Page 31 of Burning Heir

A week ago, I had begged to see the sun. Now, I wished dawn would slow.

I showered and dressed in field attire, layering an undershirt for warmth. The cold would claw at me the moment I stepped onto the trails. Climbing the wall again would be grueling, but it was unavoidable.

With my hair tied back, I headed out.

Dawn crept slowly over the mountains. Golden splinters of light broke through the dark, inching higher with every passing moment. I stood at the edge of the Winter trails, my socks already soaked from the dew. My gaze drifted to the Spring borders, where enchanted forests spread like a storybook come to life. Vines twisted along the fence, and I imagined those students living out their fairytales.

Cully used to read me fables about princes saving princesses. But those heroic tales never breached the confines of ink. Here, there was no one to save me. I had to save myself. I needed to find my quell—at the very least, my bonded creature.

Did I even belong here? Was the false mark on my palm a scar of my failure?

‘No realm has called to you.’

My gaze shifted between the winding trails and the imposing black iron door of the academy. Where was Bridger? Dusk had fully settled, yet he was nowhere to be seen.

Moments later, Damien emerged. He wore fewer layers than I did, as though the cold didn’t dare touch him. He nodded toward the Summer trails, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.

“You’re coming with me today,” he said, his tone leaving little room for argument. “Bridger’s recovering. Besides, trust me—you don’t want to be in Winter today.”

“What happened to Bridger?” I asked.

“Knox broke his nose in that fistfight yesterday. Luckily for you, I have two others who have not found their quell, so you get to join me in Summer today. You might need the heat to find the ice in you.”

“Is that allowed?”

Damien glanced around. “I don’t see anyone stopping us. You’ll be happy to know Bridger is worse off than you are. Knox packs quite a punch. Remind me never to pisshimoff.”

“He’s protective,” I whispered—only realizing a half-beat later he’d invited me to join him inSummer. “And you think the heat will help me find my quell?”

Damien motioned for me to follow him, staring at the Summer trails where waves bounced off like a kaleidoscope of wings. “It’s worth a shot. Klaus was a Summer. Perhaps that mark of Unknown got it wrong.” A hazel eye winked at me.

“Who—who told you?”

“Secrets don’t last long around here.” He flashed a crooked grin, nearly the same as two nights before at the fire. “I’m quite fascinated by you, Sev. Do you prefer me to call you Sev?”

I stumbled toward him, knock-kneed, strumming my fingers as a heat wave brushed my arms. A brow, already slicked with a sticky condensation, raised. I pulled two layers off, tying my sweater around a tree.

“Call me Sev, call me Severyn. I find the shortened version is only dire when people want my full attention.”

“I like North, it’s cute.” He laughed. “I was a bit worried your saliva was poisonous when I carried you home last night. Thankfully, only a stained shirt.”

My tightened throat sucked air into my stomach. “Youtook me home and undressed me.” We walked through the trails, and two students followed behind nervously.

Damien put his hands up defensively. “Malachi took over once I dropped you on your bed. She nearly winded me out. Quite literally.”

“Thanks. He’s quite… intimidating—your brother. He reset my wrist.”

“Don’t take it personally. Serpents don’t care about first-years, and it’s not the best look carrying a lifeless girl across campus. Especially for a Serpent.”

I nodded in response, trying to rid last night’s memory forever.

Cosmos of all shades of pink and purple lined the Summer trails. I didn’t know what to expect, but it wasn’t a zip line with a shabby hook and no restraints as Summer’s initiation. I stopped near the cliff, watching pebbles fall into the ocean below.

“A zip line?” I asked. “I can’t hold myself up with one hand.”

He rolled his eyes. “Make it work,” he said, pulling the handle back. “If you fall in, it’s only a mile-long swim to shore. Hook your elbow over the top and hold on with your other hand.”

“I’m not a strong swimmer,” I protested. “Need I remind you, most lakes in the North are frozen?”

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