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“We’re talking about dragons not plagues.” Isha’s eyes were back on me. “This girl has power no highblood could dream of possessing, and she’s done absolutely nothing with it to help us.”

I decided not to point out that highbloods absolutely could dare to dream. “Dragons have minds of their own. Nyxaris isn’t a weapon to be controlled. But I assure you, he’s not fond of the way highbloods rule Sangratha either.” I glanced behind me at where Dani cowered against the wall, still holding her ripped dress. “Regardless of what Nyxaris chooses to do or not do, this isn’t the way, Isha. Hurting this girl won’t fix anything. She’s already been hurt enough. We have to stand together, help one another. If we don’t—”

Lochlan gave me a shove as he came to stand beside Isha, crossing his arms over his broad chest. I took a step back towards Dani, pulse racing. If they attacked, if I fought back …

“Call him,” Lochlan demanded. “Prove you’re one of us. Otherwise, shut up and get out of here.”

Where the hell was Professor Stonefist? A few words from her and these idiots would scatter. Then I had a terrible thought: Maybe Regan had gotten rid of her. Was that going to be the next step, eliminating all of the blightborn faculty? I wouldn’t put it past our new headmistress.

A beefy hand shoved my shoulder—Lochlan again. I let out a gasp as I stumbled and nearly went sprawling backwards.

“Keep your hands off me,” I snapped. “And keep them off this girl. I’m taking Dani back to her room now. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay the hell out of my way.”

“Or what?” Isha challenged. “You’ll sic your dragon on us? You’ve basically already said you can’t. He doesn’t listen to you.”

A tremulous high-pitched voice rang out through the hall. “No, but he’ll listen to me. Leave Medra alone!”

The mob of students slowly parted. A girl stepped forward slowly, outfitted in a knee-length dress of royal blue, her black hair pulled into a long black ponytail. Her cheeks were flushed with emotion. Her glasses had slid slightly down the bridge of her nose. I could tell she was nervous because she didn’t bother to push them back up. Her shoulders were squared like someone about to step onto a battlefield.

In that moment, I knew I’d made the right choice to save her, no matter what the price—not that I’d ever doubted it.

Florence was a bookish, quiet girl, far too kind and reserved to ever intentionally choose to be a dragon rider—and yet, there was fire in her blood. Once she realized it, gods help the ones she wielded it against.

Still, I knew this wasn’t the time. I stepped forward, knowing what I had to do.

CHAPTER 14

FLORENCE

Florence, stop,” Medra called. “Stop and leave now.”

The tall boy near her turned, face red with rage, his fist already swinging.

“Medra!” I screamed. But I needn’t have worried. She already had it under control.

Medra moved—quickly dodging, then darting forward, landing her own fist hard in his chest and following it up with a brutal kick first to one knee, then his other. He sank to the floor with an Oomph, looking dazed, and Medra stepped past him, coming towards me.

She positioned herself between Lochlan and me. “Florence, don’t say another word,” she shot over her shoulder. “I know what you’re trying to do, but please. Don’t.”

“What’s she talking about?” The girl with long dark braids came up behind Medra, looking angry. “What do you mean the dragon will listen to you? Why would he listen to you but not the rider?”

I opened my mouth. Medra’s eyes were pleading. But if I didn’t speak up, what would they do to her?

Some of the students moved in closer, eager to hear what we were saying. A shoulder bumped into mine, deliberately rough. I gasped, suddenly aware of how many people were watching me. I felt hot, claustrophobic.

What is happening? Where are you? Why is your heart beating so fast?

I just about jumped out of my skin.

“Nyxaris,” I squeaked.

“Florence,” Medra warned. “No.”

Your heart should not be beating so quickly. Not in a greenhouse. Precisely what is it you do in this class? Botany should not be this exhilarating.

“Nyxaris?” Isha repeated.

“What?” I asked stupidly.