Page 57 of Midnight Reign
He gives me a grateful smile. “That would be great, thank you, Ignatius.”
I nod and move over to Zephyr and Corvus to relay this information. They nod and go off to their respective Houses, still huddled into groups and I turn to see Lyra, Troy House Captain, lurking.
“What do I need to do?” Lyra asks.
I eye Lyra warily, not entirely trusting her intentions. “Professor Blackthorn wants us to inform our Houses that everyone will be sent home temporarily until this threat is dealt with. Can you spread the word to Troy House?”
Lyra nods, her expression unreadable. “Of course. I’ll take care of it right away.”
I make my way back to Addy. “I’ll speak to Rome House, and then I’ll be back. Whatever happens next, we are staying here. We will go back to MistHallow, fallen or not. It wants us there.”
“Yeah, I feel it too,” she says, giving my hand a squeeze. “Go, I’ll be fine.”
I let go of her reluctantly and make my way over to where Rome House is gathered, demanding answers.
“Listen up, everyone,” I call out, raising my voice to be heard over the murmur of conversation. “I have an update from Professor Blackthorn. Due to the current situation at MistHallow, you’ll all be sent home temporarily until the threat is dealt with.”
A wave of whispers and exclamations ripples through the group. I hold up my hands for silence.
“I know this is unexpected, but it’s for your safety. Please contact your parents or guardians as soon as possible to arrange transportation home.”
That’s all they need to know. It’s all I know what to tell them. I turn back to look for Addy, but she’s disappeared.
Panic rears up as I search through the crowds of students but come up empty. Frantically, I search, and then I find her behind a tree, drinking from the neck of someone Corvus will be mightily pissed off to see.
“Addy,” I say quietly. “Let Lucian go.”
Her eyes meet mine.
Adelaide releases Lucian, who slumps to the ground, unconscious but alive. Her eyes are wild, her pupils dilated, and blood staining her lips and chin.
“I don’t know what came over me,” she says, her voice shaky. “He offered, and I just lost control.”
I approach her slowly, hands raised in a non-threatening gesture. “It’s okay, Addy. You’re still learning to control your hunger. But we need to be more careful, especially now.”
She nods, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “I know. I’m sorry. It’s just everything that’s happening, it’s making me feel so out of control.”
I pull her into my arms, feeling her tremble against me.
Over her shoulder, I see Corvus approaching, his expression darkening as he takes in the scene.
“What happened?” he demands.
“Just a little slip-up,” I say, trying to downplay the situation. “Addy’s still learning to control her hunger.”
Corvus’s eyes narrow as he looks at Lucian’s unconscious form. “So, you drank fromhim?” he spits out, fury pouring out into every word.
“He offered,” Addy stammers. “I was desperate. I haven’t fed for hours, and I’m so hungry…” She trails off and leaps at him.
Corvus catches her as she wraps her legs around his waist and sinks her fangs into his neck. He groans, his hands going to her arse to pull her closer. “Always me,” he rasps. “If I ever catch you going to another vampire again, I will punish you, Little Dollie. Are we clear?” He yanks her back by her hair, tearing her fangs out of his neck. I wince as that looked like it hurt but he doesn’t seem to notice. “Are we clear?” he growls at her.
“Yes,” she pants. “Yes.” Then she goes back to feeding from him, grinding against him as he presses his back to the tree.
“Fuck, this is turning me on,” I say.
“Try being me,” Corvus says as he slumps to the ground; Addy now nestles on his lap, still drinking.
Corvus’s eyes glaze over.
