Page 25 of Blood Day: Part One

He didn’t grumble this time, but I could see the misery in his features as I stood again. There was a hint of understanding there as well, along with a note of embarrassment, and maybe a little envy.

I slipped his bag up over his shoulder, then retrieved my own from my locker.

His gaze locked on mine for a long moment, a myriad of emotions escaping his yellow-green irises.

I waited, knowing he needed this—an outlet he could confide in without words.

After a few dark seconds, he swallowed and cleared the reaction from his features. I held out my arm, which he accepted, and I helped him out the door, neither of us uttering a word to each other along the way.

Then we parted ways for our final course of the day.

He wasn’t in Master Cedric’s combat training. I didn’t actually know what Six’s next class was because it had nothing to do with me.

However, a small part of me hoped he made it safely through to his rest day tomorrow.

We weren’t friends, as fraternization was frowned upon here. But we were allies of a sort, and I’d known him all my life.

To lose an acquaintance after twenty-one years would be disappointing. Especially when we were so close to the end of our time here.

Hopefully, he would recover.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed Six from my mind. I needed to focus on my next task—Master Cedric’s combat training.

I’m not failing another test,I decided, ready to face him once more.

I’d practiced several times after returning to my room following our late-night session. And I’d practiced this morning as well.

I’m ready.

This time, he wouldn’t be able to fail me.

I’d prove my worth and make him see my potential.

Then I’d strip for him once more and wait on the mat for our private lesson.

And try very hard not to think about his banana.

Chapter6

Lily

Master Cedric was alreadyin the room when I arrived, his long legs casually crossed at the ankles as he leaned back against his desk.

It was the same position he’d taken last night while he’d fed me, only he was facing the classroom today instead of his chair.

His strong hands were gripping the wood beneath him, his gaze cold as he surveyed the students entering the room.

When his eyes found mine, I shivered, the intensity radiating off of him making my knees go weak. I immediately lowered my focus to the floor, taking on a demure pose of required respect.

I shouldn’t have even made eye contact with him to begin with.

Alas, I seemed to be forgetting a lot of the rules where he was concerned.

Swallowing, I set my bag off to the side, kicked off my shoes and socks, and found my usual mat. Except a snap of Master Cedric’s fingers pulled my attention to him once more. “Prospect Four Hundred and Seven, I want you to work with Prospect Six Hundred and Forty-Two today.”

What?I glanced at the human in question, noting his hulking size.

“Now, Prospect,” Master Cedric added when I didn’t immediately move.