Page 26 of Of Blackened Blood (The Blackened Blade #3)

I can feel the tension rolling off of Ezra and Mallyn in waves beside me as I continue, their bodies going stiff.

“I was taking a shortcut through the forest when I bumped into Verod on patrol.” There was no need to go into too much detail.

It was best to keep it brief and tell them only what they need to know.

I feel Ezra take my hand in his, entwining our fingers as Mallyn’s hand falls around my waist as I continue.

“That’s when the beast attacked. It had long arms with sharp claws and dark fur.

It kept to the trees, moving back and forth quickly, faster than any other beast, and used the night and the trees for cover.

It attacked us without warning and seemed as feral and crazed as the beasts from the previous time. ”

Marcus nods, keeping Imelda from interrupting me again.

“Verod threw up a shield to protect us and attacked it with magic, but ...” My brows furrow, remembering the beast’s features that night. “It had some type of dark sludge that helped it heal itself.” My nose scrunches up with the memory of the strange sludge-like substance.

“It then attacked, slamming Verod into a tree before he could properly land another hit and rendered him unconscious. Then it turned back toward me.”

Ezra’s and Mallyn’s grips on me tighten as Gadriel’s hands fist into tight balls beside us, his knuckles turning white as I continue.

“I managed to dodge and defend against its attacks until I finally grabbed one of Verod’s stakes. I used that and the remaining heel I was holding to somehow fight and finish the beast off.”

A beat of silence passes between us all as I finish my story. Until a harsh, gruff laugh falls from Imelda’s lips, her mouth twisting upward with an incredulous look dripping from her features.

“You want us to believe that you killed the beast?” She shakes her head.

“It’s an adorable thought, but someone of your calibre wouldn’t be able to take down a beast like that.

Especially if Verod was there.” She rolls her eyes as a sigh slips from her thin lips.

“He’s a representative chosen by the Council for his capabilities, Ms. Bane.

How could you best him in anything? Don’t be ridiculous.

” Another annoying titter leaves her lips, the sound even more patronising than her scoffing as I clench my fists.

“And why is that so hard for you to believe?” Gadriel takes a step toward her, cutting through her amused laugh.

He glances my way briefly before turning back toward her.

“I can personally attest to Micai’s strength as her Defence instructor.

Her capabilities are far beyond what someone of your limited imagination can handle. ”

He then turns back toward me, ignoring Imelda as she opens her mouth to argue again.

“I think you’ve explained enough, and they’ve had plenty of your time, Micai.” Gadriel glances back toward the two representatives. “We’re done here.”

But before we can take a step away, Imelda jumps forward, blocking our way.

“She has not been released from our authority, Mr. Valor. She is to be held until our investigation is complete.” Her eyes narrow, anger lacing her gaze as she spits each word venomously my way. “I have plenty more questions that you need to answer. You won’t be leaving?—”

Gadriel moves swiftly as she tries to grab me again, blocking her way and standing between us while cutting her words short. Safer for her, really.

“As I have already told you ... you hold no authority here without the dean’s permission.

” He takes a step toward Imelda, her eyes widening.

“You will leave Micai alone. You have no right to detain a student of the academy due to your negligence. It was your duty to investigate the beast’s attack, but instead you allowed another beast to creep inside again and attack a student under your watch.

” Gadriel leans closer to her, his voice low and icy.

“I wonder what the Council would think of its ‘representatives’ not being able to do such a basic job and instead harassing innocent students.”

She flinches with his words, her eyes growing wild before they flicker to Marcus.

“I will be reporting all this to the dean as soon as he arrives,” Gadriel continues, turning to Marcus and ignoring Imelda and the tremor that’s begun in her hands. “I’ll be sure not to leave anything out.”

“B-but she—” Imelda begins frantically before Gadriel’s glare cuts her off.

“No buts . Take a step back and know your place.”

“Imelda,” Marcus calls as he takes his place beside her, his hand stretched in front of her and stopping her from moving again.

“Let them go. The child has done no wrong, you know that as well.” He looks toward me and Gadriel. “I apologise for today, Ms. Bane. It seems my colleague is ... upset over the attack on Verod and has caused you to suffer.”

He then takes a step forward as his big body bows slightly.

“I apologise once again on her behalf. There is no need for any further questions. Thank you for your help in filling in the gaps for me.”

The warm smile he gives me as he straightens himself has me instantly nodding. At least one of them isn’t a complete asshole.

Gadriel, Ezra, and Mallyn move us all toward the dorm, ignoring Imelda’s voice as we enter the building and close the door behind us.

Gadriel turns to me, his brows furrowed and looking annoyed as they flicker toward the door.

“Forget everything you heard out there. None of it is worth remembering.” He gives me a small smile, his eyes soft and warm before they flit behind me. He gives Mallyn and Ezra a curt nod and me one final glance before heading back through the dormitory doors.

Ezra’s gaze lingers on the door for another moment as Mallyn takes a step closer to me, his voice low and beast close to the edge.

“Let me back out there,” he grits out, his bright blue eyes narrowed toward the dorm’s doors, “And let them meet my beast.”

I grip his hand, pulling him back toward me, but his eyes never leave the door, his glare deadly and murderous.

He takes another step forward again, but Ezra stops him this time.

“Only if that’s what Micai wants.”

I shake my head as they meet my eyes, and they both reluctantly nod. But not before a low, menacing growl vibrates from Mallyn’s chest.

The beast probably declaring his annoyance at the lack of bloodshed.

It has me chuckling before a different type of grumbling falls from my stomach. Both boys laugh as the tension seeps from the air instantly.

“Let’s go get you something to eat, little sea star.” Ezra wraps his arm around me as Mallyn holds the door for us. He takes his place at my other side as we head back out toward town.

Back to the abattoir, to Annex, and even Creed.

And our home .