32. Flint

32

FLINT

I slip out of Violet's room, my mind racing with everything that's happening. I don't want to leave Violet, but my dad doesn't just show up a few days after the start of term for no good reason.

Making my way through the spookily quiet halls, I feel a sense of unease. The lockdown has left the Academy feeling like a ghost town, with students confined to their rooms and an air of fear permeating the place in case they're next on this murderer's list.

I reach the main entrance just as Blackthorne is ushering my father inside.

"Dad," I say, approaching them. "I wasn't expecting you."

Glacier's eyes narrow slightly. "Flint. I thought students were under lockdown."

"They are," Blackthorne interjects, giving me a stern look. "You were just returning to your room, weren't you? "

I ignore Blackthorne's hint. "Actually, I wanted to speak with you. About Nathaniel and Violet."

My father's expression darkens. "What about them?"

"Alone?" I ask, fearing Blackthorne's wrath more than my dad's.

"Humph," Blackthorne mutters. "I'll be in my office. Glacier, come find me when you're done. We have much to discuss about this perimeter breach."

Dad inclines his head and turns back around to stride over the courtyard where Melody was found. The blood still stains the snow, and he crouches down to stare at it. "What is it, son?"

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "Dad, what's your connection to Nathaniel?"

Dad stands, his expression unreadable. "That's complicated, Flint."

"Then uncomplicate it," I say, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice. "Violet is suffering because of him. He's still tormenting her, even from a distance."

My father's eyes narrow. "Explain."

I hesitate, not wanting to betray Violet's trust but knowing we need answers. "He's trying to control her through their bond. He put her under a thrall before while she was in her room here. We had to send Thorne in to help her pull her out of a nightmare he trapped her in."

Dad's frown deepens. "That shouldn't be possible with the wards around MistHallow. "

"Well, it is," I say. "But while we're on that, neither should this murder, assuming it wasn't someone already in the wards. So, I need to know what business you have with him. He isn't someone I want any association with, even through you."

Dad stares at me for a moment before he beams with pride. "Oh, that makes me so proud. You are thinking about the future and about others and how perceptions are everything."

"Not exactly," I grit out. "He is a fucking monster, and I don't want Violet anywhere near him."

He lets out a world-weary sigh. "I get it, and my association with Nathaniel has been cut. I don't agree with holding young women, or anyone for that matter, hostage after an unconsensual bond was formed. It's despicable."

"It's worse than that, Dad. He needs to go."

"I don't disagree but killing him would hurt Violet in ways that we can only imagine. She is too new to deal with that kind of loss, even if she hates him," he adds before I can.

"So, you're saying it is possible, just not now? So how long do I have to wait before I rip his still beating heart out of his chest and watch him crumple to dust at my feet?"

Dad chuckles. "Okay, that's quite the image. Not that I would stop you from defending this girl. She is important."

"Yeah, she is very important to me. She is my fate. "

"I know. I knew as soon as you risked your life to ask me to save her."

"I wish it had been me."

"Not to disregard you, but things might not have gone the way they did, had I left you to rescue her. Not the least of which is that you wouldn't have got her past the wards, and chances are, in her weakened and newly created state, she would have turned to ash. I made these wards; I can control them."

"Yeah, I know," I mutter, but it still stings. He will always be her hero when it should've been me. But I got what I came for, so I drop the subject of Nathaniel. "About this murder, does Blackthorne have any suspects?"

Dad's expression turns grim. "Not officially, no. But there are concerns about how someone could have breached the wards to commit such a brutal act."

I nod, understanding the implications. "So, it was likely someone already inside MistHallow."

"That's the prevailing theory," Dad confirms. "But don't go spreading that around, hmm? A killer among the students or staff is a terrifying prospect."

"Some are already trying to pin it on Violet."

Dad's eyebrows shoot up. "Violet? Why?"

"Because she's new, she's different, and some creatures here have it out for her," I growl.

"I see," Dad says thoughtfully. "And you're certain she didn't do it? "

I glare at him. "Of course, I'm certain. She was with me when it happened."

Dad holds up his hands placatingly. "I had to ask, son. But I believe you."

I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "I know. We need to find out who really did this, Dad. Not just to clear Violet's name, but to keep everyone safe."

He nods. "I agree. I'll be working closely with Blackthorne on the investigation. We'll get to the bottom of this."

"Good, because I have a bad feeling about all of this. It feels like there's more going on here than just a random murder."

Dad's expression turns grave. "I share your concerns, Flint. This level of violence, the victim chosen, the timing... it reeks of something bigger at play."

I nod, glad he's taking this seriously. "Do you think it could be connected to Nathaniel somehow? Or is that just me being paranoid?"

Dad considers this for a moment. "It's not outside the realm of possibility. Nathaniel is cunning and has far-reaching influence. But we can't jump to conclusions without evidence."

"Right," I agree, though part of me wants to blame everything on that bastard. "What can I do to help?"

"For now, the best thing you can do is keep your eyes open. Report anything suspicious, no matter how small it might seem. And Flint," he adds, his voice taking on a stern tone, "be careful. If there really is a killer among us, I don't want you taking unnecessary risks."

I nod, though we both know I'll do whatever it takes to protect Violet. "I will, Dad. Thanks for listening."

He claps me on the shoulder. "Of course, son. Now, I need to speak with Blackthorne. You should get back to your room before someone catches you out during lockdown."

I nod but hesitate before leaving. "Dad, one more thing. We're working on breaking Violet's bond with Nathaniel. It's complicated, but we think we have a way. I just wanted you to know in case this goes sideways, we had to try."

Dad's expression turns serious. "I understand. But be careful, Flint. Messing with vampire bonds is dangerous business."

"I know, but it's necessary."

He sighs. "I trust you know what you're doing. Good luck, son."

"Thanks, Dad," I say, surprised and grateful for his faith in me, although I don't know why. He always has my back. Case and point, helping Violet. "I will, and thank you, Dad, for being there for Violet. She really needs someone like you on her side and know that she appreciates it."

He smiles softly. "Anything for the future Queen of Snow Dragons. "

My eyes widen and I let out a soft laugh. "Well, okay then."

"I'm proud of you, son. For standing up for what's right, for protecting those you care about. You're going to make a fine leader someday."

I give him a small smile and nod before heading back inside to Violet's room, feeling more optimistic than ever about this ritual. We've got this. We've got her .