Page 130 of Burning Heir

“Am I not allowed protection?” I snapped as my heels clicked against the floor, my stride quickening to keep up with him.

“I won’t let the Serpents take a bite out of you,” he said simply.

We reached the docks, where the remaining students gathered in their realm groups. Malachi stood out in her burnt orange gown, the hem swirling around her as phantom wind followedher every step. Her gaze locked on me, and she rushed forward, her embrace warm and grounding.

“Sev, Damien, we’re making bets on who the Serpents will bid on this year,” Malachi said.

“Damien,” I answered without hesitation.

Damien adjusted his suit with a confident smile. “Hardly. You won Skyfall.”

Malachi grinned. “I got another letter from your mother this morning. She won almost unanimously during her bid.”

Cormac, standing beside her, scoffed. “So did my father. That doesn’t mean shit. The bid is just another way to pit us against each other. The lindworm will choose regardless of the votes.”

Damien’s expression darkened. “I’ve heard rumors. The Serpents already have the lindworm, and the final six from each realm will fight to the death.”

Cormac’s gaze drifted to the horizon, his voice faltering. “The academy has done worse. I still can’t wash off the blood from that last trial.”

Malachi gripped his arm. “You were asked to slay, and you did. Their blood is not on you.”

The ship loomed closer, its black hull glinting with algae and shells. A flock of dragons soared above, their shadows dancing on the waves. My stomach twisted with each passing moment.

Damien leaned down, his voice teasing. “Do you get seasick?”

“I’ve never been on a boat before,” I admitted. The frozen lakes of North Colindale were my only experience with water. The ocean was a mystery, a realm of monsters Cully had warned me never to explore.

As the ship anchored, students began boarding, each grappling with the swaying ladder. Damien gestured for me to go first. I took a running leap, my fingers slipping briefly on the cold metal before I steadied myself. Damien followed close behind, his hand brushing my heel as I climbed.

Knox arrived next, leaping effortlessly onto the deck. His leather boots landed with a solid thud, and light rippled from his fingers as if it were a part of him. He nodded at me, his pale velvet tunic catching the breeze. For the first time, I saw the Day realm in him.

Monty followed, his tailored pearl suit accentuating the sharp lines of his frame. His serpent tattoo peeked from his thumb as his gaze lingered on me briefly. Then came Spring, with Levisly Bloom carried aboard by vines that curled around her like living ropes. Her strawberry blonde hair and yellow eyes glowed with an unsettling allure.

Winter’s entrance was less dramatic, though Everett’s face lit up when he spotted Knox beside me. For a moment, I forgot Everett was displaced like Malachi and me, forced into realms that didn’t quite fit.

Night was the last to board, Archer standing firm as he instructed his remaining students. I caught his silhouette, my mind betraying me with memories of his lips on mine, his shadows binding me in moments of stolen passion. But his back remained turned, and my shield wavered under Damien’s knowing smirk.

“You’re blushing, Severyn,” Damien whispered.

Knox’s eyes narrowed. “Is that the Serpent Saani mentioned? I thought she was joking.” Anger flickered in his gaze. “Severyn, I never expected you to fuck your way to power.” He trailed off, his voice dropping. “I should have known it was him protecting you during the trial.”

“Nothing is going on between us,” I hissed.

“Right,” Knox scoffed. “You’re just like Mother. She’d have done the same. Although you were her only child, she didn’t tell her secrets too, so that should say something.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” My voice was sharp, trembling with restrained anger.

Knox’s jaw tightened. “Our mother deserved that title.” He pointed at Damien. “His father ruined our family, and now you’ve got both brothers in love with you. You’re bound to crash and burn, Severyn.”

“Maybe I enjoy crashing and burning,” I shot back.

Knox’s voice lowered, venomous. “Just remember, power consumes our bloodline. It always has.” He turned away, Everett at his side.

“Love is a rather strong word,” Damien muttered. “Loving you seems like a lifetime of misery.” His smile relaxed. “I pity whoever is bound to you for life.”

I blinked a few times, jabbing him in the ribs. “You’re a prick.”

The humor dimmed in his eyes as he moved closer to me. “Your mother should have told you who her father was. Knowledge comes with trust. But being strong is nothing to fear, only when you lose yourself. There is a reason Knox was compelled to kill you. I don’t think your mother’s quell ever entirely was stripped. Her quell could have evolved into a compulsion.”

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