Theo changed into an alicorn. His teeth gnashed and his eyes rolled back as he shook his head, mane going everywhere. He trotted down the hallway with his tail held up, clearly agitated.
That he couldn’t contain his rage enough to maintain a human form was telling. He was beyond furious with me.
Alexei was eyeing me. “I understand your position. You’re backed into a corner.”
Alexei had been the most helpful. His empathy magic had been the biggest factor in my recovery the other day. And I was extra appreciative of Stefan’s large bribe to the doctor after my visit to the infirmary, so he wouldn’t go running to the press. My friends were the only reason I was still going. Whether or not I wanted to rely on them, I was.
Stefan made a face. “I know why you did it, and I get your reasoning behind it. If I attacked Irena, I’d have chosen the same option. But you have to know we aren’t going to let you do it again.”
“I wouldn’t anyway. It’d be pointless.” Whatever method I tried to end my life, the leshane would always make it go wrong. And I would never consider hurting my friends again in the same way— especially Emma.
I checked my watch. “I’m going to be late for class. Tell Theo I’m sorry.”
I changed into a wolven and bounded off. At this point, I wouldn’t make it to my Communing with the Gods class unless I ran, and it was on the other side of the school.
I shifted back just as I walked into the classroom. Professor Victor strolled in the center of the room. Pillows and rugs were laid out in a circle around the room. I smelled incense burning, and watched the smoke rise to the ceiling. The curtains had been drawn, leaving the room in darkness except for a few candles.
I took a seat on one of the last pillows. Most people were looking upward at Professor Victor, waiting for instruction.
Victor sat in the middle of the circle. He glanced at me before he began the lecture. “I’m glad to see all of you could make it, as this is an exceptionally important day for this class. We’ve been mostly working on theory, but today, we’re going to attempt to connect with the Seven Gods themselves.”
Murmurs of excitement ran throughout the classroom. Victor held up a hand. “Keep in mind, all Arcanea have a natural connection to the gods. We serve them, and they wish to help us. During your Choosing, each of you will bind yourself to a god or goddess, whom you will follow all your life. Some of you have already found your mates, and made that choice.”
I did. I chose to bind myself to Luka, the thief god— though I hadn’t heard from him since. My connection with him wasn’t like the connection Emma had with Milonna. I’d asked the god of peasants for help many times since the Contest, and it was like he refused to hear me. I hadn’t heard a word or had a sign from him since before my Choosing.
Perhaps he was annoyed I was a royal and I’d chosen to serve him. He was a god of the common people. Maybe he didn’t think I deserved his help, as I’d already experienced so much privilege in my life, due to being a prince.
Victor cleared his throat. “Each god connects to us differently. Today, we will be working on invoking that connection, and finding ways that the gods communicate with us. Sometimes, they’ll speak through signs, visions, or dreams. Other times, they will use the people in our lives to get messages to us. Our gods are always communicating ways of support. It is up to us to listen.”
I scowled. If Luka was trying to communicate with me, I sure hadn’t heard anything, and I really needed guidance right now. This was bullshit.
“You must open your mind to any message the gods wish you to receive,” Victor continued. “Expecting one particular outcome can be a blockage with your connection to the gods. They want you to be open to many paths. Ultimately, the choice of which one you choose to walk is your own. They are merely here to guide us.”
Victor raised his hands. “You will find in your textbook ways to connect with your chosen god. Any materials you may need can be found in the wardrobe on the left side of the room. I ask for quiet