Page 6 of Taste of Thorns

“What can I tell you?” Fox shrugs. “History is always written by the victor.”

I gasp. “Are you saying that in the past lumomancers and shadow weavers were enemies?”

“No, not enemies, but definitely rivals. Lumomancy died out. Shadow weaving remained. They wrote the history books, and it’s not exactly surprising they focused on their own achievements at the expense of a group of people that are no longer around to challenge their version of events.”

“Because lumomancy is not as powerful as our magic,” Dray concludes smugly.

One side of Beaufort’s mouth curls in a half smile. “She saved Thorne from a handful of monsters. What do you think?”

Dray chuckles, and when he looks back at me, there’s that flirtatiousness in his eyes as usual. “Seems our kitten’s claws are sharper than we thought. Fuck, I’d have loved to have seen that.”

“It was spectacular.”

I spin to face Fox, staring at him open-mouthed.

“Wh-what?” I say.

Since Amelia passed, I haven’t received much praise. The odd passing comment from a teacher; a few words of flattery from Stanley when he was trying to get inside my panties. More recently, the flattery has been more forthcoming. Especially from the Princes. But to call something I did spectacular? No one has ever spoken about me or anything I’ve done with that kind of hyperbole.

Is he teasing me?

I’d question whether Fox Tudor was capable of such things, but then there was the stuff we did in my bedroom. There’d definitely been some teasing involved in that.

He can’t be serious, though, can he?

Except he looks his usual serious self.

“It was, Briony,” he says.

“Well,” I say, feeling my stupid cheeks burn and wiping away that tear from my cheek. “I may never be able to do it again, so …” I shrug.

“You will,” Beaufort says. I bite on my cheek. “That’s why we’re sent to the academy. To discover our potential, to find our true callings, to know where we belong. The teachers are here to help you develop and harness your powers.” He grins at me. “There’s going to be no one and nobody who can stop you coming to Onyx Quarter with us now.” He smiles broadly, like all is right with the world. I wish I could believe it.

I’m guessing Fox harbors the same level of cynicism as I do. I wonder if he always did but just kept it well hidden.

“Hmmm,” he says.

“What?” Beaufort snaps. “I suppose you’re going to have a problem with us taking her to Onyx when the year is over.”

“It’s not that.”

“My sister,” I say. I go to say more, but suddenly both Dray and Beaufort’s gazes snap towards the door and then they’re running that way. At the same time, the sensation in my blood turns sharp, making me gasp.

I go to follow after them, but out of nowhere, Fox grabs me around the middle.

“It’s Thorne,” he whispers in my ear. “He’s awake.”

“But how–”

“Good hearing. Vampires’ senses are heightened.”

“I need to go to him.”

“Briony,” his hold on me is firm and despite my best efforts, I can’t wriggle free, “let them go to him first. He’s not …” he cocks his head as if listening, “well.”

“Fox!” I plead in distress.

But he won’t let me go, caging me in his arms as I tussle against him. I don’t know how many minutes pass. I hear Thorne cry out. Beaufort’s stern voice. Dray howl.