Total pages in book: 207
Estimated words: 196971 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 985(@200wpm)___ 788(@250wpm)___ 657(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 196971 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 985(@200wpm)___ 788(@250wpm)___ 657(@300wpm)
“I’m sorry.” It pained Soleil to deny the request, seeing the hope die in her new student’s eyes, but those rules weren’t hers to change. “Only the Duke of Brimstone and his Galere are allowed immediate entrance on the school’s premises. Unless Lord Alexandru has been able to request for permission beforehand, he will not be granted entry.”
“Oh.” Zari managed a smile. “I understand.” She did her best to clear her mind even as a part of her was crying out that it was too soon.
A large hand touched the small of her back, and Zari’s eyes drifted closed. It was silly, surreal, and terrifying, the way such a simple contact could allay her fears and calm her down.
“May you excuse us for a moment, milady?” she heard Alexandru say.
THE VAMPIRE HUNTER and his pet walked towards the open field and away from gazes that had already been averted to give them a sense of privacy. Alexandru halted upon walking past an oak tree, its sturdy ancient trunk large enough to hide the two of them.
He turned to Zari, whose eyes were haunted. His chest constricted at the sight but his voice was light and teasing when he asked her, What’s with the face, pet? Were you not the one who said you wanted to learn to be strong enough to save the world?
Save myself, Zari corrected him grumpily. I said I wanted to be strong enough so that no one would have to... A painful sliver of memory slashed into her mind and she mentally stumbled. You know why I have to do this. They both did, only now that it was happening, she couldn’t stop her heart from breaking.
Her master picked a lock of her hair. I wonder how this would look if we dyed it black.
Zari blinked. What for?
To make you look like Wonder Woman. Is that not what—-
A helpless smile broke over her face. Jerk.
He smiled back at her. While you’re an idiot. Alexandru flicked her forehead. I love you, pet. It will not change.
But I’m terrified.
As I am.
Liar.
He cupped her face. Two years with you is but a second. Time is never long enough when I am with you, but if you are not beside me-—He took a deep breath. I am terrified they’ll make you realize you’ve been blind all along.
She didn’t answer right away, causing her master to tense.
Then she was shaking her head, causing his hands to drop. She reached up—-
A flick on his forehead, the pet chastising the master.
Who’s the idiot now?
His eyes narrowed.
Her lips formed a wobbly smile. I promise you, milord. I will teach them. I will make them see not all demons are alike.
Ah.
He kissed her forehead. I believe in you, ma threa.
He kissed her lips. Make me proud.
She closed her eyes, knowing that he was already saying goodbye. Yes, Master.
When Zari opened her eyes, her Master was gone, like he had never been there at all.
Chapter Five
Zari’s first school had been La Scala Legaturia, which in English translated to the School of Bonds. It had been a training ground for human pets, an ancient structure possessing a remarkable Gothic beauty. ANEX, on the other hand, was a surprising opposite, boasting of all the modern amenities of a five-star resort—-
As well as the most advanced defenses, she couldn’t help thinking, one would expect from Fort Knox.
With dawn just about to approach, the school grounds were completely quiet, with only a few people milling around, going about their business. There was a man trimming the bushes, a woman sweeping the pathway leading to one of the dormitories, and there was even someone dangling an incense burner in the air, murmuring incoherently under his breath.
Following her student’s gaze, Soleil explained, “It’s to strengthen the warding spells.”
“But we’re already in Chalys,” Zari ventured. “Isn’t this supposed to be the safest place for otherworlders?”
“From humans, yes,” Soleil agreed, “but from otherworldly attacks? We never rule out the possibility that the demons of Sulphur would one day break the truce and invade this place.”
“What for?”
Soleil didn’t answer, but the silence was enough.
For people like her, Zari realized.
When the tour around the campus ended, Soleil faced the quiet girl beside her. “Do you have any questions?”
“No, milady.”
“Please don’t worry about your safety, Lady Zari.”
Realizing that Soleil had misunderstood her disquiet, Zari said hastily, “I’m not worried about that. I know my Master—-”
Soleil cleared her throat. “About that...”
Zari stilled.
“I truly apologize for always being the bearer of bad news, but...while you are a student of ANEX, you do remember that all pre-existing non-filial relationships are temporarily suspended?”
She said warily, “Yes.”
“It also means you are discouraged from referring to Lord Alexandru as your Master.”
Oh. Zari’s fists clenched even as she tried to quell the resentment surging inside of her. Did she really want this? she asked herself numbly. Not only had she agreed to two years of not seeing the man she loved, but now she had to also agree to not think of him as her Master?