I rolled my eyes while Thorn and Kian stiffened beside me.
“There's a reason we have a hierarchy! It’s worked for so long, it’s natural selection simplified! We don't need anything new.” Fury simmered in her gaze as she balled her hands into fists beside her.
“What even are you?” Skip, the guy who had been publicly apologetic about treating me badly the first couple of terms, scoffed.
She clicked her tongue, but before she could reply, I let out an exaggerated sigh, propping my elbow on the desk and leaning against my hand. “Why should the hierarchy even matter? The strongest are going to win regardless, and the strongest sometimes don't make sense with the hierarchy. The supernaturals of Kalista are so far up their own asses that they don't care about the strength of the individuals—just the species. It's really disappointing that you're so close-minded. It’s also a bit embarrassing that you’re pissed off about the obvious attempt for equality for all of our species, and that says more about you than anything.”
She reeled back and blinked at me before her eyes narrowed into thin slits. “The dragons—”
“If you’re about to use the dragons as a supportive argument, then why are you at this academy? We’re at war with them too because just like you, they areall aboutbeing top of the hierarchy. Why don't you go see if they'll take you in? I'm sure they'll try to inject you with dragon DNA, but I’m also pretty sure you’ll die.”
Her jaw went slack as she sputtered.
Professor Cunningham's mouth dropped.“Wren.”She placed her hand on her chest. “While I do agree with you that the hierarchy being abolished is a good thing, maybe we can educate those opposed to it in a gentler manner.”
“With all due respect, we are at war, Professor.” My gaze swept from the close-minded supernatural girl to the professor again. “How can we educate about how much better Kalista would be without the hierarchy when we are at war with two different entities that want control?”
“Is your mate okay?” Skip whispered to Thorn, who narrowed his gaze.
“My mate is fine, thanks.”
I snorted, standing up as I felt Rowan approaching through the bond. “Anyway, that's my cue. Don't be a jerk, and this decision with the hierarchy shouldn't affect you.”
“It affects everybody!” the same girl shouted, but the ones who were agreeing with her previously had backed off.
I tilted my head as my shadow started to emerge and flick around in front of me. She wasn’t really that important, was she? I mean, with her ideals, she could’ve been a threat to our cause in the future.
A deep urge to slice her head clear off her shoulders throbbed inside of me just as the door banged open, and Rowan stood in the doorway with his arms crossed.
“Headmaster Barrington.” Professor Cunningham bowed her head in respect, as most of the students did the same, including the girl.
“Professor Cunningham, I am here to speak with my mate.”
The girl's eyes widened, and she sat down.
“Funny how those who want the hierarchy intact are too scared to stand in front of those higher than you in the hierarchy.” My lips curled into a smirk. “How does it feel to be weak? I mean, that's your fear, right? To be weak? Without hierarchy, you don't hold power over those who are lower on the scale. Well, how does it feel to be on the other side? Rowan is definitely stronger than you. To go along with Professor Cunningham’s suggestion to educate, remember the feeling you have in front of him. That’s how those lower to you feel on a daily basis with more supernaturals to watch out for. It’s not right. You get that now, right?”
If not, would her death really matter? No one would miss her, probably.
She lowered her head and refused to meet my gaze, and I sighed.
“Kit, you can’t think like that.”
Rowan took a sharp gasp. “Fledgling, come here. We’re going.”
“Rowan, I already told you that I wanted to go to class.”
“And you did.” His muscles strained against his shirt as he flexed them, frustration leaking down the bond.
I nibbled on my bottom lip. “I mean, yeah, I guess I did, but I didn't say that I wanted you to come get me.”
Gasps rang out in the classroom, and Thorn gripped my hand at the same time Kian did.
“I already missed Simmons' class. Why can't I take this one?”
“You know why.” Rowan dropped his voice before letting out a growl, and smoke blew out of his nose as he fought against his anger. “Let's go.” He walked over, and Thorn let go of my hand before moving out of the way.
Rowan bent down and grabbed me, throwing me over his shoulder. Kian had let go of my hand as soon as he did, traitor.
