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Her pulse quickens as she gains my attention, reminding me how pure her origin is. To be born from vampires is nothing like being turned by one. Blood runs through my veins, as it does hers, and it irritates the fuck out of me. Just like she does.

“Why would I come find you?” The words are like acid on my tongue, but I don’t care. I’m way past worrying about how I’m coming across now. Today is a mess, and she’s half of the fucking reason thanks to her penchant for the dramatics.

“Because I was injured!” Her exasperation is clear, but I sigh, slouching in my chair slightly as I wave my hand dismissively.

“The point of being at the medical center is to be healed, right?”

Her eyes narrow, not appreciating anything I’m saying as she starts to tap her foot. “Well, yeah, but?—”

“So why would I be there?”

“For me.”

She means it. She actually fucking means it, and it takes everything I am to refrain from placing my head in my hands. Vallie is a difficult subject, one I would love to throw in the trash, burn into cinders, and never have to look at again, but life has distinct plans for me that are not by my design. So, for now, I have to play along, not push back too hard, and not snap her damn neck for irritating me.

“Good afternoon, students. Please, take your seats.” I’m saved by the professor as she saunters into the room, eyeing Vallie, who dramatically rolls her eyes and takes her time moving to her seat.

“Remind me why she has to be here again?” Brody whispers, knowing I can hear him, and I know Vallie likely can, too.

“Vampire politics,” Kryll grunts, matching my own thoughts.

“I hate them.” For once, I agree with Brody.

Tell me about it. Try living it. He actually has a nice family, barely any rules in his life, and a desire for a good time at all times. Maybe he annoys me because I’m jealous of the luxuries he has. But that would be ridiculous because I’m jealous of no one.

Ever.

All I have to do is get through this afternoon, have the grand chat with the damn fae, then it will all be laid to rest. I can go back to focusing on what’s important.

There will be no more stressing. Just focusing on winning the crown. One step at a time. I can go through the motions, especially if it places me at the top as the heir to the Floodborn Kingdom.

My gut twists, a telling sign that I’m really not going to be that damn lucky.

THIRTEEN

ADDI

My entire body is filled with nerves and trepidation, and when the bell sounds out, dismissing the final class of the day, dread sits heavy in my stomach.

Dammit.

I’ve learned nothing all day because I’ve been in my head about these guys—guys who have no business being in there. It’s irritating. More so that I’m letting them get under my skin, despite my best efforts. I promised myself I wouldn’t be distracted. Yet here I am, day one, and everything is already going to Hell.

Everything I am, everything I know, is riding on this, and I’m losing it without even trying. An inkling trickles into my thoughts, but I quickly squash it down. I’m meant to be here. This is my path, and no self-doubt is going to tell me otherwise.

I deserve a reward for handling Brody, or, more specifically, not. He’s spent the past two lessons nudging me non-stop. Despite how wicked his smile is, I can’t give in to him. It’s clear he’s the kind of guy that is given an inch and takes a mile.

I’m not encouraging that. Definitely not.

The knowing look Flora gave me between classes confirms it’s not a secret, but I gave her my own challenging glance back because I sure as hell am not talking about any of this. There’s nothing to discuss. Period. Although, when she insisted on walking back to the house with me, I had to explain that I couldn’t. I didn’t go into detail, but the glint in her eyes told me she didn’t need any.

I should have just had the talk with the damn vampire outside Fairborne’s office, then I could have avoided carrying the weight of it on my shoulders all day. That damn hindsight is a bitch. I’ve never felt dumber than today. It’s been a clusterfuck, and I’m aware I’ve been at the center of every issue. Even when it didn’t involve me, I involved myself. Maybe I need to consider that this is actually my fault, my drama, and no one else’s.

Pushing up from my seat, I keep my head raised and shoulders back as I turn and head for the door. I keep my steps measured and purposeful, refusing to look like I’m running away, but I’m also praying like hell that Brody quits his attempts.

Thankfully, it’s an uninterrupted walk down the pathway, surrounded by students oblivious to the mess I seem to be in while they go about enjoying themselves. As I step around the high bushes, the fountain comes into view, and it’s no surprise at all to find Raiden already there.

Fucking vampire speed.