He dragged me from my cell and cuffed me.
Paraded through the hallways during the change of class to ensure that everyone saw me beaten and chained, Adriel made a good show of slapping me and humiliating me. Whereas most in my position would cry or beg for mercy, I started laughing. Not the kind of laughter that made others join in, but the kind that made others nervous and move away from you in public.
Every time he hit me, I shouted random phrases to prove that I hadn’t been broken. “We will not be forgotten.” “The Mielcarek will remember our names.” “Do not lose hope for our destiny is in our hands.” I didn’t actually believe anything I was saying, but it didn’t matter. Everyone else needed to believe that I was rebelling against the Mielcareks.
Normally, everyone stepped out of Adriel’s way and averted their eyes when a student was dragged through the hallway, but this time, I had everyone’s attention and not just because of the blood dripping from my nose. Some vamps laughed at my misfortune and some clearly thought that I had lost my mind, but a few were genuinely curious to see what I would do.
Adriel, too, noticed the looks of intrigue. “This traitor will be silenced along with any who follow her. Get to your classes.”
Laughing maniacally, I shouted, “One can be silenced, but many can roar loud enough to shake the foundation of this very building. Do not let them take away your voice!”
Adriel grumbled and tossed me on my face in front of Wesling’s desk. Rolling onto my back, I spat out the blood pooling in my throat from my broken nose.
“Ceyla, as requested, Headmistress.” Adriel looked exasperated, which made me smile.
Getting to my feet, I stood up to see Wesling sitting with her hands folded. Her expression was unreadable, which worried me. I wasn’t sure if the decision to end my life had been made or if she was still debating her options.
She cleared her throat and sat forward. “The Sabourin Coven is dead, Ceyla. There will be no more talk about resurrecting it. This charade ends now.” The crinkles in the corners of her mouth were deeper than I’d ever seen them. She was definitely pissed, but my head wasn’t on the chopping block yet.
“You didn’t give me much choice when you decided to keep me indefinitely. What did you expect me to do? Did you believe I would think of all the ways I should strive to please you?” I tried my best not to laugh at the thought of submitting to her.
Wesling sighed. “I suppose my decision was rash. Taking away your hope of leaving has invigorated you. I thought you would rebel for a while, until you settled into hopelessness, but honestly, I’m grateful for this turn of events. I like a challenge, Ceyla. Keeping everyone in this school under control is my job, but quelling rebellions looks good in the eyes of the coven. If you are foolish enough to continue this ridiculous pursuit, it will lead to your destruction. I will gladly remove your head if needed, but I’m hoping you will choose a different path.”
Confused, I frowned at her. I had expected a full on battle, but she was giving me a warning and enough leeway to put my own head on the chopping block. I wasn’t sure how to feel about her unwillingness to fight me.
I silently nodded and wiped my nose with the sleeve of my blazer. Adriel stepped forward to grab my arm, but Wesling held up her hand to stop him. She smiled at me and motioned to the door. It appeared that I was free to go.
I turned around and walked into the hallway. Twirling the ends of my hair, I thought about my options now that Wesling had bowed out of the fight. Should I rabble rouse or slink back to my bunk and wait out my days?
Feeling a hand on my elbow, my heart sank when I thought that Wesling had changed her mind and sent Adriel to fetch me. I looked up to see Landon step into my side and push me into one of the men’s dorm rooms.
“Get off.” I dug my elbow into his side, but he didn’t stop until we were in the middle of the room.
“What’s wrong with you? Why can’t you stay out of trouble?” He hissed as he let go of my arm and started pacing between the row of bunks.
Disturbed by his sudden concern for me, I flipped him off and turned to leave, but his massive chest was in my way before I could move.
“Leave me alone, Landon. I’m still not sleeping with you.” I shoved him hard enough that he rocked back on his heels.
He moved one step backwards and gently placed his hand on my arm. “Wait, please listen to me.”
Hearing one of the toughest guys I’d ever met say the word please made me curious. “Talk fast.”
He glanced around to make sure we were alone and leaned closer. “It’s not safe here for you anymore.”
Blinking, I wet my lips and frowned. “No shit, Landon. Did you just figure this out?”
He shook his head. “You don’t understand, Ceyla. Wesling is furious and damned near unhinged. Don’t let that polite act she uses fool you. She is smart and vicious. I don’t know what she said to you in there, but don’t believe any of it. You’re in real danger.”
I laughed at his warning. “If you believe that scaring me will somehow grant you access to my panties, you’re delusional.”
I waved my hand to
