Page 103 of Cursed

I’m more worried that the authorities are still controlled by villainous council members who will separate us and punish us for killing off our evil fathers and their henchmen.

When we finally get up and ready, we find that Myra is already doing better than last night.

Fortunately, Ms. Boyd is an extremely skilled healer, even if I personally prefer my sweet druid’s touch.

Will our luck run out today?

* * *

Standing outside the Shadowcraft Academy gates, Rourke holds my right hand and Landis has my left. I remember how different my life was when I first arrived here.

From years of abuse and the rejection from my fated mate, I was a broken girl. Not to mention Millie had just attacked me in the forest.

But now, Rourke stands by my side, willing to give up everything—all his wealth and luxuries—if it means just being with me… with us.

I smile, knowing that my incubus’ trauma is healed too. I glance at him, and he gives my hand a squeeze. He’s come so far, only months ago, a mere touch was beyond him.

Quade comes up behind us both, presses a soft kiss to my neck, and places a hand on Landis’ shoulder. I can’t wait to know more about what’s happened between the two of them, and watch in the days and years as my mates explore their love for each other.

“We’ll be okay. We have to be,” our professor assures us and pulls away.

My eyes fall on Arden as he carries Myra.

I study her fragile condition, hoping my friend will be okay. Even beyond what happens in the next day or two, will she be able to move on to have a normal life? Will she be forever traumatized by her abduction?

Suddenly, Branden stands in front of me, his hands cradling my face. He leans down to look me in the eye and makes a promise, “At the first sign that they might take you away, I’m grabbing you and running. The others will catch up. Got it?”

His assurance gives me some comfort. But I hope it won’t come to that.

As our huge group approaches the gates, faeries flutter around in the nearby trees, watching over the school to see how things play out. I don’t know what they will do to help, but I wouldn’t be surprised by a full-on assault on anyone meaning to harm us.

Two academy guards at the gate raise their eyebrows in astonishment that we’d show up here.

“We seek protection within the school,” Quade announces, as he leads us to the gate.

One of the mages smirks. “We heard you were busy.”

That has to be a good sign.Right?But then I realize that he might be smiling because we’ll be punished.

Who knows? Most supes are dicks.

“Wait here,” the other guard says, and she runs through the school’s massive, double wooden doors.

The remaining guard watches us closely and with nervousness. But if we wanted to storm the school, we would have done that by now. Besides, we could have just used one of the secret entrances if we weren’t here in good faith.

The dean hurries out to meet us with an entourage of faculty and security. It seems he’s increased the numbers since I made my dramatic exit on the back of a dragon. It’s a smart move, considering how often the academy’s wards have been rendered useless.

Dean Cranish, although not a particularly warm male, usually has a pleasant look on his face. Not today.

His face is placid, and appears as if death itself is on his doorstep.

In many ways, we are. We killed off a third of the Supernatural Council in one go.

“We seek the school’s protection under the Persecutions Act of 1693,” Quade states clearly and firmly, letting Cranish know that we know our rights.

Cranish straightens his suit jacket by the lapels. “Of course, I will allow it. But you must meet with the Enforcers for questioning. They are quite in a spin about the incident at Ravenhollow Asylum.”

“Yeah, we are too,” Quade quips. “Seems our leaders were draining and killing the supernatural population. We rescued Myra Hurst from the hospital as she was being abducted by corrupt Enforcers working for Mannyx, Shade, Lewellyn, and Silva.”

---