“You have to calm down,” he shouted, grabbing me by the shoulders. I blinked at him in surprise. “That’s it. Take a deep breath in and let it go slowly.”
I did as he instructed, letting him talk me down through a simple breathing exercise. Each breath calmed me a little morethan the last, and the shadows slowly began to recede until they’d disappeared entirely. The moment they were gone, it dawned on me that Dante was gently stroking my hair with a hand made of granite.
“What the fuck?” I demanded, jerking out of his reach.
His head snapped back like I’d slapped him, and he frowned as his body shifted from stone to skin. “I should be asking you that. Shadows are Fae magic, and unless you’re hiding under a glamour, you aren’t fae.”
“Get out, Dante,” Shadrie ordered, stepping into the room from the hallway.
“You’re the one that dragged me out of the common room up here to help,” he retorted.
Shadrie placed her hands on her hips and stared the male down. “Because I knew you’d know what to do after being with Vallynn for so long. You served your purpose, now get out before I call the head of house and report you for trespassing in our room.”
Dante shook his head. “Whatever, Sha. Next time your roomie implodes, you can sort it out on your own.”
“Oh, go take Vallynn’s cock up the ass, gravel for brains.” Shadrie snarled. “It’s all you’re good for outside of skulking on buildings.”
“Skulking on buildings?” I asked, trying not to laugh at her ridiculous insult.
“He’s a gargoyle. They love hanging out on ledges and shit. When they’re not being massive jerks.”
Dante scowled at Shadrie and opened his mouth as if to speak before snapping it shut again. With a low growl, he stalked from our dorm and slammed the door behind him. My roommate smirked before turning to face me.
“So… that was interesting.” She started, her expression growing serious.
“I don’t know what happened.” I sighed, moving to sit on the sofa. “This has to be that elemental mage stuff you were talking about.”
Shadrie shook her head and sat beside me. “I don’t know how you manifested shadows, B, but Dante was right. Only fae have that ability.”
“I’m not fae, though.” I frowned. “I think I’d know if my ears were pointed.”
“I know.” She replied, grabbing one of my hands and giving it a gentle squeeze. “Even if someone glamoured you to hide it, the magic would be broken to reveal you as fae at orientation.”
“What is happening to me?” I whispered.
“I don’t know, B.” Shadrie shook her head, squeezing my hand again. “But I promise I’ll help you find out.”
Chapter Fourteen
Bechora
Shadrie and I sat in silence on the couch for hours, both of us lost in thought. I’d missed the rest of my classes, including combat, but that was tomorrow’s problem. I was currently too busy freaking out about whatever was happening to me. It wasn’t until there was a knock on our door that either of us snapped out of it. Shadrie jumped to her feet, giving me a soft smile as she moved to open it.
“Professor Thrackborne!” Shadrie squeaked.
The surly dragon strode into the room, glowering at me. “You’re late for our meeting, Ms. Knight.”
“Shit,” I hissed, standing from my seat. “I’m sorry, I lost track of time.”
“And what exactly has you so distracted you forgot you have a meeting with your head of house, Ms. Knight?” he drawled, his nostrils flaring. “Is the paint on your walls that interesting?”
“It’s my fault, Professor,” Shadrie interjected, her eyes pleading with me to roll with it. “I was having some trouble with an assignment, and I asked Bechora for help.”
“Is that so?” Thrackborne arched his brow. Shadrie paled under his intense stare but nodded. “Very well, come along, Ms. Knight. We can salvage what’s left of our time.”
I hurried to grab my bag and followed the grumpy male from my dorm, gently grabbing Shadrie’s hand and squeezing it in thanks as I passed her. Professor Thrackborne strolled through Magus House at a clipped pace. I was practically jogging to keep up with him, afraid to ask him to slow down. We didn’t stopuntil we were inside his office, and he motioned for me to take a seat as he leaned on the front of his desk.
“This is the second time you’ve attempted to skip our meeting, Ms. Knight,” he drawled, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “If you aren’t going to take this seriously, you won’t make it at the academy.”
