Total pages in book: 214
Estimated words: 195876 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 979(@200wpm)___ 784(@250wpm)___ 653(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 195876 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 979(@200wpm)___ 784(@250wpm)___ 653(@300wpm)
"Better than good," Typhon notes.
I smile at him. When he's not being stuffy and cranky, he's actually pretty supportive. He’s currently sunning himself by the morning light coming through my window in one of his many forms—this one a thick salamander the size of a large dog.
My new aspirant room is three times the size of the one I shared with Mireen, with a private bathroom that has actual hot water on demand. I have my own desk, a small window overlooking the central courtyard, and enough space that Typhon can stretch out in his dragon form without knocking things over—though he seems to prefer showing off how many forms he can take.
My uniform is sleeveless, letting my arms—which are now more toned than they've ever been in my life—show. Aspirants and legacies get the privilege of a little more wardrobe flexibility than we had as offerings. We have dress uniforms, thicker padded uniforms for cold days, and light, sleeveless uniforms for heavy training days or heat. Even the quality of the underwear we’re given is significantly improved, and thank the fucking gods for that.
The last significant change of the past months has been my unbound mark. When I’m alone in my room and relax the slight focus needed to keep it disguised, I can see how it has grown. Threads of silver like constellations have grown outward from the back of my hand. They reach halfway up my fingers and curl around my wrist like an intricate tattoo.
“A growing mark is a sign of a strengthening tether,” Typhon reminds me. “It should be a source of pride. It’s a visible indication of how impressive we are.”
“Yeah, well… unlike some ancient water dragons, I try my best not to seem impressive.”
"I do not try to be impressive. I simply am."
I smile as I lace up my boots and pour a trickle of focus into my mark. I watch as the silver swirl shifts and changes, turning blue and taking the shape of a wave like a normal water affinity. "Coming to tether class today?"
"I would sooner bathe in fire than spend another day pretending to be a fish while you toss blobs of water at targets. But yes. I will come, because I still do not trust Malakai or his small fish companion."
"It's more like a terrifying flying shark that looks like it wants to eat everybody."
"To me, it is insignificant. If that creature came within a foot of you, I would bite it in half and bathe in its blood."
I turn, narrowing my eyes. "We don’t want to do anything to draw his attention again.”
"I do not like the fear you feel when you're around Malakai. You are my tethered, angry human. I will not let any harm come to you, and you should be able to relax and focus on your studies with this truth."
"Thank you, Typhon. I know… it's just hard to ever really let my guard down here. The deaths did drop way off like Voss said, but I can see it in Malakai's eyes. It's like he's just waiting for the right moment."
"I believe your fire touched lover will also dissuade him from trying to harm you. The other students here seem to fear the fire touched. I must admit I admire his power. For a nearly worthless human, he's rather less unimpressive than usual."
"Did you just compliment another human, Typhon?"
"No," Typhon's response carries such regal indignation that I laugh aloud.
"And he's not my lover. He helps me with training from time to time. And he's keeping an eye on Serena for me while I keep an eye on Malakai. It's a mutually beneficial relationship. That's it."
"Relationship. Yes. This is what humans call it when they perform intercourse."
I put my hands on my hips and stare at him. To his credit, he keeps his dragony face pointed toward the window, refusing to acknowledge me. "For somebody who is in my head twenty-four hours a day, I shouldn't have to tell you nothing has ever happened between us."
"As someone who is always in your head, I sometimes find myself confusing your dreams and reality. So, you'll excuse me if the numerous fantasy encounters where you two are very naked and very entwined are clouding my memories."
"Typhon… I swear to the gods. I will—"
He transforms suddenly into his flying fish form, rounded eyes regarding me coolly. "We should leave. You will be late for class if you don't begin walking soon.”
With a sigh, I head out into the hall with my rapier feeling like a comfort at my hip. We're still not allowed to carry sharpened weapons around campus, but they do let us take our practice weapons anywhere we go, now. Raith offered to start privately training me a few weeks ago. To my mild frustration, he treats the lessons with complete professionality.