Page 57 of Wicked Bonds
That’s when Soren’s voice gets louder, more insistent. “Actually, Headmistress, I’ve just remembered something urgent regarding the Smith situation.”
The door stops opening, just a crack visible.
“What about Miss Smith?” Wickersly’s voice could freeze hell.
“She’s missed her appointment with me this morning. For her additional shielding practice. After the fountain incident, I’m concerned about her stability. Perhaps she should be located immediately?
“Lucien is keeping an eye on Miss Smith.” The door starts opening again.
Soren snorts. “Then he’s doing a terrible job, because I saw him follow you to the dorms and Rose Smith was not there.”
There’s a pause that lasts approximately forever. I hold my breath, pressed against the wall beside a bookshelf. My asssuddenly feels enormous as I try to make myself as small and hidden as possible.
“Fine,” Wickersly says finally. “But I want a full report on her progress. These surges are becoming problematic.”
“Of course,” Soren purrs. “I’ll handle her personally.”
The innuendo in his voice is thick enough to spread on toast, but Wickersly either doesn’t notice or doesn’t care. I hear her keys jingle as she continues opening the door.
That’s when Soren does something I don’t expect. There’s a crash from down the hallway, the sound of something breaking spectacularly.
“What now?” Wickersly snaps, and I hear her heels clicking away rapidly toward the sound.
The door swings open, and Soren stands there, looking directly at where I’m frozen against the wall. He doesn’t look surprised. The bastard knew I was here the whole time.
“Out,” he says quietly. “Now.”
I don’t need to be told twice. I bolt from the office, making it around the corner before Soren catches up. He cages me against the wall, one hand pressed against the stone beside my head, and leans in close, his mouth hovering inches from mine.
“Breaking into the Headmistress’s office?” His black eyes glitter with amusement. “That’s bold, even for you. What were you looking for?”
“None of your business.”
“Everything about you is my business.” His fingers trail down the wall beside my face, not quite touching but close enough.“Especially when you’re taking risks that could get you killed. Or worse.”
“Worse than killed?”
“Oh, darling.” His smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Death is a mercy compared to what the Coven does to people who betray them. Ask your ghostly friend.”
“Why do you care?”
He leans in closer, his lips almost brushing my ear. “Because despite what you think, I don’t want to see you destroyed. You’re far too interesting alive.”
“How touching,” I manage, trying to ignore the way my body responds to his nearness.
He pulls back, studying my face. “The Headmistress will know someone was in her office. She’s not stupid. But she won’t suspect you if you’re smart about it.” He straightens his shirt, smoothing invisible wrinkles. “You owe me now, Rose. And I always collect my debts.”
“I didn’t ask for your help.”
“No,” he agrees. “But you needed it anyway.” He starts walking away, then pauses. “Whatever you’re planning, whatever you think you’ve discovered, be careful. The academy has secrets that are better left buried.”
Then he’s gone, leaving me pressed against the wall with my heart still pounding.
I think about the map, about the chamber that should exist but doesn’t, about the original Accord hidden somewhere in this maze of lies and magic.
Time to get to work.
Twenty-Seven
