by M Guida
Excited and nervous voices echoed below, but I couldn’t make out any words.
I slowly descended back down.
Someone grabbed me and pulled me into their muscular arms. “Raven, are you okay?” Lucien pushed the hair out of my eyes.
I couldn’t stop trembling. “I’m… I’m okay.”
“Are you sure?” Bo bent over me. “You’re as pale as a ghost.”
Rhys, Dante, and Xavier were all around me with concern in their eyes.
Professor Elfiel finally smiled. “You did it, Raven.”
I laid my head against Lucien’s broad chest. “I did?”
“Yes,” Anton interrupted. “We know what color your protective shield is, and it is as I suspected.”
“What is it?” I balled my fingers into Lucien’s shirt, afraid of what he was going to say.
Lucien tightened his arm around my waist, sending reassurance through me.
Bo folded his arms across his chest. “Don’t keep us waiting, Anton. What is it?”
“Most people only have one psychic shield,” he said. “But like your dad, you have two colors: brilliant orange, and yellow. The same as his.”
“Is that bad?” I asked hesitantly, waiting for him to drag me down to the damn Hollows.
“No, it isn’t. Not at all. Such a shield is very powerful, and it shouldn’t be wasted.” Something in his voice plucked a chord at the base of my neck.
“Have you seen my dad lately, Anton?”
“Come, Professor Elfiel, we must clear the table before morning.” Anton picked up the candles off the table. “I suggest you get some rest, Raven. You’re excused from your classes for the next few days. You may return to your room.”
I stared at him in disbelief. My insides had just gone through a meat grinder, and he was dismissing me as if it meant nothing.
Lucien swooped me up into his arms.
“Lucien, what are you doing?”
He shrugged. “What does it look like? I’m carrying you back to your room.”
“I can walk,” I croaked. A total lie. My legs felt like wet noodles.
“Why push yourself?” Xavier asked. “You’ve been through hell.”
Someone squeezed my shoulder. “After the night you’ve had, you deserve a High Tempest.”
Rhys. I wanted to argue that was the last thing I needed, but my mouth was too tired to move.
Bo shook his head. “Do you really want to put her to that test?”
I didn’t answer him and laid my head on Lucien’s chest, listening to his powerful heart that calmed all my fears. I closed my eyes for just a minute.
“You can’t go in there,” Bo said. “That’s the girls’ dorm.”
“Watch me,” Lucien growled.
“I’ll open the door,” Dante muttered.
It dawned on me–all the Defenders had escorted me together back to the dorm.
“Dante, what are you doing?” Bo demanded.
“Shut up, Bo. Someone’s got to open the door for Lucien,” Dante snapped.
I didn’t want to listen to him fight and nuzzled closer into Lucien’s chest, needing to hear the thump-thump of his heart.
“What is the meaning of this?” Baron Germaine’s crisp voice made me shrink.
I took a quick peek. Baron’s eyes were nearly popping out of his head, and his narrow face had turned purple. His fists were close to his side. He was at least two inches shorter than Lucien, but he showed no fear.
“Boys are not allowed in the girls’ tower.” He pointed his finger. “You both need to leave. Immediately.”
“Not until we take Raven to her room,” Lucien said.
Baron stretched out his arms as if to carry me himself. “I will take her.”
Lucien held me closer. “Try it and you’re dead.”
I looked up at him. I wasn’t sure if he was serious, but from the tight lines around his eyes and his mouth, he didn’t look like he was joking.
Baron actually stepped back and gestured with his arm. “Fine, this way.” He strutted ahead of us with Lucien following behind and Dante in the rear. I had a feeling Dante was determined to protect our backsides.
Baron went up to the second floor and then knocked on my door. “Miss Mina, open up immediately.”
Mina ripped open the door. Her eyes widened. “Oh, my. What happened?”
“She got the shit kicked out of her,” Lucien said, as he brushed past her. He laid me on my bed and kissed my forehead. “I’m sorry you had to go through this.”
“I’ll be fine in the morning.” My scratchy voice was so weak I could barely get the words out.
Dante motioned to a glass full of what looked like grape juice. “What’s in that glass?” He sniffed. “It smells like chocolate.”
“If you can believe it,” Mina said, “Anton sent the potion over. It’s called Draught of the Shadows.” She motioned toward me. “It’s for Raven. He said it will help her heal as well as sleep.”
Lucien grabbed the vial. “Did he say if it would be painful?”
“He didn’t say,” Mina said. “I honestly don’t know.”
Baron threw up his hands. “Why would the Headmaster send over poison?”
Lucien glared. “I didn’t say it was poison. He just made her drink something that nearly killed her. So, you’ll excuse me if I don’t trust him right now.”
He brought it over and sat on my bed. “Do you want to drink this?”
I stared at it, and my insides recoiled. I didn’t think I could take another harsh drink.
“I’ll taste it first.” He took a sip and licked his lips. “Actually, it does taste like chocolate. Would you like to try it?”
I didn’t trust Anton right now, but I did trust Lucien. I nodded, but I didn’t answer because my throat hurt so badly.
He put his arm around my shoulders and gently lifted me up from the bed just enough so I could drink the concoction. My stomach rebelled, and the tonic ran back up my throat, cutting me again.
“Are you okay?” Lucien asked gently.
I gritted my teeth and didn’t answer. He pressed the glass to my lips.
I closed my eyes and allowed the liquid to run down my throat. Soothing chocolate cooled my burning, torn up insides. My eyelids become heavy and my mind foggy.
“Raven,” Lucien said. “How do you feel?”
I looked at him. “Tired.” It was the last thing I said before I passed out.
Chapter 14
“Raven, are you alive?”
I opened my eyes slowly. A heavy fog gripped my brain, and I had a horrible bitter taste in my mouth. Going to class would have been a joke. I’d either fall asleep or fall on my ass.
Mina was fully dressed, and concern packed her huge eyes. She sat on my bed. “Lucien and Dante told me what happened last night. I can’t believe Professor Elfiel and Anton made you do that.”
I swallowed and winced.
“Are you okay?” She clasped my hand. “Are you still in pain?”
“Not really.” I shook my head. “My throat’s still really sore and my stomach’s a mess, that’s all.”
“Do you want me to get you something from the cafeteria?”
I thought about it. I almost said no, but then a craving popped into my head. “A vanilla milkshake would be really nice.”
“I’ll bring you one before I go to class.” She got up and hurried out of our room.
I carefully sat up in my bed. I still felt shaky, but the awful pain had vanished. Maybe Anton’s chocolate potion had been loaded with anesthetic.
I curled up in a ball, enjoying the feeling of the sun on my skin, and drifted off.
Someone gently shook my shoulder. “Raven, I put the milkshake on your nightstand. You don’t have to get up.”
“No,” I croaked. “I’m up. That looks so good. Thank you.”
Mina had brought back a vanilla milkshake topped with whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry on top.
“You’re welcome.” She op
ened the door and waved. “Have a good day. I’ll see you at lunch.”
“Bye. You have a good one, too.”
She quietly shut the door. The milkshake looked delicious and I hoped my stomach didn’t betray me. I made my way carefully to the bathroom. I didn’t want to taste it without brushing my teeth first. Just doing that simple task made my head spin.
The milkshake glass was cool to the touch, and the shake itself was the creamiest that I’d ever had. Julie and I used to reward ourselves with milkshakes all the time. I usually preferred the more exotic flavors such as Mexican Chocolate, Peanut Butter Brownie, or a Salted Caramel, but my stomach wasn’t up to craziness right now.
I wrapped my blanket around me and wobbled over to our window. I opened it. Students were hurrying across the courtyard to get to class on time, but I couldn’t take my eyes off where I had been last night.
It had been such a magical place when Lucien had kissed me. Now, I could only think of the agony. For a brief moment I wished I was back waiting on tables with just the dinner or lunch rush to worry about, but no. Those days were gone forever.
I leaned my head against the windowsill, still taking in the sun’s rays and enjoying my yummy milkshake.
“You look good enough to eat.”
I jumped. Lucien sat on the roof with a big ass grin.
“What are you doing? Aren’t you going to be late for class?”
“Maybe. I don’t care.” He reached over, slipped his hands around the back of my neck, and licked some of the cream off my lips.
Tingles whooshed from my lips all the way down to my wiggling toes.
“Lucien.” I put my hand on his chest. “I’m a mess.”
“Not to me, you’re not. You’re all I thought about last night.” He stroked my hair. “It nearly killed when I saw you wracked with pain.” He held my chin tenderly. “One thing I do know, not many people could have endured what you did last night and come out on the other side.”
“Really?”
“You’re made of sterner stuff than most, and you surprise even Anton. Your dad must have been a badass.”
“I wouldn’t know.” I stirred my thick shake. “He abandoned my mom and I when I was a little girl.”
“You’ve never seen him?”
“No. Mom didn’t have many pictures of him.” The familiar pain of my dad not loving me spurred in my heart. “And none of them were with me.”
He kissed me briefly on the lips. “Tell me, why did you ask Anton if he’d seen your father?”
“Because he said that I had a powerful psychic shield like my dad’s, and that it shouldn’t be wasted. Knowing Anton, he would have conned my dad into using his power.”
“I was thinking the same thing. Anton’s never direct, and I’ve learned to decipher his little coded messages, no matter how annoying that is.” He glanced over his shoulder. “The courtyard’s emptying, so I’d better go. I’ll see you after class. Take care of yourself.” He kissed me again. “I’ll see you soon.”
He spread out his gold wings and flew away like an angel. He was so graceful and powerful in flight.
I finished my milkshake just as the last student ran to get to class. The poor girl reminded me of me on my first day here, when I was late because Vivian had tripped me in the cafeteria, making me spill all of my tray onto my uniform.
I set the empty glass on the nightstand. I glimpsed my reflection in the mirror and groaned. My black hair was tangled, and I had raccoon eyes. Why would Lucien want to kiss raccoon girl?
I indulged in a long hot shower, allowing the pelting of water to massage my sore muscles. My coffee burn had begun to heal and was the least of my worries. My stomach growled, and I needed more than just a milkshake. Since school was out of the question, I changed into a pair of sweats and a sweatshirt.
I opened the door to go get something to eat from the cafeteria, only to see Baron Germaine blocking my path. He had his arms crossed over his chest and was wearing a stern look on his sourpuss face.
I surveyed him warily. “What are you doing here?”
“Keeping an eye on you.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Why?”
“The Headmaster doesn’t want you leaving your room today. He says you need to rest, and that’s what you’re going to do.”
I threw my hands up. “So, am I only going to get bread and water to eat?”
His features softened. “No, of course not. What would you like?”
I had to admit that even just moving around in my room, my legs weren’t really stable. My anger lessened, and I gave him a small smile. “Mina brought me a milkshake, but I need something else. I’m starving. Maybe a sausage biscuit sandwich?”
“I’ll bring you one back.” He pointed his finger down at the floor. “Stay here.”
Just when I thought I was beginning to like the Baron, he had to rear his ugly bossiness. But I guess he had my best interests at heart.
I forced myself to smile. “Thank you.”
He nodded and headed off down the hallway. I was tempted to leave just to piss him off, but my legs seesawed, and I had to put my hand on the wall to steady myself. The carpet and walls spun around me.
The milkshake swooshed uneasily in my stomach.
Don’t get sick. Don’t get sick. Don’t get sick.
After three deep breaths, I managed to get back into my room. I collapsed onto the bed and closed my eyes to keep the room from reeling around me.
A few minutes later, someone softly knocked on my door.
“Come in.” I put my arm over my eyes to try to stop the merry-go-around.
“How are you feeling today?”
I expected to see Baron, but Anton stood there holding a plate with my sausage biscuit that, hungry as I was, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to choke down. Usually the delicious smell of fresh baked rolls and fried sausage would make my mouth water, but not today.
“Woozy.”
He placed the plate down on my desk. “You should eat something.”
“I had a milkshake.”
“That’s not what I meant. You need some protein. You’ll feel better.”
I dropped my arm. “Anton, I’m about to lose my cookies.”
“Trust me. You’ll feel better.”
Famous last words. I forced myself to sit up and took the biscuit from him. I took a small bite and swallowed. The sausage and biscuit melted in my mouth. I took two more cautious bites while Anton watched me silently.
“Did you just want to bring me the sandwich or is there something else?”
“That’s what I like about you, Raven. You’re always direct.” He rested his hands on his thighs. “I wanted see how you were faring. Tonic of Frozen Blood can be deadly. It’s knocked people out for weeks.”
“What was in that purple chocolate stuff you left for me last night?”
He smiled. “Did it knock you out?”
“Yes,” I drawled.
“Were you in pain?”
“At first, I was in agony.”
“I realize that. But after you drank the draught were you in pain?”
I rubbed my forehead. “Maybe. I don’t know. I passed out.”
“That was the purpose of the draught––it was a heavy-duty painkiller and a sleeping potion combined. I’m not totally without feeling, Raven. I wanted you to have a restful sleep.”
I put down the biscuit. “Did it do that to my dad?”
“He’s like you, Raven. You have many of his qualities.”
“I’d prefer to think that I had more of my mom’s. I’d rather not take after someone who walked out on his wife and child.” The bitterness in my voice nearly choked me.
He sighed and looked around the room. “I understand how you feel, but nothing is as it seems.”
“Did your dad abandon you?”
He met my gaze. “I never knew my father. My mother wasn’t even sure who he was.”
I gave him a puzzled look.
“My mother wa
s a tavern wench and one patron’s favorites.”
I blinked, realizing what he was saying. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. My mother loved me and did everything she could to protect me until the day she died.” Sorrow glistened in his eyes, then he blinked, and he was back to Mr. Stoic.
I couldn’t believe he had just shared such personal information. Secrets was Anton’s middle name.
“Hate can lead you down the wrong path, Raven. Sometime forgiveness can help you let go of old hurts. I’ve seen too many people who have allowed their bitterness to destroy their lives. Don’t let that happen to you.”
I picked at my biscuit and didn’t answer him.
“Someday, your father might surprise you.”
I jerked my head up. “What?”
“Nothing. I just came to check on you. Please, stay in your room for at least one day. Otherwise, I’ll have to plant the Baron in here and that wouldn’t be fair to the other students.”
“I won’t go anywhere.” I saluted him. “Scout’s honor.”
“Good. I’ll have the Baron bring you your lunch and dinner.”
I nodded.
“Well, I have business to attend to. I’ll leave you so you can rest.” He quietly left.
The magical orb sat on my desk, and my crossbow leaned against the wall. Anton had said I should stay in my room, and temptation was staring me right in the face.
Anton said I shouldn’t try anything yet unless I was in control of my dragon. Control wasn’t the right word, as far as I was concerned. We were a partnership, a team––not a dictatorship.
He said for me not to try a spell or pair magical objects together, because I wasn’t in control of my dragon.
Well, my dragon didn’t look like she was possessed anymore. I thought about my mom. The orb was stuck. It just kept showing Mom in her cell or the twisted tree in front of her prison cell window. It was like a pinball machine or a jukebox. It needed a hip check from crossbow.
Chapter 15
I got up off the bed, retrieved the magical orb off my desk, and put in the center of the room. I closed the curtains, just in case the Baron or Anton were spying. Anton would have a fit if he knew what I was doing, but I had undergone his miserable test, and now I wanted to do one of my own.
