28. Adrianna

28

ADRIANNA

W ho knew one finalizing comment from Bozzelli could cause such a stir? A stir big enough that we're all holed up in Raiden's room. If you can even call it that. It's more like an apartment. Either way, his sofas are filled, feet pace back and forth around the coffee table, and the chatter is starting to reach new heights.

Even Flora and Arlo are here. Their attention keeps spanning from the awe at the mere size of Raiden's room to the assholes yelling at each other. It would be amusing if I weren't the topic of conversation.

"I know Bozzelli's words were aimed at us, aimed at Adrianna, so I know what I'm telling you now is to keep her safe," Cassian growls, his fists balling tight at his sides. I'm certain his claws are going to protrude at any moment, his rage is soaring.

"And I'm saying there are other ways, not just yours, wolf," Raiden snarls, eyes flashing red with fury as he squares off with his friend. All while my gaze ping-pongs back and forth between them as they fight for control of the situation that is beyond their purview.

This bullshit has been going on for a solid thirty minutes, and my disbelief at their crap has reached an all-time high. When Raiden and Cassian both start yelling at the same time, I've had enough.

"Quiet!"

The irritation is clear in my voice. I can sense Flora and Arlo staring at me with wide eyes, likely amused at my outburst more than anything, while Cassian and Raiden both sigh at me.

"Not now, Addi," Cassian mutters, pinching the bridge of his nose like the weight of the world rests on his shoulders alone, and I scoff.

"Did you just fucking ‘not now' me like I'm a child?" I bite, my magic flooding my veins, ready to unleash with the anger now consuming me.

His jaw falls slack as his eyes pinch at the corners. "No, I?—"

I wave my hand, halting whatever is about to come out of his goddamn mouth. "You've done enough talking," I snarl, aiming my finger at him before turning it on Raiden. Brody and Kryll have mostly remained quiet and not tried to take control of the situation, but with one wrong word, I'll be jabbing my fingertip in their direction too. "I'm a grown-ass woman who has taken care of herself long enough to know how to handle things. I've faced three duels because of you ." My attention focuses back to Cassian, who doesn't so much as wince under my disapproving glare. "I've fought off The Council when they tried to force me to become fucking fated mates with you all, Vallie's constant bullshit, and everything else that has been tossed my way, I've handled. This is no different. I can handle it all the same." My shoulders sag, the truth coming to the forefront of my mind. "I want this, fuck, I need this. I need to prove I can defend the kingdom, and seeing this through is going to aid me, and us, in the future. If something happens, then something fucking happens. That's what I live for. I like the trials. I like the tests. I like all of the action."

Understanding settles in Kryll's stare while Brody looks at me in wonder. Raiden and Cassian, however, are not on the same page. The latter steps forward, hand reaching for me, but I swipe it away.

"I know that, but Bozzelli?—"

"Fuck Bozzelli. I'm here to win, Cassian. W. I. N. Against Bozzelli's liking, against Vallie, against every wolf, every vampire, or any other origin who desperately wants my head on a spike. I'm here to win against all of you. Whatever it takes. Including whatever this is." My chest heaves with every breath, bursting for someone to acknowledge that and respect it.

"But she's going to do something," Raiden murmurs, his harsh tone wavering slightly as I shake my head.

"That doesn't surprise me, but letting her get to me is not on my to-do list for today," I state. It weighs heavy on me as I look around the room at everyone, Arlo and Flora included. "I need you to respect me and my decisions in moments like this because this is who I am. If you can't, I get it. If that is the case, then we need to draw a line in the sand on whatever the fuck this is right now because I will not continue to have these conversations with you."

Silence descends over the room, and I watch as some nod eagerly straight away while others scrunch their faces in distaste. I wait it out. My shoulders are relaxed, my breathing is easing, and I feel lighter for getting this off my chest.

"I think it's admirable, Dagger." I turn to Brody, noting the smirk at the corner of his mouth before he continues to speak. "That you are willing to acknowledge there is something here between all of us. It's a big step. I'm proud."

I roll my eyes at him, but the snickers that come from the sofa tell me Arlo and Flora are enjoying his humor after our blunt conversation, and it eases the tension in the room.

"Thanks, Brody. Not what I was going for, but I'll take it," I mutter in response, earning a wink from the mage himself.

Kryll clears his throat, cutting the short distance between us to plant his hand on my shoulder, offering me a comforting squeeze along with his soft smile. "Whatever you need, Princess. I'm here. Now, are we done? Everyone will be gathering," he states, turning his attention to Cassian and Raiden, who are both still riddled with tension.

"I'm good," Raiden relents first, taking a step toward the door. He gives me the smallest nod, but I take it.

"Me too," Cassian rasps, eyes boring into mine as his brows furrow with concern.

"The queen has spoken. Let's go," Flora declares, standing with a grin.

"Of course you take her side," Raiden grunts, giving her a disapproving look, and she rounds on him with a quirked brow in place.

"There are no sides. She's right, and you're wrong. Oh, maybe there are sides."

I chuckle at her, failing to smother it with my hand as I head for the door. I scurry down the opulent stairs without a backward glance. The fresh air hits me like a soothing blanket as the sun starts to set in the distance.

Flora links her arm through mine, Arlo right beside her, and I watch as the four Kryptos who influence my every move and consume my every thought circle around me. Kryll and Raiden upfront. Brody and Cassian are behind.

I know it's their protective formation, and as much as I want to give them hell over it, at least it gives me a moment to clear my head with them focusing on that instead of me directly.

Fuckers.

Anticipation coils through my bones as we turn down the pathway to find Professor Tora standing by the entryway to the campus. The rest of Thornhill's students are gathered around him, Vallie included, and the air around the space feels thick. A sense of unease vibrates through the atmosphere. Even when Tora hollers for everyone to follow him, it remains.

The gates separating us from the outside world open, and all too quickly, the cobbled streets are underfoot. They feel familiar as we head under the archway and through the square, and for the first time in my life, I'm not hiding beneath my black cloak. My gray academy-issued cloak is draped over my shoulders and the hood remains down. I take the view in without a shadow cast over me. There's something about this place that takes purchase in my chest, warming my limbs and fueling my heart.

I spy the castle looming in the distance and my chest tightens. This is our home, this is my home, and I no longer want to live in the shadows and hide from it all. I want to prove I'm worthy. I want to be worthy, and that all starts now.

Professor Tora leads us toward the clock tower, and we climb the stairs, one stone slab at a time, until we reach the top. The view of the city is even more spectacular from here, which means the vantage point when the vampires show up will be perfect.

"Now what?" Vallie asks with her hands on her hips, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Now we wait," Tora offers, the curl to his lips overshadowed by the furrow of his brows.

"For what?"

He glances around the group and shrugs. "For chaos."