Page 38 of Of Blackened Blood (The Blackened Blade #3)
MICAI
E zra falls to my right side as Annex saunters beside me on my left. Both of them look drool worthy in their more casual dark jeans and shirts. But the expressions they wear look ready for war.
We make our way up the long winding staircase to the third floor in the main academy building and to the Elites’ room where Seria and her little cronies lie in wait.
I twirl Seria’s invitation in my hand as we climb the stairs, wondering what she’s plotting by inviting me today. Even having it in the academy instead of returning home for the lavish celebration she would usually have is suspicious in and of itself. What is she up to?
I don’t think it is simply wanting to rub our differences in status in my face. With everything that’s happened, it has to be bigger than that.
Just as we reach the top stair, Annex takes my hand, bringing me to a halt as his eyes playfully narrow toward my dress.
“I don’t know about this, Red.” His eyes trail down my body for the tenth time since we left our dorm rooms. “Those pricks in there shouldn’t get to see you looking so damn sexy.
” He steps into my space. “You look like a right snack in that dress ... and I’ve been hungry all morning.
” His blue eyes begin to heat up, his hand reaching for my hip before Ezra catches it and smacks it away.
“It already took us longer leaving the dorm room because you kept doing this.” Ezra takes his place beside me, glaring down toward Annex. “The sooner we get in, the sooner we get out. Stop messing around?—”
“But, Ez, just look at her.” Annex waves toward me, his hand gesturing toward the tight little navy bodycon I’m wearing.
It has a gold chain neckline, a small cut-out design around my waist, and is completely backless. It shows off every dip and curve and has had Annex and the guys drooling since the moment I put it on. Which is why I chose it.
Ezra’s eyes linger on me for another moment before he shakes his head. He then takes a step onto the third floor and extends a hand toward me, ignoring Annex. “Let’s move.”
I take his hand as Annex quickly takes his place beside us and we head toward Seria’s party.
Annex glances around, a groan leaving his lips as he drags a hand through his perfectly tousled dark hair.
“Remind me again why we’re wasting our time at this evil bitch’s party ...” He narrows a glare in Ezra’s direction. “And why I’m not allowed to fuck it all up?”
“Because we need answers. And unfortunately, one of our best leads at the moment is Micai’s manipulative, evil half-sister.” Ezra sighs, giving my hand a light squeeze. “We also don’t want her knowing we’re onto her schemes, so any clues or evidence don’t get burned or buried before we find them.”
“I know a few ways of using those ‘buried and burned’ methods that’ll get us the answers we want in a more productive and fun way.” Annex grins wickedly, his thoughts clearly turning to torture. Which for Seria, I wasn’t against.
“Trust me. I wouldn’t come here if I didn’t think we had to,” I add, meeting both of their gazes. “Seria’s being careful with her movements since returning, playing it safe. But she invited me today for a reason. And whatever game she’s playing, I’ll happily join in.”
“We all will. Together.” Ezra nods, reminding me I have both of them by my side. But his eyes look wary and tired.
They were all being kept busier these days between the attacks and with having to watch Seria’s movements.
She had been sticking to her classes and hanging out with her pawns a lot these days. But there had been no suspicious movements that any of us could see. Which also meant there were no clues or answers for us either.
But after the attack on the safe house a few days ago, we need clear answers for all the questions that were building up, and Seria was our only connection.
The Facility was clearly making their move, so we need to make one of our own.
We know she’s connected to them in some way, even if it’s just that she acquired that metal bracelet from them.
But I have a feeling it might be deeper than that.
She could have even formed a connection with them before she came to the Bane mansion. Or maybe her mother’s family did?
Her past and her mothers’ side are somewhat of a mystery too. So we’re also digging into that as well, with Creed and Ezra taking the lead.
I shake off the remaining thoughts filling my mind as we make our way toward the Elites’ room and Seria’s party.
We head down the long and luxurious corridor with only two rooms encompassing the entire floor: the Elites’ room and the academy’s library.
My eyes fall to the two large mahogany doors on the furthest side of the corridor. The library.
Its large doors sit over seven feet high and are decorated in ornate carvings and designs with old sigils and runes running down its border.
My gaze lingers on the familiar doors, and my thoughts fall to my previous life. Of how it was once a place of reprieve and comfort for the younger, isolated me. And a place to hide from the world and join someone else’s.
But unfortunately, my once quiet and safe shelter where I would read, find solace between a book’s pages, and study in peace came crumbling down around me.
It had quickly become a place of fear and avoidance with Seria’s arrival to the academy in my second year.
The behaviour of students changed almost instantly from isolating me and being indifferent, to full on harassment and bullying, only growing worse over time.
Students would follow me into the library, cornering me and trapping me between the old bookshelves and?—
“Micai? Is something wrong?” Ezra asks, his brows furrowed as he glances in the direction of my gaze and toward the library.
I close my eyes briefly and take a steady breath.
I had all but forgotten those memories, far worse and darker ones taking their place over the years.
But that was all in the past. And it was no longer the me standing here now.
I glance toward Ezra and Annex. I wasn’t alone anymore either.
“Nothing.” I shake the thoughts from my mind. “Just an old memory.”
We make our way over to the nearest door, just as large and ornate in design as the library’s. My eyes narrow toward the marbled wood in front of us. The Elites’ room.
A room only for those with certain prestige and standing. And an Invitation-only group. They wield influence and power over the student body, making decisions about events and such, almost like a student council in human schools, but with a hell of a lot of entitlement and elitism thrown in.
“Let’s get this over with.” I take the invitation out and press it up to the door, the navy and gold card instantly dissolving into flecks of fading gold as the door clicks and I pull its golden handle open.
The room opens up into a space the size of a ballroom and rivalling that of even the academy’s main hall. The floor is flush from wall to ceiling in white-and-grey marble with gold flecks running through it all.
A small scoff leaves my lips as I continue to look around.
I bet this place was better decked out than even the faculties room—only the best for the Elites .
Most of the Elites’ body was made up of families either from the main clans or branch families and with pockets and power as deep and old as the Pacific.
Seria hadn’t gotten her pretty little Elites badge just yet, but she was being primed for the position by the seniors here. Ones who afforded her certain privileges, like using this room today.
My eyes trace the space, seeing Seria’s little “touches” throughout.
Silk blush-pink fabric is draped down each wall with large rose-crystal chandeliers falling from the ceiling.
Pink and gold tables fill the majority of the room, all surrounding a large circular gold table filled with small canapes and a huge pink diamond sculpture that seems to be a waterfall for some type of glittery drink.
My eyes are then drawn to the farthest wall, the one with pink fabric only framing its sides. And to its centre sits a magical tapestry almost as large as the wall itself.
On it are images of Seria shimmering across its surface, ones of her smiling or posing with friends; surrounded by beautiful landscapes; or of her and Xander, Kane, Anders, and Knox all laughing like some Hallmark photo shoot.
“What blind, tasteless jackass decorated this shithole?” Annex scoffs, grabbing an hors d’oeuvre from a passing waiter who instantly pales when meeting Annex’s gaze before scuttling away. “What’s with all the pink and gold? This place is more tacky than tasteful.”
I quirk a brow at Mr. Decorator of the Year as Ezra chuckles. My grin reappears on my lips as I listen to them.
It’s definitely overcompensating for something ... and more than just brain cells or a decent personality.
I feel eyes on me and turn around toward a group of familiar assholes glaring from one side of the room.
Alice, Tandy, Dale, and Kayden all sneer my way before I give them my best smile. They all flinch before quickly turning away, pretending to do something else. Party or not, I would happily put them all in their place.
I glance around the room wondering where Seria’s favourite pet was.
I hadn’t seen Ivy since before winter break. I wonder if she enjoyed my little gift? Or maybe it’s the reason why she isn’t here.
My grin widens with the thought.
They would all get their just desserts soon. But today was about Seria.
And as if summoning the demon bitch herself, she appears.
She makes her way over to me, her arms linked with Xander and Anders as Kane and Knox follow behind like shadows. Knox looks more withdrawn and is moving slower than the others as they head my way.
A smile coats Seria’s bright pink lips, a genuine look of glee in her eyes as she stops mere feet in front of me.
“Micai!” She reaches for me as if to hug me, but Ezra pulls me back flush against his chest, stopping the contact before it can happen.
Not that I would have let her touch me so easily.