“You will not let your stubbornness derail over a century’s worth of peace in the supernatural community. This is bigger than you Sophie, and it is your responsibility as a member of the supernatural community and as a dragon to help the Upholders in whatever they ask.”
“I will not betray my friend.” Dad scoffed.
“You’ve only known her for a couple of months. She hadn’t even told you about her mom. How good of a friend is she, really?”
“She doesn’t pay attention to me just because I’m a dragon.” As I said the words sparks flew from my mouth. Dad flinched but didn’t drop eye contact. His face turned a deeper shade of red. I forgot we weren’t the only two people in the room. The sound of a bell outside the building broke the silence stretching between us.
“I have to get to class.” Without waiting for anyone to respond, I pushed past my father and raced out the door. Once outside, I didn’t go to class. I couldn’t. My adrenaline was pumping again, and I was so mad I couldn’t think straight. I began running. I didn’t stop until I had made it all the way to the pond and the grove of trees where the Immortal’s Club met every night. Making sure there was no one around the see me, I put my hand on the tree and let myself in.
Chapter Nine
I grabbed a vase of flowers sitting on the counter and threw it. It shattered against the floor spraying glass and water on the wall. What did Dad think he was doing? Why would he ever think I would betray my friend? My breath was coming in short gasps. Who in the supernatural community decided the best thing to do was lock everyone they didn’t like away? How was that fair? How was that justice? I screamed in anger and kicked one of the shards of the destroyed vase. I watched as it slid across the floor until it collided with someone’s boot. Drew standing in the doorway to the den. He leaned against the door frame with his arms crossed. The rest of my anger dissolved into embarrassment.
“I didn’t realize anyone was here.”
“I can tell. Feel better?”
“Not really,” I admitted. I waved my hand at the shattered vase and recited the spell for repairing things. The vase picked itself up off the floor and put itself together again. The flowers and water swept up like a mini tornado until they were back in order in the vase. I picked it up off the floor and set it back on the counter where I’d found it.
“Witch magic is so handy. I’m always so jealous when I see you all use it. Oh, your hand is bleeding.” He was right. My race across the grounds had split the wound back open again. The dark liquid stained the bandage my dad had put on. “Come sit down and let me bandage it for you.”
I nodded and followed him, too exhausted to protest. Using magic after the whirlwind of a morning had taken the last of my energy. I followed Drew and sat down on the couch. He pulled up an ottoman and sat down in front of me.
“So, what has you so testy this morning, little dragon?” Tingles ran up and down my hand as he touched it and started unwrapping the bandage.
“My dad. He’s being a butt.” Drew chuckled. His hands were gentle as he cleaned my wound.
“Your dad was here on campus?” Crap. I’d forgotten I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone about our lessons. Oh well, Drew was a fellow immortal. Besides, I was tired of all these secrets.
“He comes once a week to give me lessons.”
“That’s understandable, since he’s the only other dragon animage. How old is he anyway? Like 800—1000 years old?”
“No—wha—”
“Quit twitching, you’re going to make your hand bleed again.” He wrapped a clean bandage around my hand. “Sophie, come on. I’m an immortal, too. Plus, I’m a gryphon. I can smell lies. The story about there being so many dragons is just a story, right? No other animage magic passes from generation to generation like that. He’s been the only dragon all these years.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” What was the point in lying if he would know?
“From what I know about dragons, and from what I’ve seen from you, it can’t be easy when you both have hot tempers.” He tweaked my nose and I blushed. “I’m sure it will be okay.”
“Shouldn’t you be in class?” I asked, the thought just occurring to me. Drew shrugged.
“Occasionally I like to get away and come hang out here. Most of us do it from time to time.”
“Don’t the professors get mad?” He laughed. His laugh was deep and sweet and folded me in like a hug.
“Oh, Sophie. You’re such a princess. So sweet and innocent.” I grimaced at the nickname. All the immortals had taken to calling me that lately. Thanks, Kylee. “We’re immortals. I guess this is the first time you’ve skipped class?” I nodded. “Watch, tomorrow, none of them will act like it ever happened. We get to do what we want. You look exhausted. How about you lie down and rest here for a couple of hours? I’ll wake you up in time for dinner.” He was right. I couldn’t hold my eyes open. I managed to nod and fall over on the couch. Drew picked up a blanket and draped it over me. The last thing I remembered before drifting off was him gently brushing the hair out of my face.
Drew was true to his word. He woke me up, and we walked across the grounds together. Sleep had helped, but I was still tired and didn’t say much. As we neared the cafeteria and
