Page 14 of Blood Legacy (Eternal Descent (MistHallow Academy) #1)

14

GAIDA

After a few cups of synthetic blood, I make my excuses with Dante. I have to get to bed to start off tomorrow bright-eyed and bushy-tailed to show Luke that I’m not the irresponsible little girl he thinks I am.

But as I make my way back to my bedroom, I can’t stop thinking about what Dante said about Luke finding me in his room.

He will be furious. In fact, furious doesn’t even cover it.

I pause in the corridor, my hand on my doorknob. The idea is simultaneously the most terrifying and exhilarating thing I’ve ever considered. Would I really have the courage to do it? To break into the Headmaster’s private quarters and wait for him like some kind of... offering?

My stomach flutters at the thought. It would be the ultimate power move—and the ultimate submission. Putting myself completely at his mercy.

The thought of pushing him to that point, of making him lose that iron control he clings to, is intoxicating.

I wander into my bathroom and stare at myself in the mirror. What would it be like to be in Luke’s personal space? To surround myself with his scent, his belongings, to lie in his bed waiting for him?

“You’re insane,” I mutter. “But I’m tired of playing it safe.”

I slip out of my funeral dress and into the shower, letting the hot water cascade over me as I consider my options. If I do this, if I actually break into the Headmaster’s bedroom, there’s no going back. He could expel me. He could call my father. He could reject me again, this time with enough finality that even I couldn’t misinterpret it. Seeing as last time went so fucking well that I’m contemplating this insanity.

Or...

He could finally give in.

The idea of him snapping makes me gasp out loud as my clit twitches and my nipples harden painfully. My imagination runs wild, and it makes my decision for me. I turn off the shower and step out. Grabbing a towel, I dry off and quickly cross over to the wardrobe. I need to somehow get up to the top of the tower without anyone noticing me. That calls for drab and demure clothing that won’t catch undue attention.

I select a simple black sweater and leggings that will help me blend into the shadows.

Checking the time, I see it’s just past nine. I have no idea about Luke’s schedule, and whether he will be in his room or not when I get there. It makes me hesitate. If he is already in there, then this isn’t going to work.

But I can’t let that stop me.

I slide my feet into black ballet flats, my heart hammering against my ribs as I crack open my door and slip out, closing the door silently behind me. Moving with vampire speed, I navigate the winding corridors, pausing only when I sense movement ahead.

The tower that houses the staff quarters is accessible through a back staircase near the laundry room. I’ve never been up there, but everyone knows where the Headmaster lives. The real challenge will be getting past the wards he undoubtedly has in place.

As I approach the eastern wing, I slow my pace. This area feels different—the air is heavier, charged with ancient magick. But if there is one thing, I know about old magick, it is that it responds well to blood, especially blood like mine.

Dropping my fangs, I bite into the fleshy base of my thumb, drawing enough blood to set the magick alight. It flares instantly and then settles, not quite as heavy as it was moments ago. Encouraged, I place my bloody palm against the stone wall. “Let me pass,” I whisper, focusing my intent on the words.

For a moment, nothing happens. Then, the stone beneath my hand warms, sending a tingling sensation up my arm. The air shimmers and I feel the wards recognise my blood—not just any vampire blood, but the ancient lineage of the Aragon family. “Thank you, Dad,” I mutter.

I hold my breath as I take a tentative step forward, half expecting alarms to blare or magical defences to activate. But there’s only silence as I pass through, the wards parting like a curtain before closing behind me.

The staircase spirals upward, lit by softly glowing orbs that hover near the ceiling. With each step, I feel the weight of what I’m about to do pressing down on me. This is madness. Complete and utter madness.

I keep climbing.

At the top of the stairs, a heavy wooden door stands between me and Luke’s bedroom. Before I can talk myself out of it, I raise my hand and knock lightly.

No response.

I knock louder.

Still nothing.

He is either sleeping like the dead, or he isn’t in there.

Reaching for the door handle, I grip it and turn it slightly. I come up against the expected resistance of a lock. I can’t feel any other magick surrounding the entrance, so I take the risk and, using my vampire strength, shove the door open, breaking the lock with a loud crack in the silent tower.

I flinch, but when nothing happens, I breathe out.

Taking a small step inside, I glance around quickly. His bedroom is minimal but luxurious. A massive four-poster bed dominates the space, its dark sheets neatly made. Moonlight streams through tall windows, casting everything in silver. There’s something almost sacred about this space, untouched by time. It’s spartan otherwise, just as I’d imagined.

Closing the door behind me, I approach the bed slowly, trailing my fingers across the silky covers. This is where he sleeps. Where he dreams. The thought makes me shiver. I inhale deeply, closing my eyes to better absorb his scent.

My pulse quickens as I contemplate my next move. I could simply wait for him, fully clothed, perched on the edge of his bed like some kind of respectful visitor. But that’s not why I’m here. I’m here to shatter his control, to force him to see me as a woman, not a student.

With trembling fingers, I pull my sweater over my head and let it fall to the floor. My leggings follow, then my underwear, until I stand naked in the moonlight. The cool air raises goosebumps across my skin, my nipples hardening in response.

I climb onto his bed, the silk sheets cool against my bare skin. I position myself in the middle, stretched out like an offering. My long dark hair fans across his pillow, and I inhale his scent more deeply, letting it fill my lungs and cloud my senses as I slip under the sheets.

This is either the bravest or stupidest thing I’ve ever done.

Time passes slowly as I wait, every small sound from the academy below making me tense. What if he doesn’t come back tonight? What if someone else finds me here? What if he brings someone else back here?

The thought makes my stomach clench uncomfortably. I push it away. If he brings someone else back here, then I’ll know once and for all where I stand.

Time ticks on as I wait until my eyes grow heavy, and I feel the pull of slumber drag me under, unable to stop it even if I wanted to.