Page 171 of Plug and Drain

Zott had not made any mention of Arken’s claim of Susie. But due to the nature of the request, Arken had been unable to restrain his emotions when he saw her name recommended. He’d gripped the parchment hard enough that it crinkled, and Henrikk—who was peering at him from across the table over interlaced hands—had seen his reaction.

Arken had immediately composed himself, and the conversation moved on to other topics. The danger had passed.

Just to be safe, Arken had invited Henrikk to witness the omegas’ punishment—an event he planned on the spot.

It had worked. Henrikk had no reason to think Susie had any significance to him.

Until she’d approached him after the assembly. Watching her walk into the trap had been torture, and he’d been powerless to stop her. Nathaniel’s warning to stay away had not been strong enough.

If only I’d had a chance to tell her the King was here at the academy…

Afterwards, Henrikk had left. Arken had watched him pass through the portal and shut the door behind him. Assuming the King wouldn’t show again for…months, perhaps even years, Arken had allowed himself to relax.

He’d spent several hours at his desk doing paperwork before seeking Susie out in her room.

He’d thought he could keep her safe.

But he’d forgotten how patient Henrikk could be. Not all spiders had webs—some were nomads who stalked where they pleased, and the Vampire King had always been a silent, lurking presence that poisoned everything.

A bright green glint brought him back to the present. Susie was awake, staring at him with guarded eyes.

Arken licked his lips, trying to think of what to say to make things better. He came up woefully short. Instead, he offered her more of the strawberry-flavoured pain relief, and then the sleeping draught.

“To help you sleep.”

Susie ignored it. “We should talk.”

“We will,” he promised. “Later. There is a healer here to see you, and then someone will come assist you with the bathroom and help you eat.”

“I’m not hungry,” Susie said, but she sat through Healer Wallarick’s examination.

“Have her keep taking the sleeping draught,” the short man, who hardly reached Arken’s midriff, said. “And ensure she stays in bed unless absolutely necessary.”

“Thank you,” Susie said as the healer swept out of the room. “So, he knows about this secret room of yours?”

Arken smiled. “An old friend. My secret is safe with him.” And then, throwing caution to the wind, he added, “He’s a dwarf.”

Susie’s eyes widened.

“Yes, they exist, and not just in fairytales. They dwell underground, for the most part. Very nice, from what I saw of the antechamber. I was too tall to receive a tour, and too unwelcome, I think.” He gave Susie a pointed look. “I trust Healer Wallarick to keep my secrets. We shall keep his, too.”

Susie nodded, looking dazed and on the verge of passing out. He would give her the draught soon; it would help prevent nightmares and ensure a blissful sleep.

She gazed warily around the room as if searching for someone else. “Is it just us here?”

“Yes.”

“I thought I heard Nathaniel earlier…”

“That was last night. You’ve been up since then to go the bathroom.”

“Oh. Yes, I remember.”

He imagined she needed to go again. “I have someone I can send in to assist you in the bathroom.”

“A nurse?” Susie asked glumly.

He shook his head. “Sarah. I believe the two of you are friends?”