That shut me up, and we trained for another hour before I was too exhausted to continue.
They offered to walk me back to Bramble, and I accepted, not wanting another run-in with Sterling. I had my venom-coated hairpin in place just in case, but the thought of another scuffle made me want to weep with fatigue.
The chilly air was bliss on my overheated skin, and the night walk, flanked by two guys, allowed me to appreciate the nocturnal beauty of the Academy grounds.
This place was a work of art, from the neatly clipped and shaped bushes to the graceful sculptures and statues, down to the array of flora, planted in such a way that pastel and deeper hues worked together to brighten even the night.
We walked in companionable silence for a few minutes before it occurred to me how little I knew about these guys.
“So…I know that Drayven is a barghest, but what are you two?”
“Thought you’d never ask,” Jay said with a cheeky grin.
“Shit, I’m sorry.”
“He’s joking,” Brek said, shooting him a scathing look. “I’m a loup-garou and Jay is rakshasa.”
“I’ve heard of loup, but not rakshasa.”
“We’re a rare breed,” Jay said proudly. “Not many packs left. Mine is one of the largest.”
“And how come you guys were sent here? Is there a way that your packs choose?”
“It’s done by lottery to keep it fair,” Brek said. “At least in my pack.”
“Not for us,” Jay replied. “My grandfather signed the Covenant, and so our specific bloodline is responsible for supplying Thropes to the Academy every few years.”
“I know your cousin, Cami. She’s sweet.”
“Too sweet to be here,” Jay said.
Brek made a sound of agreement.
“She’s a twin,” Jay said. “Her brother Raj is what we call a runt. They were set on sending him—they usually send a male—but Cami fought them. She demanded the right to take his place.”
“Brave girl.”
“She is,” Jay said. “But I wish she didn’t have to be here. She’s much too smart to waste her life stuck in this place. But she says you’ve been hanging out with her?” He said it tentatively, as if he was worried it wasn’t true.
“Yeah, I have. She’s a good kid. I like her.”
His smile bloomed. “Thank you.”
“What for? My motives are completely selfish. She’s one of the smartest students in my class.” I winked. “She makes the best study partner.”
Bramble came into view, the upper windows glowing with amber light. Was that the Unwoven floor?
“He wanted to come tonight,” Jay blurted suddenly. “Drayven did.”
“Jay,” Brek warned.
My neck heated. “It’s okay. You don’t have to explain.”
“Yes, Jay, you really don’t,” Brek bit out.
Jay puffed out a breath and nodded. “Just…don’t give up on him if he pulls away.”
“By the blood,” Brek rolled his eyes. “You’re such a meddler.”
