Page 57 of A Curse So Cruel
“And what if I’m the one the oracle was warning you about?”
“Then I suppose you might ruin us.” Despite his bleak admission, a smile crawls onto his face.
“But that’s terrible,” I reply. “So why are you smiling?”
“Because, dear mate, these long years have been filled with research, and there’s one conclusion that I keep coming back to.”
“And what’s that?”
“That we should have come up with a different solution to fix this. The curse didn’t simply change our future, it changed us, and if there’s even the slightest chance that I’m right and you are our mate, there might just be hope that you can heal us all.”
“You mean before I destroy you?” I say still confused.
“Exactly.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
~ Shade ~
My head is still reeling after my time with Galen, even as I trudge behind the other students, following them across the academy grounds and toward the forest. Kenzie is by my side, and I’m not sure if she can sense that something’s going on with me, but she’s been silent this entire time.
It’s only when we near the huge, ancient trees that she finally speaks. “Okay, I’ve tried my best to be silent, because you’re clearly going through something, but girl, you are going to have to explain,” she blurts. “One moment during offensive training Satine was showing everyone your gorgeous titties, and the next all I could see was darkness. By the time the light came back, you and Professor Knox were gone. I thought that bastard had killed you, but now you turn up looking like you’re dressed for battle.” She scrunches her brow, considering. “Or a BDSM club, I’m not quite sure yet.” She leans closer, whispering, “Either way, this is the most you’ve worn the entire time you’ve been here, isyour magic finally…working? And did Professor Knox hurt you? Because if he did…”
I lift my head, not missing that the students closest to us are obviously trying to listen.
“It was fine,” I reply, forcing myself to sound bored. “Knox warned me not to be a distraction in class. He said something about pulling myself together, or I’ll be out of this academy in no time.” I want to tell Kenzie the truth, but this isn’t the time.
Not far from us, Satine and her minions laugh under their breath, no doubt listening to every word, and as if that has satisfied them, they pick up speed walking on ahead. When I’m sure they’re out of range, I tilt my head toward Kenzie. “How much do you know about the professors?” I’m hesitant to question Kenzie on specific details. Galen didn’t ask me to keep any secrets, but it seems kind of implied. Besides, telling my friend that I think I’m the mate prophesized to destroy Knox and the others and ruin the war sounds pretty shitty.
She frowns at me. “Only what I’ve told you. Oh, and the part about their curse, I guess.”
I stop dead in my tracks. “What? You know about the curse?” My voice is shrill. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
She looks bewildered. “Well yeah, everyone does. I’m sure I mentioned it to you.”
I shake my head firmly, more than a little annoyed.
“Oh,” she says quietly. “Well yeah, Knox, Raith, Galen, and Thane, are supposedly cursed. It has to do with their oracle reading or something. Rumors say it’s impossible for them to find their true mate, but I have no idea if that’s true.”
“Is that all?”
She gives me a strange look. “I think so?” she says uncertainly.
I blow out a breath.Okay, so they know there’s a curse involving the guys and their mate, but the students don’t know the rest of the prophecy.
“I think that’s also why the students tend to throw themselves at the professors,” Kenzie continues.
“Why?”
She shrugs. “Well, it would be kind of romantic, wouldn’t it? Finding out you’re their mate who has somehow found them despite all odds.”
I punch her in the arm, and my wrist hurts as it connects with hard muscle.
Kenzie gives me an unimpressed look. “Okay, I know you’re my friend and all, but that was pathetic.”
I cradle my wrist against my chest. “What are you made of? Rocks?”
“No girl, you’re just weak,” she says, speaking honestly like only a true friend could. “But I was when I first came here, too.” She pauses. “Okay, maybe notthatweak, but I’m sure you’ll toughen up. What does the curse matter anyway. Are you going to tell me what happened with Knox? You don’t exactly look like you’ve been tortured. In fact, I swear you’re almost glowing.” She scrutinizes my face, and I look away as heat flushes my cheeks.