The headmistress winced, bringing her shoulders up, her discomfiture shrinking her posture nearly half a foot. Shaking her head, she said, “All of the clans pay an Alpha Island tax, which covers tuition for their heirs, along with books, maintenance of the dorms, and uniforms and such. Your father and Crescent Clan don’t pay, so you’ll have to earn your way here. I’m so sorry.”
Why the hell would my clan pay an Alpha Island tax when we didn’t even live on Alpha Island like the others? I wanted to scream with frustration.
I scrutinized the schedule more. “Serving lunch and dinner too? When exactly am I supposed to eat?”
I tried for a light tone, but it came out laced with sarcasm.
Her frown deepened. Nolan was right. We would be worked to the bone just to get by.
“I’m afraid the king made your work chart, I’m only in charge of the classes. I tried to persuade him to only give you one dining duty, but…”
“It’s fine.” I shoved the paper into my back pocket. “I’ll be fine.”
If King Douchebag wanted to try and break me at this school, he had another thing coming.
“Books for all your classes can be checked out from the library in your free time,” she informed me.
Free time?Hah. I had none of that.
With a nod and a thank you, I left the room and headed for Master Carn’s room to start my first day of Fire Studies.
My thoughts drifted to my father. He’d be so proud to learn I was a fire elemental too. It would be nice to call him … but obviously impossible between the magic lands and Earth. Maybe I could get a letter to him through a trader. How much could I reveal with the magic binding me?
My gaze fell to the paper in my hands. Based on this map, my class was clear across campus, and I was already late.
I broke into a jog, turning a corner quickly, and slammed right into someone’s chest.
“Oof!” I clung to his shirt, and the heat from his skin radiated through the butter-soft material as he steadied me.
Pulling back, I looked up into the deep green eyes of Justice Midnight. I swallowed hard, and my gaze dipped to his lips. Green eyes, full lips … I tried to imagine what he’d look like with a mask on…
“Sorry.” He let me go with a small smile.
A smile?
“What?” Was he … being nice to me? Suspicion rose in my gut. Justice was the number two asshole on the island—no, number three, just behind Rage and the king. My gaze fell to his left ring finger.
Nada.
No mate marks.
“Nai?” He waved his hand in front of my face. “You were running like a madwoman. Are you late?”
His gentle reminder was too nice. Then his words registered.
“Shit!” I side-stepped him with a wave and shouted thanks before taking off in a run, my mind racing just as fast.
Could Justice be my fated mate? He certainly had the eyes, and he was being way nicer today than yesterday…
After finally finding the room, I wrenched the door open, panting.
And … of course, Rage was here.
Mother Mage, have mercy.
Master Carn’s head lifted, but my attention was captured by the Midnight Prince standing beside him.
My knees went weak as I zeroed in on his green eyes.
