Page 82 of The Lost Elemental

He chuckled. “Our realm isn’t overly fond of things or people they don’t understand.”

“There are plenty of half-human elementals.”

Acker sobered. “But none as powerful as you.”

I let out a shaky breath. “I didn’t attack Drue.”

“I believe you.”

“Y-you do?”

Acker nodded, leaning back in his chair. He studied me for a moment. “Atlas came to see me last night.”

I bit the inside of my cheek. Of course, he had. My gentle giant would never give up on a problem without trying everything at his disposal.

“I’ve never known him to lie to me. Fib when one of the other princes was in trouble? Sure. But he has never once been dishonest about something that truly mattered.”

“He’s a good man,” I whispered.

“One of the best. But not everyone sees that. They know the stories about his father, they see his size, and they make their judgments.”

I tore at the tissue in my hands. “It hurts him more than he lets on.”

The corners of Acker’s mouth lifted in the hint of a smile. “I’m glad he has you in his corner.”

“I’m lucky to have him too.”

“You are. And because of him, I know that Drue and some helper were the ones to attack you.”

I twisted the tissue around my finger. “What does that mean for me?”

Acker sighed, looking out the window. “Drue is bound and determined to get you out of here. Her father is a close ally of King Zephyr. If she pushes hard enough, it might be out of my hands. But I’ll do everything I can to keep you here.”

My chest burned at the kindness. Something Headmaster Acker didn’t have to risk his own career for. “Thank you for trying to help me.”

“I like you, Aura. I think it’s good to mix things up around here. But for now, keep your head down and try to keep your affinities under control.”

“I’m trying.”

“Good.” He clapped his hands together and stood. “Now hurry along or you’ll be late to class.”

I glanced at my watch and cursed. Grabbing my bag, I ran out of the office and rounded the corner. I collided with a tall form, stumbling to the side. A hand caught my wrist, steadying me.

“Not watching where you’re going, Ms. Coleman?”

The voice had ice sliding through my veins. I instantly tried to tug my arm from King Zephyr’s grasp. “Apologies, Your Highness.”

My heart hammered against my ribs as his grip on my wrist tightened. His eyes zeroed in on my scars. “What happened here?”

My throat tightened as if my body didn’t want to answer him. “I was in a fire when I was little.”

King Zephyr’s eyes went glacial, a cascade of ice sweeping over them. “When?” he demanded.

I struggled to break away from his hold. “I-I was eight.”

“Where?”

“I, uh—”