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Kann’s jaw tightened. “He was not pleased you were inducted as a Blade.”
I could feel his outrage for me even through the dense holographic jungle. “Our clan has always produced Wings.”
Volten strode to the entrance of the holo-chamber and tapped on the panel until the simulation around us evaporated taking the cloying warmth and loamy scent with it. “I understand a bit about family not being pleased with your decisions.”
Kann walked to me and slapped a hand on my back. “I come from a long line of Blades, so I do not know exactly what you’re going through, but I can tell you that your school is more than just your classes. The Blades are your new family. We will be with you through it all.” Then he grinned, his expression becoming both terrifying and heartening. “No one should cross the Blades. Not even House Swoll.”
I’d spent my entire life devoted to my clan, but Kann’s words made my chest expand with pride and my throat tighten. I nodded mutely, unable to form words.
Volten turned and gave me his own nod. “You will find that it is your academy family and your school that stand by you through everything.” He winked at Kann. “You will even discover that Blades and Wings can be as close as blood brothers.”
“Closer,” Kann added, his voice hoarse.
I managed to smile at both Drexians as we left the holo-chamber. As much as I appreciated their words, their support made me even more determined to get the information for Volten. I had made a promise, and I intended to keep it, no matter how my father felt about me being a Blade.
At least my family would never know that I desired a female from the human equivalent of a low clan. Then there would be no returning to their good graces if they ever discovered that. I would be cast aside for good.
Which is why you should be glad that there is nothing between you and Jess, I told myself. Nothing to push you further from your clan. Nothing to widen the chasm between you and your family.
Then the wicked voice in the back of my head—the one that had always plunged me into trouble, the one I could never fully suppress—chuckled. Not yet.
Chapter
Seventeen
Jess
“Imight be going blind.” Morgan let her head flop between her shoulder blades as she hunched over an oversized book that was bound with what looked like snakeskin. Her blonde hair was pulled high in a messy topknot, which bobbled as she dropped her head.
I stole a glance above us at the hanging wrought iron chandeliers suspended from the vaulted stone ceiling of the Stacks, and then at the flickering lamp on the table between us. We’d been poring over documents for hours, and my eyes were starting to burn. I inhaled the distinct scent of dust and leather, a smell that seemed to permeate libraries no matter what planet they were on. “We should take a break.”
Morgan lifted her head and released a mournful sigh. “How can we take a break? We haven’t made any progress.”
I eyed the stack of books I’d already scoured as well as the tablet that glowed at me from where it sat on the long, dark wood table. “Just because we haven’t found clues to where the Kronock might be holding a prisoner doesn’t mean we haven’t made progress.” I held up my tablet. “I’ve been keeping a list of all the outposts and colonies we’ve ruled out. That’s something.”
Morgan straightened and blew a loose strand of hair from her eyes. “I guess you’re right. Eliminating options is a form of progress, but are we sure none of these places are possibilities?”
I swiped a finger down the screen. “Every location on this list is one that’s been reclaimed by the original inhabitants or is currently being rebuilt by the Drexians, so I’m pretty confident.”
Morgan nodded. “You’re right. This is progress.”
“Which is more than I can say for my Strategy homework.” I put down my tablet and arched my back into a stretch.
My friend let loose a string of colorful curses. “Is that due tomorrow?”
“No, but it’s due the day after that, and I haven’t started it.”
More curses from Morgan. “Same, but I’m sure Fiona will give us a pass, right?”
“Why am I giving you a pass?”
We both jerked to attention, almost knocking our chairs over in an attempt to push them back and stand at attention. Before we could injure ourselves, both Fiona and Ariana emerged from behind one of the towering bookshelves.
“At ease, Cadets.” Fiona held up her hands. “What have I told you about saluting me and standing at attention?”
“Not to do it.” I shared a grateful glance with Morgan, who’d also forgotten the captain’s request. Saluting and snapping to attention were second nature after being in the military, and none of the cadets who’d been sent from Earth weren’t already officers.
“Since we live in the same tower and on the same floor, we’d spend half our days saluting,” Ariana added with a half-smile. She hadn’t smiled fully since she’d learned that her sister was being held by the enemy, and the line between her eyes had become a deep groove. But she’d been convinced to wait until there was a target to mount a rescue, and she continued to teach her classes.
