Page 64 of The Last Aether

“They should’ve already learned that,” Phoenix grumbled.

“Sometimes it takes a few tries to get a message across when people are stupid.”

Kai choked on a laugh then strode over to press a light kiss to the corner of my mouth. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?”

I smiled even though it made pain flare in my face. “You might’ve. But I always like hearing it.”

Kai settled on the ottoman in front of the sectional. “How did you learn to fight like that?”

I shrugged. “We didn’t live in the best neighborhood. Lainey and I learned it was best to know how to fight back. After a while, people didn’t mess with us as much.”

The guys went quiet for a moment. Then Phoenix leaned down from behind the couch and pressed a kiss to my head. “You’re a badass, Pip.”

“And don’t you forget it.”

Atlas’s fingers tangled in my hair. “We never could.”

Riven shifted on the sofa, pulling out his phone. He glanced down at the screen, frowning.

I struggled to sit up. “What is it?”

He looked up. “It’s Headmaster Acker’s office. He wants to see you about the incident.”

36

“Please tell me I’m not about to get expelled,” I said as we headed towards Winthrop Hall.

Phoenix wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “Drue and Xena started this.”

I winced as he bumped the tender spot on my shoulder.

Phoenix froze. “What’s wrong?”

Rolling my shoulder, pain rocked through me again. “Drue got the same shoulder the assassin hit.”

Phoenix immediately dropped his arm.

Riven growled as he gently tugged my shirt to the side so he could see my shoulder. He hissed out a breath. “Why didn’t you say anything? We would’ve healed you.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine by tomorrow.” That might’ve been a lie, but I was sure it would at least feel better. Even though our healing gifts could repair damage, it wouldn’t eradicate all of the pain.

Atlas moved in, framing my face with his large hands. “We always want to know if you’re hurting. We can’t fix it if we don’t know.”

I stretched up to brush my mouth against his. Atlas had to bend down to make it possible, but he was more than willing to meet me halfway. I brushed my nose against his. “Sorry. I’ll keep you informed of all bodily injuries going forward.”

“How about just no more bodily injuries?” Kai cut in.

“It would be a fucking miracle,” Riven grumbled.

“Come on, grumpy pants.” I pinched Riven’s side. “Let’s go get my lecture.”

We made our way into the building and wove through the halls to Headmaster Acker’s office. My stomach gave a healthy dip as we stepped into the waiting area.

The receptionist looked nervous, on edge. She wouldn’t meet any of our gazes. “He’s waiting for you inside.”

Riven strode forward, pulling the door open.

Royal guards lined either side of the headmaster’s office. Acker sat behind his desk, his face a perfectly blank mask. Opposite him were King Zephyr and King Terra.