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"That depends on you." A worse answer than I hoped for.

"Can they prevent me from feeling it?" My head hurts.

"If they know how."

"Would they know?"

"Most would not."

The implication settles heavily. Blood is intimate among vampires even when treated clinically. This makes it something else. An invasion I might commit without intention.

Professor Neris reads the concern immediately. "You are responsible for what you choose to do after contact."

I look at her. "What about the contact itself?"

"You will learn to create boundaries."

"How?"

She looks towards the vials. "Practice."

"On whom?" I ask.

"Not today."

When I leave the chamber, the class is nearly empty. Assessments have ended. Students gather their books in quiet clusters, discussing what happened. Nyra waits near the door. Cassian stands beside her. Caelen is outside in the corridor, dressed in his officer's uniform. Rhyven leans against the opposite wall. Professor Neris must have sent for Caelen. Rhyven likely came because they were working together.

Caelen straightens when he sees me. "What happened?" He asks.

"Nothing."

Rhyven's golden eyes settle on my face. "You're a terrible liar."

I turn toward him. "Do you rehearse being irritating?"

"No."

"Natural talent?"

"Manifestation."

Cassian's mouth twitches. Caelen looks toward Professor Neris as she exits behind me. "Professor?" He says.

"Miss Vaelith displayed a probable Blood Echo." Her voice is low. Almost quiet.

Caelen's expression changes. He knows the term. Of course he does. "How strong?" He asks.

"Enough to require supervision." She answers.

"What did she feel?"

Professor Neris looks toward me. The decision belongs to me. "Fear," I say.

Caelen's jaw tightens. "Whose?"

"I don't know."

Rhyven has stopped looking bored. Professor Neris continues. "No further assessment until I review the sample history." She looks at Caelen. "You were called because House Vaelith may possess hereditary records relevant to the manifestation." Caelen nods.