?I told Asher to make a runic shield and it had been so strong not even the witches’ blows could penetrate it. Then I had entered the battle by stopping a death blow, and I had killed that blood witch.
?Callahan explained everything in detail, though those gaps in my memory are still just as blank. He still told me everything and all that happened before. The first face off with Kolasi and Varian truth-pulling. Everything with the infirmary and him chasing after me because I was trying to get to class.
?He said I also broke a Devil’s Lock. Varian had been pissy with me about keeping secrets and wouldn’t let me into his class on that Wednesday. I ended up telling Callahan the sun devil used to make me break them for rewards.
?A week with no broken bones.
?Three days of any food I’d want.
?My choice with where he would bite me next.
?I could tell he wanted to comfort me, but I wouldn’t let him touch me. Even though Ms. Elaycia’s voice was in the backof my head telling me people need physical contact. Hugs are a necessity to life.
?I walk the path I remember running right before burning Thorne’s rooms down. His house comes into view and then the rest of them as I round the mini woods that give a sort of separation between the main building and the society houses. Breath House is next to Stone and I hesitate for a millisecond wondering if I could go ask Darian.
?From the limited interactions I’ve had with him he seems like a deranged psychopath who likes pain. He didn’t like me referring to him as the sun devil. There was a solemness to him when it was realized why he looked so much like the sun devil as well. Maybe he isn’t a complete psychopath.
?The training arena is straight ahead and yet I still hesitate. Jullia and Asher have said the fourth and fifth years who are primarily going to be soldiers and warriors have been getting hammered on by Varian and the demigod. Their training more rigorous after the attacks. Though the rebels have been radio silent all across the country after the last battle.
?Asher had fist bumped me saying I was the reason. They were all terrified of the red-eyed force who delivered a death blow so severe it fractured the earth throughout the eastern field. It took both earth and nature mages a whole month to even make the field walkable again.
?Supernova.
?But the extra training just means there are a lot of people training right now. Ms. Elaycia opened an account for me and linked it to my tablet so I could start buying things without having to work. It’s technically my money, but I did tell the head of the cleaning crew I could still take shifts if he needed me to.
?I was front faced turned down. Though he did thank me for saving the school, he said he didn’t really need another member on the crew.
?It’s left more time for me to study – which is what I have been doing the last three days because of the two months I missed. I should be studying still, but that need to hit something overrides it. And while I should walk into the arena, I’m still hesitating with my eyes glued to Breath House.
?Making a half-second decision, I start heading towards the front door. For all I know he isn’t even there, but at least I tried. If he isn’t then it’s a sign I should probably find someone else. It’s not even necessarily finding someone who’s okay with putting me in pain, but it’s also trusting them with my secret. It’s a weakness that can be used against me, and my blood tastes like the most addicting thing in the universe – even to those without fangs.
?If he’s here, he’s here. If not, that’s my sign.
?I keep repeating that as I approach the front doors. I made sure not to even glance at Stone House and ignore the few eyes still out and watching me.
?I’ve only been into one society house and I mostly ignore all the things Asher says about the lifestyle. I never cared about the hierarchy or events or inner workings. Maybe I should have paid more attention because I’m not sure if I can just walk in or if I should knock. . .
?Do I need an invitation? Is there a passcode? Is it weird that there’s no party and I’m a girl walking into a boys society house?
?I blow out a breath at those thoughts because no way is there as much fucking in the dorms and not any in the houses. College kids’ sex drive is something that should be studied.
?Deciding I have no idea what to do or what the customs are. . . I do what anyone else on Earth would. I knock on the door. To which I get no response.
?I try again, this time harder as the last bit of sunlight fades with the sun dipping past the tree and mountain line. Maybe they just didn’t hear me. . . or maybe I’m an idiot. Probably the latter.
?I’m about to just spin around and hightail it back to my room when a group of guys start approaching. One of them I recognize as the vampyr I had met my first day. The one who simply gave me my things without the territorial bullshit. Side note – my fangs would have smoked that red-headed bitches.
?His russet colored eyes rove over me as his friends all stop to stare awkwardly. None of them are wearing their uniforms so I have no idea which years they are or what exact races they are. Russet eyes should be a vampyr since he was at their table when I got my tablet, but now that he’s standing I notice his height and sharp features. His bone structure cutting and angular in a way I have a feeling makes him some sort of shifter instead of vampyr.
?I could be totally off because of any race, shifters are the most mortal of the non-mortals with a shorter lifespan and very few born magics so they’re harder to figure out. Most of what they can do are types of learned magics.
?His aura isn’t much help either – which leads me to think he’s most definitely some sort of shifter. Shifters are harder to distinguish fromhumans, but since there are no humans here it’s easy. Twining and twisting small wisps of aura coilingaround him a color more brown than his eyes. Sort of copper colored instead of russet.
?“Can we help you?”
?His voice is quiet but not necessarily low. There’s a richness about it that feels like fog tumbling over a woodland floor. Some sort of woodland creature?
?“You’re not a vampyr,” I say, instead of asking about entering the house. The shifter cocks his head in a way that tilts his chin up. The move has a very predator type look about it.
