Darkblood Academy: Book Three: Demons Page 13

  I had to clench my arms at my sides to keep from throwing them around Drake in a huge hug.

  The king tapped his fingers on the armrest of his gilded throne. “I’m not sure that punishment would be severe enough, Drake.”

  “Please, just try,” I whimpered.

  He nodded. “I will take it under consideration.”

  My heart sank at the king’s words. I’d spent enough time with the ice prince to recognize that look. He was only saying that to appease me.

  The royal sentinel moved forward once again. “If that is all, the king and queen mother have many other subjects to attend to today.”

  A jumble of thoughts scrambled around my head, but I couldn’t organize them fast enough. Drake grabbed my arm and turned me to the door as tears welled in my eyes. Before he dragged me out, I spun back to the king and queen. “Please, Elrian. Remember Cillian and Ryder were both your friends once, and they would never let such a fate befall upon you.”

  The guards at the door glared at me until I finally crossed the threshold. As soon as I did, they slammed the doors behind us with a depressing ring of finality.

  I slumped against the wall, my knees wobbling. “Well, that was a complete disaster.”

  Drake shook his head and squeezed my shoulder. “I told you coming here would be a long shot. Elrian puts his kingly duties above all things—except…” A light twinkled in his lilac eyes. “I may have one more idea.” He pulled me down the hall away from the soldiers’ watchful eyes. “Do you think you can get Kimmie-Jayne to come here?”

  My head snapped back. “My sister?”

  His head bounced up and down, and I didn’t think I’d ever seen him so excited. “If anyone can convince my brother to do something outside the scope of his duties, it’s your sister.”

  I paced the length of Drake’s gigantic chamber, my teeth gnawing my lip. I was sure they’d leave a mark, just like the little half moons in my palm. Kimmie-Jayne had responded to my text right away, and after I’d explained what was going on, she said she would do everything in her power to change Elrian’s mind.

  That had been about two hours ago. Despite multiple text message and phone calls I hadn’t heard anything since. The silence was deafening.

  Not even a visit from Drake’s adorable little brother, Bastien, was helping. The two of them sat on the opposite side of the room playing a game that looked a lot like chess. They’d asked me to join, but I couldn’t get my feet to stop moving.

  Okay, so maybe the little boy’s giggles from across the room did help a little. Pacing wasn’t. I traipsed over to the fireplace where they sat on opposite sides of a small table. Twelve figurines sat on each side of the board. Bastien held one between his chubby fingers, his forehead wrinkled in concentration. If this was anything like chess, it was a pretty advanced game for a four-year old.

  “So who’s winning?” I asked as I sank into the couch beside them.

  “Drake,” the little boy muttered. “It’s not fair.”

  A mischievous glint glimmered in the prince’s eyes. “What’s not fair about it, Bas?”

  “You play different.”

  “I play the right way.” He chuckled. “Your nanny is letting you get soft, allowing you to play the game as you wish. If you want to succeed, you need to learn to play by the rules.”

  “But he’s four!” I chimed in.

  Drake shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. Elrian taught me when I was right around his age, and believe me, he didn’t make it easy.”

  “Where are all your other siblings?” I asked. “They weren’t at the ball, or were you just embarrassed to introduce me?”

  Bastien raised his chubby little hand and began counting off with his fingers. “Elliott is just a baby so he was sleeping. Jacinda, Elinor, and Reya live with their husbands somewhere.”

  Drake smiled at his precocious little brother, and I couldn’t help but do the same. The kid was adorable. “Bastien is correct. My three older sisters are married and live in their respective courts. Jacinda is married to the prince of Spring, Elinor to Autumn and Reya to Summer.”

  “All arranged I take it?”

  “It certainly wasn’t their choice,” he spat. Inhaling a breath, his jaw softened. “That is the way of the royals after all. You give up the privilege of choosing who to love for all this.” He raised his hands at the surrounding grandeur.

  I’d once asked Drake if he’d be willing to give up his princely status for the freedom to do what he wanted, and he’d unequivocally said no. Now I wondered if things had changed.

  “And who are you going to marry, little prince?” I ran my hand through the little boy’s soft curls.

  A big smile lit up his rosy cheeks. “You.”

  Drake nearly choked. He coughed and spluttered as I laughed.

  “I don’t know if you’d still like me by the time you reached marrying age, Bastien. I’ll be an old maid by then.”

  “No, I think I’ll still like you.” He picked up another figurine and marched the little winged unicorn up two squares.

  Drake’s eyes met mine from across the table, and something indecipherable passed through his intense irises. “I think I’d still like you too,” he mumbled under his breath.

  I was about to ask him to repeat himself when two sharp knocks at the door jerked my attention to the entrance. I leapt up, and Drake followed behind me. Reaching the door first, I bounced from foot to foot until he opened the door.

  A royal guard filled the doorway. “Prince Drake, you have a visitor.” He moved to the side, and a familiar blonde came to view. “Mrs. Kimmie-Jayne Starr Skyraider to see you and Ms. Hallows.”

  Drake opened the door all the way. “Please, come right in.”

  I wrapped my arms around my sister the moment she crossed the threshold, my stomach bumping up against her protruding one. “Oh no, did I squeeze you too hard?”

  She smiled and patted her belly as I released her. “No, it’s fine. This little guy or girl is pretty tough.”

  Bastien ran up and wrapped his arms around my sister’s legs. “Hi, Miss K.J.”

  “Hello, sweet boy.” She bent down and pulled him into a hug. Interesting. I had no idea she was familiar with Elrian’s family.

  “Bas, be careful!” Drake tugged the little guy off Kimmie-Jayne. “There’s a baby in there, and you have to be more gentle.”

  “I know, I know.” He rolled his bright eyes.

  It took everything I had not to ask K.J. what was going on, but I waited impatiently until we were alone.

  Drake kept hold of his little brother’s hand and tugged him toward the door. “We need to speak with Kimmie-Jayne in private now, Bas. I promise we’ll come play with you before we leave, okay?”

  He grumbled but followed his brother to the door regardless. Mirila stood at the ready in the hallway, taking the toddler by the hand.

  “See you later,” he said with a wave.

  “Bye, Bas,” K.J. and I responded in unison.

  The moment the guard closed the door behind them, I grabbed Kimmie’s hands and dragged her to the couch. “Thank you so much for coming! Did you talk to Elrian? Does he know why you’re here?”

  A broad smile split her pink lips. “It’s done. Cillian will remain as headmaster, and Ryder will be moved to the rehabilitation facility tomorrow.”

  “What?” My eyes bulged out of my head. “How?”

  “I just left Elrian. We had a little talk, and he’s reconsidered his earlier position.”

  Drake hissed out a breath. “I knew you had something on my brother.”

  An innocent grin settled over Kimmie-Jayne’s face. “I have no idea what you’re referring to. Elrian and I have a deep friendship and understanding. That is all.”

  He shook his head, his brow arched. “Right…”

  I didn’t care what she had on the king as long as Cillian’s job was secure and Ryder was safe from life imprisonment—or worse.

  “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” I
wrapped my sister into another hug, this time more mindful of her pregnant belly. “I don’t know how you did it, but I’m beyond thankful. And Cillian and Ryder will be too.”

  Kimmie-Jayne’s expression darkened. “Ryder has a long road to recovery, Luna. What he did… it’s not something he’ll easily be able to forget. He needs time.”

  “Did you see something? Did you have another vision?”

  Her lips pressed into a thin line. That was a yes. “Just give him time.”

  I nodded, willing the excitement back down. Ryder had said we could never be together, and I needed to remember that. Even if he did get his demon under control, I’d been the one that brought it out of him. Staying away from me made the most sense. Hot tears pricked my eyes at the realization, but I quickly blinked them away. We’d succeeded in our mission—Cillian would remain as headmaster and Ryder would eventually be freed.

  I should be celebrating.

  I turned back to my sister. “So how are you feeling?”

  “Not bad. It’s been harder now that I’m getting bigger, but at least there’s some light at the end of the tunnel. Only a few more months to go.”

  I patted her belly, and a slight flutter flickered beneath my palm. My eyes widened. “I think I felt something!”

  She smiled and caressed her swollen stomach. “Yup. He’s been moving around like crazy in there.”

  “That little guy or girl is going to be the most spoiled baby ever.”

  “I don’t doubt that.” She laughed. “The first Skyraider grandchild will cause quite an uproar at the lair.” She readjusted her position on the sofa and winced.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, just a little uncomfortable. I’ll have to get back to Draeko before Fenix realizes I’m gone.”

  “You didn’t tell him?”

  She shook her head. “His dragon is being a little over-protective lately. Psychotic to be exact. He barely lets me out of his sight.”

  A pang of guilt swirled in my chest. I’d been so caught up in my troubles I hadn’t even considered my sister. I knew she’d been having a tough pregnancy. “I’m sorry I made you come all the way out here.”

  “It’s okay,” she said, standing. “I needed to get out of there anyway. Garrix portalled me over so it was quick and painless. He’s waiting for me to return.”

  “Wow. Your own portal service compliments of Dad. That’s pretty special considering how busy he’s been.”

  She squeezed my shoulder. “He did it for both of us, Luna.”

  My throat tightened, an unexpected lump clogging my airway. “Thanks, Kimmie-Jayne,” I choked out. “And thank Dad too.”

  “I will. We’ll talk soon.” She gave me one last hug and headed for the door.

  Chapter 19

  As entertaining as the Winter Court had been, being back at the academy felt much safer. Now that Cillian’s job wasn’t on the line anymore and Ryder would be moved to the rehab center, I delved back into my normal routine. I was back on track with L.A.R. – life after Ryder, and I was committed to sticking to it.

  A tug on a lock of my hair had me spinning around in my desk to meet a pair of enigmatic lilac irises. The past few days since our return had the ice prince back to his usual standoffish ways. We never spoke about the almost-kiss back at the palace or the occasional flurry of emotions that leaked through his cord when we were together. And I was totally fine with that. Yeah, I know, total cop out.

  “Want to go riding this evening instead of our normal training session?” he whispered. Calliope was lecturing about the oracle of the Ocean Realm, and its more accurate prophecies. It was actually something I was interested in given my current situation.

  “Sure,” I said, then swiveled back around in my seat.

  Another tug.

  “What?” I hissed, a little more harshly than intended.

  He raised his hands, his eyes widening. “Sorry. I was going to ask if you’re ready for this semester’s unipeg race. I’m not helping you out this time, by the way. This is merely a way for me to assess the competition.”

  “Don’t worry, Drake. I promise Zeus and I won’t embarrass you too badly this time around.”

  “Drake, Luna.” Calliope’s voice sent my head whirling back to the front of the classroom. “Please keep your personal conversations on hold till after my class.”

  “Sorry,” I muttered.

  After class, Cinder raced up to me in the hall. Weaving her arm through mine, she tugged me into a skip.

  “What are you so happy about?” I asked.

  “Just life in general.” A big smile split her lips. “Cillian’s staying, Ryder’s getting the help he needs, Raf’s amazing as always, and no one’s tried to kill you for a few weeks now.”

  I laughed. “It is the little things, isn’t it?”

  “Raf and I are going to see the movie on the quad tonight—it’s Clueless, my all-time human favorite. You want to come?”

  I crinkled my nose, the idea of being the third wheel on their date not at all attractive. “Thanks, Cin, but I’m actually going riding with Drake tonight.”

  She arched a curious brow. “You guys have been spending a lot of time together lately.”

  “We always do.” I shrugged. “It’s nothing new, just part of training.”

  “I don’t know...” Her voice took on a singsong tone. “You guys seem different ever since you came back from Winter Court. Are you sure you’re not holding out on me?”

  Heat flushed my cheeks and I stared at the ground, hoping my nosy best friend didn’t notice. “Absolutely. Nothing happened between us. Drake and I are just good friends, and besides, you know I’ve sworn off all men until the end of the semester. After the break it’ll be a new year and a new Luna. Then maybe I can concentrate on finding a new guy.”

  She placed her arm around my shoulder and squeezed. “I’m really proud of you for trying to get over Ryder. I know how hard this must be for you.”

  But she didn’t. Not really. How could she? The person she loved more than anything had never betrayed her time and again.

  I smacked the side of my head, hoping to shake out the dark thoughts of my instructor. L.A.R., L.A.R. I repeated the mantra in my head.

  Cinder stared at me funny. “Why’d you hit yourself?”

  “Bug,” I lied.

  “Okay, I’m off to my last class. Don’t stay out too late with the ice prince. Raf told me you guys are going on a mission tomorrow?”

  “Yup. It’s an easy one according to Logan. Most likely not Luxora related.”

  “That’s good to hear. I really worry about you guys when you’re off saving the world.”

  I squeezed my friend into a side hug. “Don’t be. We’re pretty badass.”

  She giggled and released me. “Oh, I know that.” With a wave, she turned down the hall, and I headed back to my dorm to change. Spending the evening riding Zeus in the frosty air meant I needed a few extra layers.

  With the wind whipping my hair and the powerful unipeg beneath me, I never felt so free. The mighty Fae prince at my side might have helped too. Zeus sprang forward, and Apollo met each of his soaring strides.

  Drake shot me a smug grin. Someone had been practicing.

  “You know, I’m pretty flattered that you’re putting so much effort into beating me this time around.”

  He grunted. “Please, the last time was pure luck. Apollo must have pitied you or something.”

  “Riiight.” I dug my heels into Zeus’s flanks, and he leapt forward. “Ascendum!” I cried out, and he flapped his massive wings as we ascended higher into the fluffy cloud line. Twisting my head over my shoulder, I shouted, “See if you can catch us now!”

  Drake’s eyes pulsated a deep lavender as he spurred Apollo forward. I twirled around in my saddle to face forward and lowered myself against the pommel to cut down on the wind resistance. The higher up we flew the chillier the blasts of wind were. My cheeks burned, but I continued pushing Zeus onward. Drake
was only a few lengths behind and beating him was the only thing on my mind right now.

  “Luna!” Drake’s shout made my fingers clench around the reins. I almost turned around. Then my competitive side got the best of me. He was just trying to distract me so he could pass us.

  “Ascendum!” I cried out again, and Zeus flew higher up, disappearing into the clouds.

  “Luna, watch out!” The fear in Drake’s voice sent my heart leaping to my throat.

  Without looking back, I jerked Zeus’s reins to the side as a ball of blazing dragon fire zipped right past us. I gasped, yanking back on the unipeg’s mouth so that he flew in a tight circle. From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Drake and Apollo, barreling toward us. Above him, a sharp screech rang out across the sky.

  A demon dragon zipped through the clouds, heading straight for us. Atop the black-winged beast sat a frighteningly familiar sorcerer.

  Oh, shnickers!

  The dragon flapped its scaly onyx wings as Nicodemus, Luxora’s right hand man, steered him toward me. The beast let out another snarl, and a burst of white-hot fire exploded from its jagged-toothed maw.

  Jerking Zeus’s reins to the right, we dodged yet another flaming fiasco. We were about two seconds away from being turned into a unipeg shish kebab. Focusing my frazzled energy, I summoned my protective bubble. The magic washed over my skin, bathing us in its warm safety.

  I spun Zeus around, ready to take on the offensive. Hopefully, the protective orb didn’t suck too much of my power. A brilliant flash of purple light pulled my attention down to Drake and Apollo who rocketed by right under us. The prince’s sword lit up the sky like Fourth of July fireworks.

  Nicodemus was forced to take the defensive position, dipping into a cluster of dark clouds. It was all the distraction I needed to close the distance between Drake and me.

  “Are you okay?” he shouted over the deafening winds.

  “Yeah, you?” As I scrutinized the prince, my breath hitched. The sleeve of his jacket had been singed off, displaying angry red skin beneath. “Oh my God, what happened?”