by K. M. Shea
Her warning was too late. Rupert became a blur as he evaded the fire, leaving a breeze in his wake.
But it did give me an idea.
I let the blue fire collapse in on itself and built a circle of dagger-sharp ice shards about waist high—on me, anyway—in a circle around me.
Rupert skidded to a stop just shy of the wall and looked from it to me. “Seriously?” He fluffed his bright orange hair. “I tell you to try something new, so you build a snow fort?”
I didn’t mind his snark. It told me I was on the right path since he bothered to stop and say something instead of beat me senseless. (He’d have to break through my blue ice to get to me; I had made my barrier over two feet thick so he couldn’t grab me over the top and yank me free.)
I flexed my fingers as I considered my ice wall.
While it was impossible to keep my shield stable and circle it around me, maybe a magic attack would be different.
The Paragon’s book had pictures that showed wizards standing at the center of circles of fire and electricity. Wouldn’t an attack be easier to push out than my shield—which I had to maintain even when Rupert rammed into it?
I flooded my blood with magic and stabbed my katana at Rupert above the ice wall, making him take a step back.
Using a fraction of the magic hoarded in my blood, I melted my magic ice, turning it to water, then transformed it into sparking, hissing electricity.
Rupert tried to circle behind me, but the electricity was still there. When he paused, I let the surplus of magic floating in my blood free, funneling it into the electricity.
The blue sparks blew up into thick bolts that leaped high above my head, tripled the area my attack covered, and were so bright I couldn’t see past them.
I did hear, however, three bolts strike Rupert—who was stuck in the expanded area covered by my attack—in quick succession and shake the gym with the accompanying peals of thunder as Rupert shouted.
I cut off my magic—killing the lightning—and had to rapidly blink a few times before I could actually view my results.
Rupert was flat on the ground, his clothes smoldering as his muscles and limbs twitched.
“Excellent!” Celestina clapped loudly, her smile almost as dazzling as my lightning had been. “That’s exactly what I meant! Well done. When you throw an avalanche of magic like that around, a vampire at Rupert’s level won’t be left standing.”
“I might have gone a bit overboard.” I teetered on my feet for a moment—the rush that magic always left behind was almost enough to make me silly.
Josh slightly bowed his head, as though finishing a deep meditation. “One must grow used to handling greater power so that they may face greater opponents in the never-ending fight that will eventually consume our world.” He blinked as he studied me. “That is to say, you can blow Rupert up, he is expendable. But you must learn the flow of your magic so you don’t injure yourself in the process.”
Celestina nodded in agreement as she approached the mats. “Josh is right! It’s all about learning your limits.” She stopped just short of Rupert and peered down at him.
“Is he going to be okay?” I asked.
Celestina laughed. “He’ll be fine. I think he’s just shocked a wizard knocked him down.”
Rupert growled at her feet, but he seemed incapable of proper speech—or even more than pained wheezes.
Josh appeared at my shoulder and joined Celestina in gawking at the red-haired vampire. “It seems congratulations are in order. With this win you have surpassed Rupert. Well done.” He nodded approvingly at me.
“You won? Way to go, Miss Hazel!” Julianne cheered from where she was practicing with throwing knives.
“We knew you could do it,” Gavino chimed in.
“But does this really count?” I asked. “He’s beaten me a bunch of times. Winning once hardly feels like I’m really at his level.”
“You may fry him with a few more oversized bolts of lightning if that would convince you,” Josh said.
Rupert made a strangled noise.
“I’m sure Rupert would say you have surpassed him,” Celestina added.
I waited for more growling noises, but it seemed Rupert was too occupied trying to get his legs to stop jumping.
“I don’t know about that,” I slowly said.
“I’ll have to get my checkboard to see who you face next, but first I think you ought to practice that neat trick you used on Rupert,” Celestina said.
“You mean making the area attack with lightning?” I asked.
“Yes.” Celestina slung her braid over her shoulder as she furrowed her eyebrows in thought. “I wonder if you could make your magic spiral out, or more thinly cover a larger area. The three lightning bolts would have killed a vampire less powerful than Rupert, so depending on your foe you may need a bigger area to attack rather than a higher potency of lightning.”
Before she could pursue this thought, the gym doors swung open.
Killian strolled in, once again missing his perfectly pressed suitcoat and tie, and instead wearing a smug smirk.
“Your Eminence!” Celestina, Josh, and all the vampires in the gym bowed to Killian—except Rupert. He struggled to stand, but could only get onto his knees.
“What’s up…” I paused, trying to think of a nickname that wouldn’t end up with me getting maimed. “…Sunshine?” I suggested.
Killian stared at me.
“Well, you get to call me ‘Wizard’ all the time,” I grumbled.
“What brings you here, Your Eminence? Do you wish to observe Hazel’s training?” Celestina asked.
“No. Rather, I’m here to give future orders.”
“And that would be?” Josh asked.
“The annual Summer’s End Ball is in one week,” Killian said. “We’re going.”
The ball was a big deal for the Midwest’s supernatural community. It gave everyone a chance to mingle, network, and make observations about the community as a whole. New alliances were usually started at the ball, and attendance was somewhat choosy—invitations were usually only extended to leaders of Houses, Packs, etc. The higher ups like Killian would be allowed to bring a guard with them, but when my parents attended they were the only ones from House Medeis allowed to go.
Based on Celestina’s and Josh’s expressions, I didn’t think that was unexpected, until Killian swiveled in my direction.
“And this year I’ll bring Hazel as my plus one,” he said.
I rolled my eyes. “You’re just going to take me so you can use me to bait the Night Court, aren’t you?”
“In a way,” he acknowledged.
“Look.” I ambled across the mats and snatched up my scabbard so I should sheath my chisa katana. “Just because you have a twisted sense of humor…”
I trailed off when I noticed Julianne was staring at Killian with huge, moon-like eyes.
I twisted around, my worry building when I saw open shock on Celestina’s and even Josh’s face.
“You’ve never taken a date to the ball before, Your Eminence,” Celestina said, her perfect composure shaken. “Ever.”
“I’m well aware of my past habits,” Killian said dryly.
“Then you are aware how some might interpret Hazel’s position?” Celestina asked. “Given that she would be the first you take to a public event?”
Josh tilted his head back. “You mean to say everyone will assume Hazel and His Eminence are romantically involved?”
My sword slipped from limp fingers and fell on the mats with a muffled thump. “Pardon?”
Celestina shot Josh a look. “Yes.”
I shuffled back to Killian. “Why?”
“Must I have a reason?” Killian asked.
“Yes, because you have a reason for everything!”
“I told you my reason for breaking into Tutu’s, and you weren’t satisfied with it,” Killian said.
“Because you lied! You obviously agreed to break in so you could deliver that letter to the Night
Court’s vault.”
“I didn’t lie,” Killian said. “I hadn’t yet decided if I was going to leave the letter or not.”
“You are unbelievable,” I grumbled. “And I don’t think you’ve thought this through.”
Both of Killian’s eyebrows went up. “You think I haven’t deeply considered my strategy?” His voice was just the tiniest bit frosty, but I didn’t care—I already knew it was unlikely he’d actually kill me.
“I think you impulsively want something and have decided to use me to get it, but you haven’t realized the long-lasting effects,” I said. “Killian, you’re infamous in our society.”
“You think going with me will tarnish your reputation?” Killian wryly asked.
“No! I mean—it will, but your reputation is the bigger thing! People aren’t going to dismiss me as being your pet or just a fad. They’ll think we’re…they’ll believe we’re an item,” I said. “It’s going to take you months—possibly years—to shake the idea from the public mind.”
Killian scoffed. “The public mind is far easier to manipulate than you think.”
“Fine.” I folded my arms across my chest. “Then tell me why we have to manipulate it in the first place.”
Killian sighed as he ran a hand through his hair, mussing it slightly. “Isn’t it enough to know we’ll both benefit from this?”
“Then it has something to do with the alliance between the Night Court and Mason?”
“Yes.”
I narrowed my eyes as I carefully studied the set of his eyebrows and mouth, and finally peered up into his dark eyes.
Disbelief nipped at me—Killian was perfectly capable of lying, but he was probably more skilled in deception and distraction. He still hadn’t come out and exactly said why this was necessary—even though I bet there were multiple layered reasons for it.
But besides the Spring Summons and the Snow Ball, this was the event of the year.
I might have an opportunity to talk to the wizards serving on the Wizard Council about my position, and the House Medeis signet ring. Especially if I got Killian to vouch for me that Mason had attacked me.
Killian was absolutely using me—it was only natural I was allowed to use his reputation to my advantage, too.
“Okay…” I slowly started. “I’ll go as your date. But I have a question. When we went out to eat together we acted as more of a boss-servant relationship. How did you plan we would appear at the ball?”
Killian grinned, and suddenly I regretted agreeing without ironing out this very important detail first.
“Hazel,” Killian purred. “I’m so glad you asked…”
Chapter Fourteen
Hazel
I was shocked by the sheer amount of preparation that went into getting ready for the Summer’s End Ball. But I also wasn’t quite prepared for the enthusiasm Celestina attacked it with.
Actually, Celestina was why preparations were so…intense. She cut my training schedule in half so I could only train in the late evenings and nights, which left my early afternoons open for things like manicures, pedicures, dress fittings, facials, a massage, and a haircut.
I would have felt guilty—Killian was footing the bill for everything—except Celestina came with me for all of that and was clearly having the time of her life, and I figured Killian probably owed his First Knight a few pedicures for everything he put her through, so it balanced out.
“I have always wanted this.” Celestina smoothed out a wrinkle in her gorgeous crimson dress—which brought out warmer hues in her tawny-brown skin.
“You do look drop-dead gorgeous in that dress,” I acknowledged as I tried to wriggle into my dress.
“No, no—I have a hundred dresses.” Celestina swatted her hand through the air, brushing off the idea that she could easily switch places with a model for the night and no one would notice. “I meant this.” She gestured back and forth between us. “Girl time! This week has been so fun!”
“I’ve really enjoyed it, too.” I grinned at her when I finally got the waist of my dress in place. “And I’m glad you did all of this with me. But can’t you have girl talk with Julianne?”
Celestina’s silky hair tumbled over her shoulder in perfect curls I honestly didn’t know were possible outside of Hollywood. “Not entirely. I’m His Eminence’s First Knight. That puts me in a position of power and respect, so it is difficult to be truly friends with those under my command.” Celestina’s clear red eyes looked distant as she stared unseeingly at the mirror. “We’re comrades—we’ll live and die together. But although we may train together, doing things like this…”
“Selfishly, I’m glad you’re so happy. I had fun with you this week, too—thank you.” I smiled at the vampire when she came to help me with my dress.
The design was pretty simplistic—off-the-shoulder sleeves, a fitted bust and waist, and long skirts that had a bit of a ruffle to give it some poof. What made the dress remarkable, however, was the fabric. Simultaneously shimmery and glossy, the silvery fabric seemed to glow with the faint light of a full moon. White embroidered swirls covered the three-quarter-length sleeves and traced the neckline in shapes that looked remarkably similar to my wizard’s mark.
I couldn’t help but smile at my reflection as Celestina zipped me up, but I shook my head and tried to pick up the thread of our conversation.
“But about being friends with other Drake vampires…Julianne hero-worships you,” I said. “I think she’d probably die of glee if you invited her to get a manicure with you.”
There was a tap on the door, and Josh poked his head in. “Are preparations complete?”
“Almost.” Celestina applied another layer of lipstick, then circled around me, inspecting my carefully applied makeup—which we had seen a stylist for that afternoon.
Josh straightened and slipped into the room—Celestina had taken over an upstairs drawing room and had rows of mirrors put up to make it easier to get ready today. Since he was going with as part of Killian’s guard escort, Josh wore a tuxedo that fit so well, I couldn’t even pick out where he had holstered his sidearms or throwing knives.
“Looking good, Josh!” I winked at him.
Josh looked down at his tuxedo and shrugged. “It is appropriate attire.”
I studied Josh for a moment, then turned back to Celestina. “Okay, I get it. I think you can be friends with her—or anyone from the Drake Family—but I can see how it would be difficult. You guys don’t really do anything besides train, guard, and have your Family dinners.” I waved at Josh to illustrate my point. “It’s not like Killian gives you gobs of time to play a team sport, or have sleepovers and watch movies or something.” I paused and curiously peered at Josh. “And now I’m stuck thinking what a sleepover with you would be like.”
Josh sniffed. “I can do girl talk.”
I arched an eyebrow at the vampire. “Try it.”
Everything in Josh lifted up—his mouth, his height, and his voice. “Hazel, you look so cute in your dress! Killian is going to die when he sees you. Celestina, that lipgloss is fabulous.”
“Lipstick,” Celestina corrected.
Josh slightly pursed his lips. “Close enough. Should we talk boys now? Or do you want to tell me where you have all your weapons hidden? Hazel—you have at least one sidearm, right?”
I laughed. “I have a dagger, but no gun,” I said. “Though I do have my clutch.”
Josh briefly tapped his foot on the floor, then nodded. “Considering you knocked out a wizard last time with your clutch, that is acceptable.”
“What did you stuff it with this time?” Celestina asked.
“Rocks.” I held up my clutch—made of the same silver material as my dress. “They filled it up better and gave it a rounder appearance. You’re sure there aren’t going to be guards who ask to inspect it?”
“Nah.” Celestina shook her head, making her glossy hair shine. “The place is warded and shielded to the teeth. It’s pretty much impossible for
a fight to break out inside the actual ball. Traditionally skirmishes and assassination attempts happen on the way in or out—outside the Curia Cloisters, of course. That’s neutral territory that can’t be fought in.”
I made a face. “Have there really been that many fights that it’s a tradition?”
“No. Only a few times over the past century,” Josh said. “Your clutch will be plenty. Now, did I not do a sufficient job at girl talk?”
I laughed. “You did great—better than I thought!”
He straightened his tux jacket. “Excellent. Now, if you both would come downstairs as swiftly as possible, His Eminence is waiting at the front entrance.”
“We’ll be there shortly. Now off you go.” Celestina shooed him from the room while I plopped down on a well-padded chair and put on my shoes—a pair of surprisingly comfortable heels that gave me an extra three inches of height, elevating me into loftiness. Or at least what passed for loftiness for me.
“You’ve reviewed your conduct with His Eminence?” Celestina asked.
“Yeah, I know how we’re going to act,” I glumly said.
Celestina chuckled. “Cheer up. You’re dressed beautifully, and you’re going to a ball with the most powerful vampire in the region. And, they serve delicious food.”
“That last one is probably the most tempting part, though hopefully I’ll be able to make my case with a few of the wizards who are a bit higher up and might be able to help me out.” I slipped the strap of my clutch over my wrist and checked my hair—the stylist had curled it and sprayed it within an inch of its life so it sat demurely on my shoulders. My hair wasn’t as thick or luxurious as Celestina’s, but the stylist had managed to make it gleam like spun gold, and I shoved it back in braids and ponytails so much these days—so it wouldn’t get in my face during a fight—it was kind of shocking to have it down again.
Celestina slipped on her own shoes and grabbed her clutch. “Shall we?”
I followed her when she swept out of the sitting room, playing with the clasp of my purse as I tried to push my nerves down.
The concept of being Killian’s date made my head explode, but I was pretty sure he’d keep the night entertaining at least, and I had to use this opportunity to speak to the other wizards. I had gotten a start on the re-registration papers this week, and it was abundantly clear it was going to take me days to get through it all. I needed the subcommittee to officially acknowledge me and block Mason while I screwed around with their stupid paperwork.