“Because my control is absolute,” Vox replied. His tone and posture indicated a hint of insolence, one I only allowed because I could. “If I’m going to be living here, then I still need to be able to maintain my duties to Sol.”
I didn’t have to ask what he meant by that. Clearly, the two fae had worked together for quite some time, and if Vox was the reason Sol had healed so spectacularly, then I would be a fool to separate them.
Turning to the Air Fae, I crossed my arms and arched a brow. “Does that mean you agree to become Claire’s mentor and guardian?” I asked. He didn’t have a choice, but I’d pretend for Sol’s sake.
Vox stared at me for a long time before he answered. “If you agree to let Sol stay with me, then yes.”
I almost smiled. Excellent.
“Very well,” I said instead, acting as though it were a concession on my part. I wouldn’t have to give the Earth Fae orders at all. He had enough power to keep Claire in check if her earth element got out of control. “Do you agree to help protect the Halfling?” I asked Sol, inserting a hint of boredom into my tone.
Sol mimicked my pose, his thick arms crossing over a broad chest. “I agree to protect Vox, who will be helping Claire.”
“And protecting her,” I added, glancing at the long-haired Air Fae. “She needs guardians.”
Vox sighed. “She’s safe on campus.”
“Is she?” I countered. “Because Exos would probably state otherwise.”
“Ignis and her friends tried to kill her,” the Water Fae added quietly.
“They’ve been detained,” Vox pointed out.
“Yet my brother has gone missing. How?” I gave the Air Fae my most condescending stare. “You and I both know the Academy isn’t safe at all; it’s just a guise of friendship crafted by Elana on her holy quest for peace.” I looked at the Earth Fae. “Do you feel we’re at peace, Sol?”
He scoffed at that. “Fuck no.”
“I stand validated,” I murmured, shifting my focus to the Water Fae. “You’re dismissed. I’ll handle her water training from here on out.”
My secondary affinity for water wasn’t unknown. My Spirit Fae mother had notoriously mated with a Spirit Royal and a Water Royal. I was the product of her mating with the latter, which gave me a uniquely powerful ability to manage two elements. If anyone could help train the little Halfling, it was me. And as I required her cooperation to find my brother, it seemed I had no choice.
Which left me with one final task for the evening. “While the rest of you prepare your new quarters, I will work with Claire. It seems she requires a lesson in the bonds and how to appropriately use them.”
Cerulean fire licked through her irises. “I’ll work with Titus, thanks.”
I smiled. “Oh, no, little queen. You’ll be working with me. Because unlike Titus, I won’t go easy on you. Now follow me.” I wrapped a rope of water around her waist and gave her a firm tug that elicited a squeal from her lips.
Titus took a step forward as if to catch her, but I cut him off with a glance. “You’ve done enough. It’s my turn now, Powerless Champion. Be useful and help Sol and Vox find a room.” The auburn-haired male knew better than to question my authority, even if the fiery energy rolling over his skin said he felt otherwise.
“It’s fine,” Claire said, her palm on his chest. “I’ve got this.”
The queen coming to the aid of her knight.
Hmm.
Perhaps there’s hope for you yet, little Claire, I thought, pleased. “Now.” I gave her another tug for emphasis and grinned at her resulting growl. Oh, yes, I’ll make a worthy queen out of you if it’s the last thing I do.
Claire
Exos, if you can hear me, I hope you’ll forgive me because I’m about to murder your brother.
He didn’t reply.
Because I couldn’t feel him.
But this jackass in front of me seemed to think I could, so I stomped after him into the late-night hours outside while using a flame to incinerate his water into steam.
Cyrus eyed the power exchange with interest, his lips quirking at the side. “Impressive, little queen.”