Gabriel nods. “And you’ll do incredible. I know you will.”
“You can tell that from my work on plants?”
“I can tell that because we’ve been practicing. I’ve told you before, harnessing your abilities is ninety percent intention, and I’ve spent enough time with you to know you wouldn’t hurt anyone who didn’t deserve it.”
My heart warms at my teacher’s confidence in me. “I hope you’re right.”
“I usually am.” He shrugs. “Ask anyone.”
I huff a laugh. “Thank you, for tonight.” He nods at me as I move to leave, feeling exhaustion from the practice session in the depths of my bones.
I pause when I find Dagon outside my chambers, not Saint.
“Can we talk?” he asks.
“Sure.” I head through my door, hating that my eyes immediately go to the armchair near my bed, the one Saint usually occupies. It’s empty.
“Heard about Samuel,” Dagon says, leaving the door open behind him. He leans against the frame.
“Did you hear anything more than the simple fact that Saint saw him?”
Dagon nods.
Anger returns. “Then that’s more than I got.”
“He’s trying to protect you.”
I glare up at him.
Dagon laughs. “Okay, I know that’s a pathetic excuse. But, in his defense, he’s cared about very few things in his life. You’re one of them. The idea of anything happening to you sends him into a spin.”
“Well, he should spintowardme if he cares about me. God knows he’s seen me spiral at my worst. I want to be there for him.”
“Then don’t give up on him. I’ve been his brother for centuries. He’s a stubborn prick most of the time, but to the people who don’t let him push them away, he opens up. I’m sure he’ll open up more to you…” His voice trails off, his eyes lingering on the mark on my neck. He clears his throat. “Samuel is going after the vote for the throne. Claimed he’s collected almost enough to overthrow Alek.”
I gasp, shaking my head. “He shouldn’t be anywhere near that kind of power.”
“Agreed.” He sighs. “Saint will kill me if I tell you more.”
“But you’re going to anyway, aren’t you?” I beg.
He rubs his palms over his face. “Samuel said the last vote he needs is yours.”
I scoff. “I would never give him my vote.”
“Wouldn’t you though?” Dagon eyes me, and my blood runs cold. “If someone you loved were in danger?”
The air punches from my lungs. “He threatened to use Saint against me.”
“Bingo.”
“That’s why he’s being a dick.” I huff a broken laugh. “He wants to push me away. Again. Even after…” I shake my head. “Well, tough shit.”
Dagon grins as he pushes off the doorframe. “I’ve always liked you.”
I smile up at him. It feels good to be liked by someone who loves Saint as much as I do.
“Do me a solid and never tell Saint I told you?”
