Page 14 of Bitten & Burned
“Oh…oh,” Bram said, waggling his eyebrows.
“Alright, that’s all I’m going to say,” I said, raising my hand for the server. “I do have to go meet with Dr. Drummond before I head home to pack. Vael’s taking me up to Kravenspire this weekend.”
I couldn’t help the little flutter in my chest—Kravenspire’s cliffs always felt alive, Halemont’s wards hummed throughthe ancient stone like a magical wave; going there was like stepping into the center of Verdune itself.
“You’re so lucky your guy’s rich,” Bram said dreamily. “I’d love a rich guy to spoil me and take me places.”
I rolled my eyes. “It’s not about that.”
“No, but I bet it’s fucking nice, though.”
“I mean, yeah, I guess... anyway, I have to see Dr. Drummond before I head home, and he leaves his office at four on weekdays, as I recall.”
“Dr.Drummond.” Thalia mused, her eyebrows raised. “You mean our Cursework professor from university who is still inexplicably in your life?”
“Thalia… he’s helping me with the curse.”
“He gave you an amulet that youhaveto bring to him regularly, or it stops helping,” Thalia said.
“It’s the nature of the stone, Thalia.”
“Did you ask your dad about the amulet at least?”
I sighed heavily and took another bite of my sandwich. “My, but this pheasant’samazing.”
“Ro… you should go see your dad. Did you even tell him about the…” she snapped her fingers in the direction of my leg. “Thething?”
“I sent word that something happened,” I said. “He sent me his condolences and a bouquet of psalknots.”
“Psalknots?” Bram asked, wrinkling his nose.
“They’re good for inflammation, if you dry them,” Thalia explained. “You’d think you’d know that, owning a greenhouse and all.”
“Iknow. There are just better herbs for it.”
“Not if he grows them at home, where Rowena was born. In that case, it’s a powerful anti-inflammatory. And a very sweet gift,” Thalia said the last bit for my benefit.
“Yes, well… I mean… he’s still my dad. Even if he’s not proud of me.”
Thalia sighed. “Well, did you tell him about that amulet?”
“What’s to tell? It’s bloodstone. And silver.”
“Exactly. Bloodstone, something your mother would have known all about. And silver, your father’s domain. I’m sure he’d have plenty to say about it.”
“He’d just be upset I got something he didn’t make.”
“Fuck, Rowena, if my father were Ambrose Marlowe, the most powerful arcane silversmith in Verdune, I’d rather wear something he made than an amulet my old, creepy professor made. Just saying.”
“Well, then, when it happens to you, you can call my father and… do that.”
She sighed, shaking her head. “Never mind. Just… be careful, Rowena. I love you and I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
“Nothing will.”
“Seriously, Ro…” Bram reached for my hand. “Be careful, babe. Guys you reject are the most dangerous.”
“Oh my gods, I didn’t reject Dr. Drummond! He’s literally my mentor, and he’s helping me. But…” I trailed off, looking at both of my friends. “Thank you. I love you both.”
