Page 134 of Academy of the Wicked, Year One

"That would be rather ambitious, even for someone who managed to infiltrate Wicked Academy."

Nikolai nods in agreement, his golden aura pulsing gently.

"Besides," he adds, his voice carrying notes of amusement, "I respect Cassius. The idea of sharing a mate with him isn't exactly a hardship."

The casual way he says it makes my cheeks burn, but another worry surfaces, making me frown.

"But what about your families?" I press, anxiety coloring my voice. "You're both from royalty. Won't they lose their minds knowing you're bonded to some random hybrid who literally fell into your lives in the middle of the night?"

Their matching smirks make me pause, and I turn to Mortimer in desperation, hoping for some clarity.

He adjusts his glasses, looking entirely too amused.

"From what I understand," he says carefully, "it sounds as though you were destined to cross their paths. To let them feed off you." His eyes glint with mischief. "And by feed, I mean more so the sexual aspect of?——"

"That is NOT what I meant!" I interrupt, mortification making my voice crack. My face feels like it's on fire as they all grin at my obvious discomfort.

Crossing my arms over my chest, I try to regain some dignity.

"I just...I don't want you getting in trouble," I say, my voice softer now. "The chalice for my sister is still my priority, and if you want to find a way to break the bonds..."

The words trail off, leaving an uncomfortable hollow feeling in my chest.

Even suggesting it feels wrong, like trying to sever a limb that's become integral to my being.

"I don't feel the need to break it," Cassius says quietly, his shadows coiling closer as if seeking reassurance. "Duskwalkers... we're destined to be alone. I accepted that fate long ago."

His admission hangs in the air, heavy with centuries of resignation.

"When the bond formed between us," he continues, his voice barely above a whisper, "I was more surprised than anything. It doesn't mean we're instantly compatible…like you said, we barely know each other." His silver eyes meet mine, intense and unflinching. "But I oppose the idea of breaking something that doesn't need to be destroyed. It happened for a reason, and maybe..." He pauses, choosing his words carefully. "Maybe I'd rather explore where this leads than destroy it before it has a chance to truly blossom."

His words leave me speechless, my heart thundering in my chest as I stare at him in wonder.

This is perhaps the most I've ever heard him say at once, and the raw honesty in his voice makes my throat tight with emotion.

"As for me," Nikolai interjects smoothly, his golden aura wrapping around us like a warm blanket, "I've never particularly cared what my family thinks about my life choices." His lips curve into that familiar smirk, but there's something softer in his eyes. "My contentment and my partner's happiness are what matter. Everything else is just noise."

The simplicity of their acceptance, the way they seem so unbothered by the complications I represent, makes my eyes burn with unshed tears.

Fuck…didn’t think meeting two royal paranormal princes who are willing to be bonded to me was on my Bingo card…but here I am.

23

THE LOOPED REALITY OF THE WICKED PART II

~GWENIVERE~

"You're both insane," I whisper, but there's no heat in the words. Just wonder, and perhaps a touch of fear at how quickly everything is changing.

Nikolai's laugh fills the room, bright and genuine.

"Probably," he agrees easily. "But sanity is overrated, especially in a place like this."

"Besides," Cassius adds, his shadows reaching out to brush against my skin with surprising gentleness, "you infiltrated an all-male academy, challenged its most sacred rules, and somehow managed to bond with both a Duskwalker and a Fae prince in less than forty-eight hours." His lips twitch. "I don't think you have room to question anyone else's sanity."

The absurdity of it all hits me then ——this entire situation, my life's sudden sharp turn into the impossible——and I can't help but laugh.

The sound starts small but builds quickly until I'm practically doubled over with it. Tears stream down my face, though whether from mirth or relief or some combination of both, I couldn't say.

---