Page 101 of A Taste of Torment
I see the envy in several faces as we pass. No Auren, so far as I can tell, but an older female with a crown of literal ice is eyeing me harshly. Pretty safe bet that’s Auren’s mother.
Jarron guides me through the room, stopping to chat with a few people. We meet a witch coven leader. A half-goblin advisor to the President of the United States. The oldest living dragon.
Jarron’s mother and father nod their heads in greeting but have nothing more to say. They know me well enough, I guess.
They haven’t passed judgement on our relationship. They treat me much the same as they did when we were only friends as kids. They are so casual about it all that I almost wonder if they know the truth.
Could Jarron have told his parents our relationship is fake?
My gut twists at that thought. Why does that bother me? I shouldn’t care. It’s true.
Right?
“Miss Montgomery,” a husky voice says from behind us.
We turn to face Mr. Vandozer. I bite the inside of my lip. I still don’t like him, and I’m certain he doesn’t like me.
He studies mine and Jarron’s clasped hands. “I see you are well. I heard there was an incident in Elite Hall recently.”
I frown. The thing with Tommy? “All is well,” I say, uncertain what he’s looking for.
“Very good. I’m glad you are comfortable enough to be around such powerful beings. We wouldn’t want any other students feeling unsafe at this banquet.”
Jarron forces a stiff smile. “Auren chose not to attend?”
Mr. Vandozer nods.Ahh that’s what this is about. I didn’t even do anything to her.
“I always want to make sure our students feel safe,” he says. “Powerful and vulnerable alike.”
Is he annoyed my presence has made life difficult for some of the Elite. “Which is more valuable to you?” I ask sweetly. “Minor students or Elite?”
Mr. Vandozer’s lips part, then he looks down at me. There’s a glint of something there, a shrewd consideration. A sizing up of an opponent. Jarron’s arm stiffens ever so slightly. Does he see it too?
“Of course I care for all my students. We cannot ascend them all to greatness. But those few—” His smile does not reach his eyes. “Those few are my shining examples. The ones that bring the others hope. You could be one of those, Candice. If you accept the challenge.”
My lungs stop breathing entirely.
“Thank you for the encouragement,” Jarron says tightly and then pulls me away from that awkward conversation.
Ascend. He said ascend.
I know it’s not much to go on. But that word gets under my skin as it is.
“You all right?” Jarron whispers against my hair.
“Is Mr. Vandozer of the royal line?” I ask.
Jarron’s brows pinch. “Yes. Why?”
I force air through my tight lungs.
“Want to go somewhere to talk?” he asks. “We can get away from the crowd for a bit?”
I nod quickly. “Sounds good. Talking. Talking would be good.” Maybe Jarron can help me make sense of the panic spiraling through me now.
He sweeps me quickly through the crowd toward the edge of the room, but just before we’re free of the packed bodies, a large chest looms in front of me.
Jarron jerks to a stop, arm still tight around me.
