleaded, and sobbed aloud for the shadows to stop, but they seemed to be fueled by my distress. I was in near hysterics when Dante burst into the room, his body made of stone.
