Page 239 of House Ignis

I shrugged.

“It just soothes the nerves. It keeps the fire from reaching the surface.”

He nodded like he was filing the information away for future battle plans. Which honestly felt very on-brand for a Valeor.

“Well,” I announced suddenly, clapping my hands once to break the heavy mood. “I appreciate the pity party. Truly. Very healing. Ten out of ten, would recommend.”

Ember snorted, poking Ezra in the cheek.

“But it’s Saturday,” I continued, a spark of real excitement finally catching. “So what are we doing to get my mind off things… especially a certain absent Umbra male?”

Ember’s green eyes lit up instantly.

“WAIT,” she gasped, sitting bolt upright and nearly dumping Ezra off her lap.

“There’s a day party happening in Ventus! The Spring Festival!” She practically vibrated with excitement.

“Oh gods, yes,” I said, grinning despite myself. “There are games, food stalls, and everything.”

Ezra pushed himself up onto his elbows, mischief immediately lighting his face.

“Well then,” he said, his orange eyes glinting.

“Let’s fucking go."

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

After getting ready for the party, we headed out of House Ignis and made our way toward House Ventus.

I wore a short black dress with a tight bodice that flared softly at the hips and white high socks hugging my calves above my worn-in sneakers. I’d pinned half my hair up with a black bow clip, letting the rest fall in loose strands to frame my face.

Ember had opted for her usual brand of chaos—high-waisted jeans and a red crop top that showed just enough skin to be dangerous.

Ezra walked beside her in a loose black button-up, the top two buttons undone as if he were personally offending the concept of modesty.

Grey shorts sat low on his hips, and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, dark tattoos curling over his forearms and disappearing under the dusting of freckles on his skin.

Aether prowled at my side like a shadow with claws.

Behind us, Luna padded lightly while Ezra’s massive two-headed bloodhound lumbered behind us, Ruin and Havoc drawing wary looks from passing students who wisely kept their distance.

The moment we reached the courtyard of House Ventus, I stopped dead. My mouth dropped open.

“Oh my gods,” I breathed.

It was… breathtaking.

The Air Kingdom was already known for its elegance—pale marble cities carved into cliffs and wind-swept towers touching the clouds—but their House at the Academy was something else entirely.

White and blue towers spiraled upward like ribbons caught in a storm. Banners floated and twisted midair without any visible tether.

Entire gardens hovered above us—islands of flowers and crystal fountains suspended in the sky, connected by thin arched bridges that swayed gently in the wind.

Light refracted everywhere, turning the air into a prism. Music drifted down from somewhere high above, and students laughed as they crossed floating walkways like it was the most normal thing in the world.

“I do not like heights,” Aether muttered darkly beside me, his tail lashing.

I snorted. “You’re a divine beast, Aether. Gravity is a suggestion for you.”