“I’m not attracted to her, even if my magic thinks I am,” Vox mumbled, plucking another stone that had somehow made its way into the suitcase. Perfection ruined, he took out one of the shirts he’d already folded and started over, making a low scream build in the back of my throat. “She’s just vulnerable, Sol. If she uses earth power around you and you’re forced to step in, then you’ll see what I’m talking about.” A wry grin took over his face. “I’ll bet you an entire month of credits that when that happens, you’ll fall for her—hard. You know what they say.” He winked. “The bigger the Earth Fae, the harder they fall.”
I snorted. “That’s an easy bet. My magic isn’t a wimp for a pretty face like yours is. You’re on.” I thrust out my hand.
Vox took it and we shook on it, my crushing grip encasing his lithe fingers. The Academy gave out credits once a day for standard purchases—namely, meals, amenities, and frivolous purchases I never bothered to save up for. I preferred to spend my credits on food and more food. Credits could also be earned through high scores in classes and winning intramural games between fae, although I never wasted my time on either of those. I had plenty of food to keep me happy.
Speaking of, I was starving. “Are you done packing yet? We can hit the cafeteria for a snack on our way back.” It was open twenty-four hours a day and would be pretty much vacant right now. Especially on a school ni
ght.
Vox groaned. “Really, man, the cafeteria is for those who can’t afford their own ingredients or kitchen supplies. I have more than enough credits to feed both of us.”
I eyed the damage I was already causing to the bedroom floor. “Maybe we should eat at the cafeteria today, since I owe you for property damage again.”
Vox glowered at me. “What’s the point of making a bet with you if I have to spend all of my credits on you anyway? Let’s get out of here so that the tab is on the Spirit King’s bill and not mine.”
Finally, he was talking sense.
My earth magic was raging inside of me, dying to get out. Doing some damage that the king would have to pay for sounded like fun to me.
After a snack, of course.
Exos
Fuck. My head ached, the world spinning behind my closed eyes.
I sensed him lurking in the darkness, waiting for me to wake.
No, that wasn’t right.
Not him. Except, yes, it was a male, but something wasn’t—
“He’s stirring,” a voice said.
I know that voice.
Why do I know that voice?
Fuck, I was dizzy. What have they done to me?
They, yes. Focus on the they.
Where’s Claire?
I tried to reach her and frowned. She was far away, her soul cut off from mine. Why? Oh, because I built a wall. Why did I do that?
My mind spun, searching for a reason, the voices growing outside my cell.
Dungeon.
I’m underground.
Why?
Because someone had knocked me out.
My eyes fluttered, my brain working, memories surfacing.
Oh, fuck…