“Oh, he wasalreadybroken when I met him,” she leers, getting in my face, wanting a front row seat to how her words cut. “His mind is fucked up, his body is scarred, and his heart is shattered into a million pieces. He doesn't know how to love, how to connect, how to fuck, and God forbid, even kiss. I'm going to be doing you a favor, constantly leaving you just as broken as he is.”
I spy a sliver of silver darting toward me from the corner of my eye and I react on instinct, blocking her move a second before the tip of her blade pierces my bare neck.
Anger bubbles through me, taking control as I knock her blade away, discarding my own with it as I channel Baron's moves from our combat practice session and drive my shoulder into her stomach.
We fall to the floor and my body takes over, my fists slamming into her face, my knuckles numb as I do it again and again and again. With every brutal connection, I’m painted in her blood, red consuming me, vision and all.
I can’t stop.
Not until my spine stiffens and my hands lift of their own accord, locking me in place.
I can't move.
The red mist coating my vision settles over Teddy as he crouches beside me. I tremble as he brushes his thumb across my cheek in an attempt to soothe me, but if anything, it makes me burn brighter.
“It's for your own good, Princess,” he promises, grabbing my waist and hiking me off the venomous bitch in question.
The world blurs around me, nausea churning in my gut as we move, and it’s only when we're outside, my back pressed against the wall, that he releases his hold on me.
My muscles sag as blood trickles down my face, delirium rooting me to the spot now, but when my eyes lock on Teddy’s, the reassurance he's hoping to give me doesn't land as I lower my voice and narrow my gaze.
“I understand your reason, but don't you ever use your magic on me like that again.”
20
IVY
“IwishIcould party,” Ember says with a sigh as she whizzes around the room.
“Technically, you could,” Meadow confirms, earning another sigh from my sprite.
“Not in a cute dress, with lots of dancing and sex to finish off the night,” she grumbles, and Meadow laughs.
“Don't act like you haven't been sneaking in and out of the Land Protector dorms with Clay.”
Ember freezes with surprise, halted in the air before she quickly waves her off. “How do you know it's me?” she says slyly, like she hasn't already exposed herself, and Meadow smirks, but before she can part her lips, Ember turns her back on us with a grumble. “You guys are boring. I'm leaving now,” she declares, slipping straight through the door without a backward glance.
“She's insane,” I declare, staring after her as I pop my earrings in.
“She's fun,” Meadow clarifies. “Leith is timid in comparison.”
“Maybe she needs to spend some time with Ember so they can balance each other out,” I offer, and Meadow nods eagerly, moving to stand beside me in front of the mirror as we take in our reflection.
“Ready?” she asks, and I hum, staring at myself as I try to pinpoint what feels different.
My hair is pulled up into a high pony with loose curls falling around my face, and my makeup is subtle, keeping to the bare minimum in hopes of having some fun dancing. I don't want to have to worry about sweating it off.
I chose my dress from the very back of the closet; a cute, summery piece, zig-zagged with an array of colors. It hugs my figure perfectly.
Meadow’s hair is pulled up into a messy bun on top of her head, and she's opted for a cute striped pair of shorts and a matching t-shirt with the back cut out.
Sandals for both of us, and we're good to go.
Running my hands over the material of my dress, I pause, taking a deep breath before confirming I'm ready. I use the moment to glance over to the window to see the sun setting in the distance as it dips beneath the trees.
I clear my throat. “I can't let them ruin tonight like last time,” I breathe, and Meadow links her arm through mine, squeezing with support.
“Girl, why do you think we're here? Toby is meeting us with Dorian. You're on full lockdown tonight. We're taking no prisoners and having a good time. If they don't like it, then I'll just tell Greta,” she declares, making me laugh.
