Page 60 of Eternal Ruin
Something in her voice reached him, gradually melted his hunger fever into reality. He let her go. She waited for him to speak. When Susenyos did nothing but stare at her with a confused gaze, Kidan quickly gathered her books, including her copy ofAseracti.
“Come on,” she said.
Dimly, he nodded. Kidan walked out, ignoring the murmuring students. His footsteps were behind her.
They walked quietly for some time. The night full of chill and silence. Adane House waited for them without any lights on, a sleeping giant that only woke when they stepped inside.
Susenyos stopped just before the porch. No shoes. And there were grass stains on the hems of his pants. The walk seemed to do the trick, though. He looked like his old self, more in control.
Had he come straight from his quarters? That must be why he didn’t put on shoes. He followed her gaze down and finally spoke. “I was injured earlier. Needed a little blood. Sorry, little bird. Didn’t mean to frighten you.”
His voice was quite light, and she could have believed it was true save for the dark expression over his face.
“You didn’t frighten me. I was just surprised.”
She was trying very hard not to notice he was half naked. His key to the artifact room swung low around his neck. He ran a hand through his twists and studied the point in her neck long enough for her to touch it. There were small bubbles of blood.
And his… eyes. A burning-red sun forming in his pupil, flicking in and out. It felt different from his previous hunger. More dangerous, empty of want and filled with need.
Every nerve in my body will seek my companion’s blood.
“Should I get the pliers?” Her voice was surprisingly even, trying to break the tension.
He tried to laugh but it came out ragged and weak. “You’d torture me?”
“If you want me to.”
Susenyos swore softly, and turned away to rub his jaw. “Would you enjoy it like last time?”
“Of course.”
A smile spread across his face and a calm cloud settled over them.
“I messaged you,” she said. “You never responded.”
His tone was obscure. “I’ve been busy.”
“You’ve been avoiding me.” Her chest tightened. “Angry about signing over the house to me?”
“I’m more angry at how cruel fate is.”
That wasn’t really an answer.
“I know who Lusidio is,” Kidan said carefully. “Why you want to keep him from getting the artifact.”
Once again, Susenyos stiffened at that name. “Dean Faris, I assume.”
“Yes.”
He released a breath. “Enemy outside Uxlay’s gates and enemy within. Who to destroy first?”
“You’ve been following the house votes?” she asked.
His face soured. “Makary and Ajtaf were expected to vote against us but I didn’t expect the dean. Always plotting.”
“I thought taking you out of the will would help. Next is Qaros House, at least. Slen will vote my way.”
Susenyos slid her an amused glance. “You still trust your little friends?”
