Page 162 of Rebirth Of Order
“Thank you, I guess.”Since when do he and I hug? In fact, why is everyone a hugger all of a sudden.“Niro, are you a healer like Angie?” I ask, bringing back our conversation. “And did you heal Tish? Please tell me she’s not–”
“Dead? No, but also, I’m not a healer. Consider me a walking shield of sorts.”
“Shields can’t do what you did.” I twirl my tongue around the candy.
“Oh, right. For you, it’s what’s called an energy bond. Similar but not exact to bonding.” He smiles as though it’s his default expression. “Both parties must have some form of consent. Willingly placingyour hands in mine is a form of consent, thus allowing my energy to bond with yours.” He notices my taken aback response and chuckles. Deep with a menacing undertone, he adds, “No need to worry, it’s temporary. Long enough for your own aura to replenish. Like I said, similar but not exact.”
So, you say.“Interesting.” Removing the deliciousness to speak, I already miss its taste. “And you eat food as well? I’m under the assumption that fays and food mix as well as water and oil. They don’t.”
“Not all of us dislike mortal delicacies. Some enjoy partaking and exploring the furthest reaches of pleasure.” Leaning forward in a more private manner, he whispers, “And food is one pleasure I’ll never relinquish. But I’m open to finding more.”
Well, fuck me for asking.The pounding within my chest grows knowing he and I will become bff’s–‘Best foodie friends.’
The other House Leaders join, including Angie and Caspian. All present glares wrapped in confusion and tied with astonishment. They peer between the three of us, holding longer on Niro before speaking.
Alex starts, “Do you have any idea how much defensive magic it took to keep this sacred building from collapsing?” His raised brow scolds. “Eighteen nearly killed you. Four more than previously shown during our training, and you were drenched in sweat. Panting.”
“Are you asking for an explanation?” I return. “Because you and I don’t explain.” Our grins are in sync, and he does a slight bow of recognition while everyone around us holds a questioning demeanor.
“I demand an explanation,” Ethan says, parting between Russ and Angie. “You could have ended the match ten seconds in but stalled. Why?”
Rolling my eyes, I rebut, “I don’t owe you shit, but since everyone appears to have the same thought, here’s my answer. Tish threatened Angie.” Turning and finding my sweet friend, I grab her hands, ensuring she understands every part of this. “There are things I’ll let pass, but going after someone I care about is where I draw theline. If there’s any confusion, let me summarize. I don’t play about her.” Glancing over my shoulder, I see they all nod.
“Kyra, you didn’t have to–”
“I did, Angie. I’ve witnessed you put yourself before me multiple times. I know for a fact you’ll do the same, because we don’t lose.”
“Adorable, threaten Angie and you die, got it, but explain the dragon scales. What the hell was that about?” Marcel breaks up the heartfelt moment.
“And the sigils protecting us,” Russ chimes in. Those dimples are on full display.Damn it, stoooop.Noticing the smile of mine he causes, he says, “I’m saying, Kitten didn’t come to play.” My cheeks lift, tinted in red from his admiration.
“I was advised to take this match as an all-out war. Kill or be killed. I knew the attack would be–”
“Explosive,” Niro adds, rendering a giggle.
“Yeah, that. And I didn’t want any of you to get hurt. Thus, testing my sigils.” I leave out why my shields are inspired by the silver dragon. It’s not like they’ll believe I flew on the back of one, anyway.
“I see. Alex, you did well to train her. Ethan, those hand-to-hand sparring matches, show. On both fronts, she’s improved, but I’ll take it from here,” Marcel adds, but Rebecca saunters over, dusting off her clothes before any of us can respond.
The hell he means, take it from here?
“My dearest, Kyra.” Rebecca claps, stopping beyond the inner circle of testosterone. “Indeed, a spectacular show of power,” she cheers. “My goodness are we all impressed. And don’t fret, thanks to our newest House Leader, Niro managed to save Tish from the overwhelming force of your abilities. She’ll recover in no time.”
Ethan scoffs, “Good, Niro can move out of House Death into his lesser…dominion. Do ensure you burn any lasting traces of your scent. One night’s enough, and my brother is insufferably kind with accommodating you.”
Wait, hold on. He was in House Death last night?I remember theBook of Bondsmagic.Could he–
Sounds of a bag opening, followed by a familiar and pleasurable crunch, make me snap my head to Niro who is eating chips.Where the hell did he get those from?
“I’m sorry, did you say something of importance?” he asks, placing another chip in his mouth as Ethan tries speaking. I’m at a crossroads of giggling and begging for a chip.
Ethan glowers. “Rebecca, we can always find another Fire–” *Crunch* *Crunch* Ethan’s menacing aura baths over us, yet I’m on the verge of tears, between wanting some and not laughing.
“Let’s move on. You two can hash this out later, but, Niro, please take refuge amongst your order.” She smiles, and he nods, discovering my eyes glued to his bag. “On the topic of Kyra’s ranking, it’s been deliberated. She now holds Tish’s rank of one thousand, nine hundred, and ninety-two. Tish’s new rank is six thousand. One she’ll no doubt progress from in no time.”
Damn.
“We’ll critique your match later, during our next lesson,” Alex says, though I’m sure it’s eating away at him for withholding. The same can’t be said for ‘Sir Pain in My Ass.’
