Page 61 of Ever Dark Academy: Vol. 1

“But why? Look, I took it from some tourists and--”

“How many tourists? That’s a lot of cash. So you must be good at it,” Sam muttered.

He wasn’t exactly good at it. Well, not in the traditional sense that Sam thought. But he was getting good at using his powers to get a little something he wanted.

“I’m all right.” Grayson shrugged.

But he couldn’t help the proud smile on his face. His powers had never been good for him, never helped him, had destroyed his life, but now, maybe they could give him a good meal, a warm bed and even a shower with some new clothes. What could be wrong with that?

“You’re going to attract attention.” Sam’s eyes, rheumy even then, but somehow sharp that day fixed on him. “Kid, there are territories here. You know that. You start edging in on those territories, you start being good on someone else’s turf, and it’ll be noticed.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be discreet,” Grayson assured him.

Except of course, Same had been right and he had been wrong.

Who shall be next? Balthazar asked. One of his hands swept outwards as if it were a needle on a compass. It hesitated, moved back and forth, then settled. On Ryder. Welcome our brothers and sisters of the claw and wing and every other appendage. Welcome to the Wyvern Bloodline!

Grayson’s head shot towards Ryder and the other cloaked figures. He felt the excitement of the crowd build. While Syrin and Wyvern had been spectacular, who didn’t have a little urge to be able to shift into an animal form?

The Weryn marched out from their palace. They shouted “hoo!” and then “ha!” Their hands swung at their sides. They thumped their chests as they cried out. The crowd leaned forward, trying to get a closer look, when the first line of Weryn seemed to disappear. Their cloaks fell to the ground and out of them stepped not Vampires, but gorgeous red, white and black foxes with fur so soft and inviting even Grayson wished he could pat some fuzzy heads. Awwws and ohhhs followed.

The foxes were followed by bucks. Beautiful, tall and graceful creatures with racks of horns that were works of art on their own. There were gasps. Wolves then filtered among them, not looking at these animals as prey, but as companions. Birds burst out from among the group and rose up in the air, performing elaborate flying formations in the air before swooping down just above the crowd. There were cries of shock and joy.

People clapped wildly as the big cats began to arrive. Lions, tigers, pumas, panthers, lynxes and more. They sauntered down the road with their feline grace with silver eyes, looking unimpressed, and yet very impressive.

Grayson lifted his eyes to find Ryder. What form would he take? Grayson had already seen his bird and bear form, but he was sure there were others. But he couldn’t see the Weryn Vampire through the crowd. He’d lost track of him and Grayson’s heart inexplicably fell into his feet.

A hand closed around his right wrist and a voice crawled into his right ear. “Grayon, right? We need to talk.”

Grayson turned his head and looked into Lawson’s predatory eyes.

MEASLY HUMAN

Grayson looked down at the hand around his wrist. Two things seemed to happen at once. His stomach curdled in that familiar way when a more powerful person wanted to control him or hurt him. But there was also that spurt of adrenaline, a feeling of almost excitement, at getting to use his powers and attack. But could he attack here? This was Ryder’s Master after all.

Ryder…

A glance at the Weryn Vampires showed that they had already rounded the fountain, continuing on with the show. Ryder had no idea that Lawson was doing this.

Clever, sneaky bastard.

But he wasn’t alone here even without Ryder. He was surrounded by people, including his roommates. Eiji’s gaze cut down to Lawson’s grip on Grayson’s wrist and the old man sidled away, disappearing into the crowd, taking Mairead with him. Grayson felt a wave of despair as they left him to face Lawson alone. But then he stuffed that feeling down and straightened up.

So I’m alone. Always alone. So much for belonging. But it doesn’t matter. I can take care of myself.

He slowly lifted his eyes to Lawson’s, hiding everything he felt. He kept his gaze cool and neutral.

“I’m going to watch the parade,” Grayson said and turned his head back towards the road though he was keenly aware of Lawson’s hold on his tightening.

“Are you a child that wishes to see a parade?” Lawson mocked.

“If you want to talk to me, you do it here,” Grayson stated firmly.

He had a mental hand on his powers. He wondered if he would have to use them. And if he did what would happen? He drew in a breath and waited.

“You want to be a Vampire?” Lawson’s voice was soft, but Grayson’s alertness was so high that he could hear him clearly despite the roar of the crowd.

“I’m a student at the academy, aren’t I?” Grayson asked, not lying exactly but letting Lawson draw his own conclusions. Evidently, Ryder hadn’t thought to take Lawson into their secrets so he wasn’t going to either.

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