“This is our training facility.” I glanced at Shade for confirmation, and he nodded.
“The gargoyles are ensuring the other students don’t bother us,” he added out loud. “This area is used for advanced courses, but the headmasters agreed to move them elsewhere for the time being for safety purposes.”
“Good.” Because we were about to unleash some intense and dangerous spells. Best not to be interrupted, especially should I decide to do a defensive demonstration with Zakkai. “Then let the fun begin.”
Aflora didn’t hesitate, her willingness to learn evident in the way she responded to our first day of training. She was tired by the end, her body and mind sore from everything I threw at her, but she didn’t break or bend or beg me to stop. All she said was “More.”
The next day, in our defensive magic course, went much the same way with her memorizing, manipulating, and regurgitatingspells. She even put me on my ass a few times—a feat very few could claim. Of course, I was distracted by her mouth because all I wanted to do was kiss her when she managed to replicate an advanced shield using her hands instead of a wand.
The courses continued, Aflora never once wavering or complaining. She was focused and the definition of determination, doing exactly what we told her and adding a few twists of her own.
By night, she was an apt pupil, learning and excelling and perfecting her skill.
And by day, she engaged in a similar routine… in the bedroom.
Constantine remained quiet, the trials lurking somewhere on the horizon. Shade met with his grandmother often, seeking updates. But aside from ensuring that all of Midnight Fae kind hated Aflora, he hadn’t given anything away regarding his next trial.
However, we all knew something was coming.
He would be furious that she managed to pass two ascensions with such efficiency, and so quickly, too.
“He’s strategic,” Kols was saying now as we watched Shade and Aflora practice offensive magic. It was her third course in the topic, as we were well into our third week here at the Academy. “And the longer he takes, the more nervous I get.”
Zakkai nodded, his silver-blue eyes on Aflora. He’d tied his white hair back at his nape today, displaying his long, athletic neck. And the bite marks Aflora had left there during her time in his bed today before class.
We’d developed a routine on sharing her, with our mate choosing to sleep in a different room each night. She never slept in her own space. I wasn’t even convinced she knew a fourth bedroom existed.
Twice, Shade had chosen to join Kols, me, and Aflora.
Zakkai never did, preferring his solitary time with her.
It was different, but it worked. Because I wasn’t sure I could share her with him. He would try to dictate the show, and I refused to submit to him.
Shade didn’t exactly roll over for me either, but he seemed content to follow my lead.
Zakkai would sooner bite me than follow my direction, something he proved weekly during the Quandary magic classes. I told him not to push our mate too hard, and he translated that asPut Aflora in the most dangerous position possible and see if she can survive it.
Dick, I thought, not for the first time.
At least we agreed on Constantine. “He’s definitely planning something big,” he said. “Either Zenaida can’t see it coming, or she doesn’t want to risk the outcome by warning us.” He ran his hand over the stubble dotting his jaw, then reached around to roll and pop his neck. “Regardless, we need to be ready.”
“Yes,” Kols agreed. “We do.” He folded his arms and observed Aflora dismantling one of Shade’s resurrection spells with a bout of life from her earth magic.
“Impressive,” I murmured, grinning as she created a root from the figment and wrapped it around Shade’s leg. She yanked on it, dropping him to the ground on anOomph. “Ready to duel with someone stronger?” I asked her.
A shadowy figure flew at me half a second later, the Death magic stealing my breath and taking me to my knees.
I called up a defensive disfiguration spell, dismantling his enchantment and freeing my lungs. Then I shot an offensive charm at him meant to blister his eardrums—that he blasted away with his wand.
“You were saying?” the Death Blood drawled.
“That he wanted me to play with Aflora,” Zakkai replied, sending a net of magic over her that sizzled and sparked and drew a surprised yelp from her. “Figure that out, little star.”
She growled in response, making the hairs along the back of my neck stand on end. “What did you do?” I demanded.
“We’re reminiscing.” Zakkai cocked his head. “Stop snarling, little star. You need your oxygen.”
I stepped forward. “Take it off her.”
