Page 124 of Burning Heir

Damien shook Charles’s hand, smiling like he’d just been handed a medal. “I’ve heard great things about you, sir.”

Of course, Damien knew about Charles. He’d seen every moment, every unwarded thought that crossed my mind.

Charles glanced at the scroll. “I heard you won Skyfall, Severyn. You will do great at the Bid.” His breath hitched slightly, his hesitation barely noticeable. “I’m proud of you. I’ve put in a good word with the warden if Damien takes the vacant Summer title in Ravensla.”

I wondered how long he’d known I’d moved to Summer—if he kept an eye on the roster every odd day to ensure I hadn’t been killed.

“Do you need help finding the students?” I asked, letting the venom lace my voice. I wanted him to see my clenched fists, to know how barbaric this all was. I forced my flame down, cooling it with a mist of shadow.

Charles rolled his shoulders back. “You know I don’t have a choice. The academy has no place for lesser performers. Malvoria will teach them what they’re missing and turn them into great guards. Not everyone is born to lead,” he said, his tone mechanical, rehearsed. “It’s three years. It goes by fast, and the students are well-fed and housed. We aren’t torturing them. All we ask is that they guard their Continent.”

If they don’t die first. I knew Verdonia needed protectors, but conscription was unjust, especially for students who refused to kill their peers in a trial.

“Is there anything else you need from me?” I asked, my voice strained.

Charles glanced at Damien. “May I have a few moments alone with Severyn?”

Damien’s gaze hardened before he reluctantly walked away.

Charles skimmed his scroll. “There is one student. She was in Winter with you. Myla Reinhart. She’s been pulled from the academy.”

My heart dropped. “How is that possible? Myla has two swords and excels in warding.”

A scowl crossed his face. “Not that it’s your concern, but the academy doesn’t feel she’s suited for Winter. Better to pull her now than let her fail—or die. Her father was a lesser-known Serpent from a minor Winter realm. She has no true connection to her calling. At least after her term at Malvoria, she can return to Ravensla.”

I seethed, my feet feeling molten against the stone floor. “Let me guess—Bridger Thorne said that. He’s the third-year mentor for Winter. He knows Myla is performing well, and he’s forcing her out.”

“That isn’t up to me. Your mentor and Serpent have full authority over your continuation here.” He glanced toward where Damien had gone. “By the way, who is your Serpent? I didn’t see your name on Saani’s list.”

“Archer Lynch,” I said softly.

His golden eyes widened in surprise. “Both Lynches? That’s a tough one. I don’t understand why the Night Serpent chose you.” He dragged his fingers over the scroll. “Sev, you need to stay on the edge. Don’t draw attention. Win as many swords asyou can. The lynches don’t have a great history with our family.” His voice lowered. “Father owes Victor a barter.”

Charles was clueless. I wasn’t just making waves at the academy. I was a tsunami, pulling the tide into my grasp before hellfire rained down. He only needed to glance at the dozen charred trees along the combat field.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“Our parents attended the academy together. Some things don’t heal with time. Mother and Victor were against each other for the same title. The barter Father made isn’t something I can share.”

I stared at my eldest brother. “I’m not a child, Charles.”

“You’re right. You’re not a child. But I’m still your brother, and like the wards I’m under, they’re meant to protect you.”

I crossed my arms. “I understand.”

He nodded. “Anyway, have you seen Myla Reinhart? Bridger said you two were close. I thought you’d want to say goodbye.”

“Bridger is lying,” I snapped. “He’s trying to take Father’s title. He’s not a leader. He should be expelled for this—”

A whip of ice slashed the ground, silencing me. I jumped back as Charles’s expression hardened.

“You’re not in Winter anymore, Severyn. You shouldn’t care.”

I began to shake. “Please trust me, Charles. Myla deserves to stay. Bridger isn’t—he’s dangerous.”

Charles chuckled darkly. “Being a Serpent means making tough decisions. Not all of them are good ones. If you were graded on niceness, more students would be on my scroll. You’re young. Someday, when you’re in power, you’ll understand and thank me.”

He kept his chin high, stubborn cruelty hidden beneath his plain demeanor.

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