Snakey drew back slightly before he darted forward and nipped my finger. Pain bloomed, but his venom flooded my system. Ecstasy funneled through me as I muffled my moan with my other hand.
Slater went rigid, panic in his eyes. “Rune! I’m so sorry—Fates, Koa!”
I merely laughed softly, bringing Snakey closer, gently poking his little snout. “It’s okay. Snakey was just helping me out, huh?”
Snakey hissed in agreement and licked my hand again before vanishing into mist.
Koa rushed over, blue flames igniting in worry. “Rune, let me heal?—”
I waved him off gently, smiling. “Relax. I’m fine. Venom’s sort of my thing, remember? Snakey must’ve remembered that. I’m good.”
Behind me, Dimitri rolled his eyes sharply. “Fantastic. You are clearly addicted to toxic substances.”
I shot him a glare. “I don’t judge your blood bags, do I?”
“I don’t prefer bags.” He stiffened.
“Do you prefer feeding from the source, then?” I purred, stepping close.
His fangs escaped. “I prefer a chalice.”
“Oh. Too bad, I was going to offer.”
Dimitri wheezed after choking on his breath.
Zuko chuckled, moving to my other side, a wicked smile curling his lips. “If toxins make you this bold, maybe I should bite you next.”
“Maybe you should,” I purred, offering my wrist.
He groaned, but it sounded more like a moan. “Don’t tempt me, pretty little poison.”
Raze murmured quietly from the back, concern in his voice. “Careful, Zuko. You know what she’s capable of?”
I turned to Raze, arching a brow. “Why are you always so scared of me, Raze? I don’t bite…” I leaned closer, flashing my fangs playfully. “Much.”
Raze squeaked.
Zuko’s eyes glowed brighter.
“I’m so in love,” Slater sighed dramatically, pressing a hand over his heart.
Koa checked me over again, concern etched deeply into his brow. “Just to be sure?—”
“I promise, Koa. I’m fine.” I waved him off, the venom making my limbs feel a bit jello-like.
Dimitri cleared his throat pointedly. “If everyone is done, we have another class. Follow me.”
“We already were,” I snarked at him as we walked toward the House of Fortitude, but after a few steps, the corridor spun slightly.
Eleanor and Aura quickly caught my arms, steadying me.
“Easy there,” Eleanor murmured.
“Sorry.” I grinned sheepishly, shaking off Snakey’s venom the best I could.
Despite my immunity to venom and poison, I could still feel a slight buzz of their effects. Most of the time, it was spikes of calm or even euphoria. I never experienced fatal harm, pain, loss of consciousness, or paralysis, though.
Snakey’s venom, though, seemed to affect me more than usual.
