I watch as Raph gets up from the front row, followed by Baron. They make their way to the center of the large field, shaking hands formally in what looks like part of the duel etiquette. But I see the grin that the two exchange. They clearly enjoy this and something tells me that these two are probably the best at it.
I have no idea what ‘it’ is until the duel starts. I expect Raph to make the first move. But he hangs back, waiting with the patience of a predator.
The bleachers are silent in anticipation, until Baron unleashes what looks like a water tornado. I hear my gasp of surprise because of course, I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. People on Earth didn’t just summon water tornados. It’s a reminder of exactly where I am and who I’m surrounded by.
Raph easily intercepts the cyclone of water with a burst of pure fire. You’d expect the water to put out the fire but in this case, it’s the other way around. The heat of the flames seems to vaporize the water until there’s nothing left but mist. I don’t know how the hell it happens, but I have a feeling it’s because of what Dani told me the other day—Raph is the most powerful Seraph that Eden has seen in generations. As I watch the duel, riveted, I can see that it has to be true.
The crowd roars with excitement as the two fighters exchange water for fire, thunder for wind, lightning for storm. I remember then what Magnus told me that day in the hall with the murals. The Dynasties each have their set of elements that they’re closest to—Baron, being an Aldebran, is clearly all about sea, storm and wind, whereas Raph, being St. Tristan and also a sovereign heir, could pretty much use any element. But it’s clear that fire and light are his forte.
Baron is good—there’s no doubt in my mind that he can wipe the floor with any of the other students here. But Raph is just better. Faster, sharper, tactically masterful and far, far more powerful.
The duel ends with a blinding flash of white light which consumes the entire field. For a split second, I’m totally blinded and can see nothing but white.
When the light clears, Professor Roman declares Raph the winner and the bleachers erupt with cheers. I feel like I should be clapping, too, but I remind myself that Raphael St. Tristan is an asshole whose sole purpose is to make my life a living hell. So, I keep my hands firmly at my sides.
Raph’s gaze travels up to the top row and those vivid blue eyes lock onto mine as he walks back towards the bleachers. He flashes me that frighteningly beautiful smile. A taunt. I know then that the inferno he unleashed in class that first day was barely a flash compared to what this merciless asshole is capable of and he was using this duel to demonstrate the full extent of his power to me. To let me know exactly what and who I’m messing with.
My stomach twists painfully. Not just because I realize that this feud with Raph will clearly end in defeat, but also because I realize he was right—I can’t do anything remotely close to what he and Baron just did on that field. I’m no Dynasty heir. Hell, I’m not even a full Seraph. I’m a nothing and no one, just like I always have been and I sure as hell don’t belong here.
“Please come tonight—you’re going to love it,” Dani asks, as she rifles through my overflowing closet.
I still can’t get used to the fact that I now own more clothes than I’ve ever owned in my entire life. I was more than happy to agree to let Dani come over and pick out an outfit earlier. But I’m not so happy about the fact that she’s pleading with me to go to a gig tonight.
Granted, it’s a Friday and it’s a gig that she’ll be performing at. But I’m not exactly a social butterfly and going to a gig on a Friday night where there would, no doubt, be other students from Regency, doesn’t sound very appealing.
“Please—you’re like my only friend here at Regency. You have to come and support me tonight.”
Dani pulls a mock sad face and I can feel myself relenting. It’s her next words that seal the deal, though.
“Besides, you don’t want to stick around here on a Friday night. The Dynasty heirs might throw an impromptu party and you’ll have to suffer through it locked in your bedroom.”
I jump up from my huge ass bed and begin looking through my closet, too.
“Fine. You’ve convinced me,” I reply, rolling my eyes.
Dani gives me an excited hug in response.
“You’ll love it. Battle of the bands at Twisted is insane and the band I sing with is pretty damn good, if I do say so myself.”
“Where’d you meet them?” I ask, as I try to find something sensible to wear. I’d never been to a gig before, so I have no idea what’s appropriate.
“I take music lessons during the summer in Arcadia. These guys are from the same music center as the one I go to, and they kick ass on stage.
“I still can’t believe this is your room and that I’m actually in Sovereign Hall. I never thought I’d get to step foot in here. I also can’t believe how many clothes you have. You’re so lucky.”
I can’t help the sadness that creeps into my smile then.
“It wasn’t always like this, Dan,” I reply. “Most days I still don’t really believe any of it is really mine.”
Her eyes turn serious then.
“But it is yours—all of it. So, you need to own it, girl.”
I feel myself smiling in response.
“And the first step to owning it, is to wear this tonight.” She holds up a tiny black dress which looks so tight, that it’s almost indecent. I have a feeling that Magnus didn’t have much involvement in picking out the contents of his seventeen-year-old granddaughter’s closet. Because if he did, this tiny black dress would definitely not have been included.
“Oh, no—no way,” I reply.
Dani just smiles back at me in response.
12
Clearly under-aged drinking isn’t an issue here in Arcadia, or at least not at Twisted.
The DJ is still playing as the first band sets up on stage, when Dani orders a second round of drinks. We’re with two of her band mates—two alternative rocker type guys and a red haired girl with tattoos covering one arm. Just like Dani, they’re laid back, cool and utterly normal. A welcome break from the spoiled brats at Regency.
They don’t suspect that I’m not exactly one of them—i.e. half human and supposedly a Dynasty heir. But then again, why would they? That makes me relax all the more, which is no easy feat, given that I’m wearing the tiny black dress that Dani coerced me into wearing. Paired with sky high black heels, I may as well be back at Rodeo Ricky’s.
Dani’s band goes off backstage and I’m in mid-conversation with Dani, when her eyes widen as she looks at something behind me.
“Can I get you a drink?” The voice behind me is familiar and the smile drops off my face when I turn.
Aquamarine eyes look down at me and I find myself face to face with Baron. Dressed in a grey t-shirt and black jeans, he’s undeniably gorgeous. Too bad he’s best friends with my arch-enemy.
“What the hell are you doing here?” I demand, aware that I’m being rude. Dani is gaping at me, as if I’ve just lost my mind. I scan the crowd then, because if Baron is here, then it means that Raph must be close by. But I don’t see him.
“Relax, sweetheart, I’m not stalking you. Lance is playing in the battle tonight. I’m here to support.”