“It is?” I clarify, and he nods, placing his arm around Meadow’s shoulders.
“We're gonna go down to the beach if you want to join us,” he offers, and I smile.
At least somebody's fated mate around here isn't a total ass.
As if thinking them into existence, I glance over my shoulder to see them staring at me.
Are they asses? They have to be. Sometimes their actions might make me question it, but that doesn’t change who they are at their core.
Thankfully, I'm pulled from my wandering thoughts again, only this time, it’s with the food that appears before me, and I don't waste a second before I shovel it into my mouth.Apparently, finding your magic and using it to create flames for the first time burns all your energy.
By the time I'm done, my stomach is so full, and my eyelids are so heavy, I'm ready to pass out at the table.
“Are you really doing okay, Ivy?” Meadow asks, and I gulp.
“I think so. Honestly, my mind is just jumbled, and I'm trying to remember everything before this week. I don't want to wish this past week away like it didn't exist, because it does come with the bonus of finding my magic, but in the same breath, I feel hazy.” My chest feels lighter as the truth parts my lips, but my gut still twists from the essence of vulnerability in the air.
Meadow’s hand falls to my knee. “Well, don't forget that you're a badass queen. Everything you've been through to bring you back here, it's all happening for a reason, and you get to choose where that goes. I'm just here to support you however that looks,” she insists, and I place my hand on top of hers, squeezing in response to her kind words.
I came to Neverbound Academy like everybody else, but I wanted to be free of the weight of my father's chains. This past week has proven that it’s not as easy as I thought it would be. Even though he's not here, his actions loom over me, threatening to destroy any chance of my happiness, and I refuse to let that happen. Especially after today, when I've been able to see what I can do without him. It's clear whatever my father has in mind for me is for somebody else's gain, but that doesn't mean he gets to continue choosing the path I walk.
“Thanks, Meadow,” I murmur as movement out of the corner of my eye catches my attention.
Teddy stands behind Dorian, planting a hand on his shoulder as he nods at me. “Let's go, Princess.”
I’m considering arguing, but goddammit, I don’t want to be part of another show in front of all these people today.
Besides, I'm exhausted. A nap might do me well.
Despite the fire that burns inside of me, I make quick work of saying my goodbyes before I fall into step beside him. It's not until we're walking among the wild flowers, with the rays of sunshine casting over me, that I realize we're alone.
“Where are the others?” I ask, my eyes darting around in search of an angry Fire Protector, a dragon, or a white tiger, but my view comes up short.
“They're heading to the meeting. I pulled the magic straw to be the one who gets to walk you back to your room.”
“My room?” I repeat. He nods, draping his arm around my shoulders, and I don’t stop him.
I should stop him.
“Just while we're not there, Princess. We won’t force you to come to a meeting you’re not ready to attend, which is fine, but weneedyou to be safe right now.”
My muscles tense at the idea of being alone, silently remembering the fact that Leonardo managed to plant a letter in my room.
As if sensing my thoughts, Teddy runs his hand down my back. “Ember and Coal have been monitoring the room. You're good,” he insists, and for some insane reason, I trust his words.
We spend the rest of the walk in silence, basking in each other's presence as his hand remains at the small of my back. I hate that my body leans into his touch. I hate that I'm forgetting what it's like to hate him.
The entrance to the Fire Protector dorm comes into view as he clears his throat. “I was wondering if you were open to looking at Fencing classes again?”
There’s a hint of nervousness to his tone, and as much as I should say no, I find myself nodding.
“I would like that.”
A smile spreads across his face, unabashed and almost giddy. “Perfect. Do you want me to come and check your room?” heasks as we come to a stop outside the fiery entrance, and I shake my head.
"I'll be good from here.” I’m telling myself as much as I am him. His lips part, ready to insist, but I give him a pointed look. “I’m right here. If you're saying they've been watching the room, then that's absolutely fine.” He still looks unsure. I tilt my head. “I can take care of myself, you know,” I grumble, and he rolls his eyes.
“Fine, but that's going to cost you too,” he says with a smirk, and butterflies swarm in my stomach.
