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The healer motioned for Lilith to leave to give her some privacy.

Once out in the hallway, she leaned against the wall and let out a loud curse.

Had she not been in the hallway at that time, who knows what more could have happened.

No. This was not just being in the right place at the right time.

There must have been others that passed them, but chose not to act.

Had someone stepped in for Lilith, she would still have unbound potential.

“My, my. Quite the performance.” Prince Demetrius stepped up beside her, seemingly appearing from nowhere.

“Gods, you need a bell.” She paid him no attention. She was looking at her shaking hands .

“I'm curious.” He snaked closer to her. “You’re hiding something.” He reached out and gently grasped her wrist, looking down at the small circle of runes twisting their way up past her black sleeve. “What are these?”

Lilith pulled her wrist free. “You saw what happened and you didn’t do anything?”

“Like I said, I’m curious. I heard her plea at the same time as you, but I wanted to see what you would do.” He tilted his head and was scanning her face.

“I did what any decent person would have done.” She replied carefully, taking in his tousled midnight blue hair and unkempt shirt.

What was he doing? Lilith thought as an odd feeling of jealousy went through her.

Why did she care if he was just with someone?

She dismissed those feelings, as her emotions were frenzied from what just happened.

“Maybe. You didn’t answer my question.” His eyes dropped to her wrist. “They’re runes. An ancient rune curse to be precise. They dampen your powers, don't they? Who did this to you?” Anger flared across his eyes.

“Those are not your concern. Why are you so interested?” In me, she wondered.

“Because you’re a puzzle I can’t quite solve and you remind me of someone.

I’m drawn to you.” Demetrius scowled and continued, “As for those, I can help you. From your response, I take it as a yes to my guess about those runes. It’s interesting that your thoughts have not wandered to the most important part of your attack on Bear. ”

“I’m tired and I don't have enough reserve to shield myself. Would you mind not looking into my mind? As for the attack, I’m not sure I understand.

” Lilith had yet to process what all happened.

She quickly cycled through the events and then gasped.

Her powers had no limit. Tiny runes still marked her wrist, yet she felt the difference.

It felt like before she was bound. The prince slowly leaned into her and stretched his fingertips over her wrist. A gentle caress over her curse, as his thumb brushed small circles over them.

His eyes were on her lips. Her heart was beating wildly.

He was standing so close. To an outsider, they would think they're having an intimate moment. She breathed deeply, leaning into him by some magnetic force drawing them together. Could he really break me free? “Why would I need your help? Why would you offer help to someone you don’t know? What’s in it for you?

” She snapped out of her spell, stepped to the side and pushed away from the wall. She needed distance between them.

“Ever the strategist’s daughter. Always so suspicious.” He gave her a seductive smile. “You’re right. I could help you and there’s something you could do for me. How about it?”

“I’m not doing any sort of sexual favors, if that’s what you’re aiming at.” Lilith took another step away from him. He took a step towards her and let out a boyish laugh.

“Think about my offer. I promise nothing sexual, unless you beg for it.” He didn’t wait for a response before casually sauntering off.

Pompous pig, Lilith thought. She had no mental barriers placed, so she hoped he heard her. She heard echoes of his laughter in the distance. Despite herself, she gave a small smile. She liked bantering with him. It made her heart flutter with excitement.

Alone once more, she went out into the courtyard.

Her aim was to spy on some first and fifth years, but her side quest took an unexpected detour.

Bear and Verrona were out of the list of competitors.

She didn’t know the rules of the tournament, so she couldn’t count Taran out as a potential opponent.

The courtyard was mostly empty aside from a handful of upper years she didn’t recognize and a few of her classmates that were huddled near Mistress Rhodes.

She saw Juniper, Nero, Nym, Meira and Meridith.

They must have come in after the time limit for the run this morning.

They looked exhausted. She could not imagine having to do an hour and half run after pushing herself last class.

Keeping to the shadows, she eased closer.

“Try to feel the mana in your movements. Start with a short burst and then push yourself.” Mistress Rhodes was encouraging them, but there was a hint of annoyance in her voice.

Some of the students tested out small practice laps.

Nero was clearly struggling trying to maintain a steady flow of mana.

He let out a frustrated groan before he slowly ran off to complete the course.

Juniper and Nym had more control over their mana, but they were easily distracted.

The rest had disappeared. Lilith made her way back towards the main hall, driven by a small pang of hunger.

They already ate their allotted two meals, even so she wondered if maybe she could find a snack.

Dipping her head into the main hall she saw Silver and Taran seated at a table. A small plate of scones were shared between them. She hurried over, putting on her friendliest mask.

“Are those scones? Where did you find them?” She sidled up to Taran, but didn’t sit down.

“We know someone. Here, have one,” offered Taran, giving her more space to sit next to him. She sat and started nibbling on a scone .

“I heard you had a tough time during Incantations.” Silver questioned as he picked at his scone.

Lilith scowled at Taran. “Really.”

Taran winced, “Sorry, I tell Silver everything. We’ve been friends since we were kids.”

Lilith rolled her eyes. “So are you also some royal cousin?” she asked Silver.

He chuckled, “We’re both military brats. My mom and his dad work together. Anyways, back to the matter at hand. I wouldn’t feel so bad about today. From what Taran says, you’ll be able to hold your own with most of the competitors.”

She side eyed Taran. “I still have a month to train. One never knows what could happen.”

“Ooh, better watch your back, Taran.” Silver laughed. “I had a pretty rough go today too, thanks for asking. Orin is a beast.”

“He came in second at this morning’s run and he has a good handle on weapons sparring,” Taran added.

“He was first for the run. Storm came in second. Both of them were definitely well versed when it came to weapons sparring.” Lilith corrected as she finished up her scone and reached for another.

Silver curled his arm around the plate and hissed.

“Easy there. We’re still growing, so we need more.

You know, I was sparring Ruven. Not to brag, but we held our own.

I also seem to remember you and Felicia were also “well versed” when it came to weapons.

I’m assuming someone taught you, or are you a ‘naturally good at everything’ type?

” He tore his scone in half and handed half to her.

“There’s quite a lot of similarities between Felicia and me.

We each have an older brother that shared their knowledge…

We ll, I have two and she has one brother.

Anyway, enough trying to pry secrets from me.

I see that both of you are scheming and preparing for this tournament. ” Lilith gave them an amused smile.

“You have to scheme and prepare to survive here. Honestly, that should be the school’s slogan. Scheme and prepare to survive. Has a nice ring to it,” Taran jested back at her.

“Yes, well, I shall leave you to it.” Lilith got up and stretched. “Have a good night.” She walked away from them and headed towards the dorms. Silver will have an upper hand. Storm and Orin would most likely beat me. Felicia has stamina. It’s a tough call. Lilith sank into her own scheming.

Felicia was reading a book in bed as Lilith entered. “Oh gods, I forgot we had to read those blasted chapters,” Lilith groaned. “Any interesting herbs to note?”

Looking up from her book, Felicia answered, “A few that could be turned into painkillers. One that counters poisons. I’ve dozed off a couple times.” She refocused on the textbook. Lilith took out her copy and began slowly reading.

“You smell. Of charred meat.” Felicia wrinkled her nose. “I hope Taran survived sparring.” Word has not spread about the incident with Bear, Lilith thought.

Lilith blushed and smelled her shirt. A hint of burned flesh clung to the fabric.

Taran and Silver didn’t notice. This woman is perceptive.

Lilith shrugged her shoulders. “He’s fine.

So… you remember when you asked me what my type was?

” Lilith dangled this information as a distraction. Felicia was at full attention.

“Taran or the prince?” Felicia giggled. She sat up and was practically bouncing from anticipation .

“I, unfortunately, find interest in asshole men.” Lilith shrugged her shoulders.

With a high pitched squeal, Felicia beamed. “What happened?”

“Well, he was a total prick. But then we ran into each other after and he can be quite compelling, in his own pigheaded way. I didn’t not like conversing with him.

I’m not sure if I would go so far as to call it lust, but I’m drawn to him.

” Lilith blushed as Felicia giggled. “It doesn’t mean I want to jump his bones.

It’s just... I guess I learned something about myself. ”

“Did he learn something about you? The tea doesn’t work that quickly, just for your information.” Felicia was lost in a fit of giggles.

“I regret sharing this with you.” Lilith teased. They both burst out into laughter.