Witch Born - LJ Swallow Page 0,34

special mix is... special.”

“But no magic?”

“No magic. Just skills. Why do you think we don’t have potions classes? Imagine the shit we’d make.” She shakes her head with a smile.

A tall guy wanders into the room with his arm around a girl’s waist before sinking onto familiar-looking beanbags. Did they steal those from Francesca? The guy tips his head at me and lifts up the strange metal pipe he’s smoking.

Oriana guides me towards two familiar girls sitting on the stone floor at the opposite corner. Alana is dressed the same as Oriana, although her ample breasts spill over her tank top, and Sapphire wears a short black dress and ripped blue leggings.

“She came?” asks Sapphire.

“Didn’t think this would be your scene,” says Alana, drinking from her cup.

“Why not?”

“You seem a bit uptight.”

I straighten. “I’m new and nervous. That’s all.”

Sapphire chokes a laugh. “Nervous people don’t fuck with Dorian Blackwood.”

“Yeah, what’s happening between you two?”

All eyes eagerly watch for my answer and perspiration springs up on my back. So much for me trying to keep a low profile; I’ve basically waded in and stirred up everything.

“Nothing. I don’t like bullies, that’s all.”

Oriana takes the cup from Alana and sniffs. “Hell, that smells bad.”

“Tastes worse.” She laughs and takes the drink back. “After a couple of cupfuls, it doesn’t matter.”

Oriana sits and drags me to the floor by one hand. “Don’t draw attention. If you’re not with a group, you’re fair game.”

I shudder at her undertones. I almost don’t want to, but I look around for Dorian. He’s absent—late? Or is this beneath him?

As if anything could happen at Ravenhold without his supervision.

“I can’t figure something out,” I say to Oriana. “Who leads the witches? Zeke’s in charge of the shifters and Dorian the vamps.”

“Huh? Dorian leads everybody. He gives Zeke some control over shifters, that’s all. They’re less... compliant with Dorian. Dorian’s smart—wants Zeke to think he hasn’t completely lost his control over Ravenhold.”

Zeke watches as if aware we’re talking about him. If the guy was once top dog here, that makes sense he’ll try again. I shiver. And he wants me to help.

“Here.” Alana holds out a spare cup and I hesitate. “It won’t kill you. Might help pull that stick out of your arse.”

I glower and snatch the cup as Sapphire drunkenly giggles at Alana’s insult. Have I earned myself a reputation already?

“No thanks.”

“You prefer something harder? Some kids deal Lix.” She points her little finger at the blue-haired guy as she grips her cup.

“Lix? But that’s illegal.”

Sapphire gawks at me again. “Sweetie, the authorities can ward magic but they can’t stop bribery. Mids are prepared to turn a blind eye to some things coming over from the mainland.”

“She doesn’t have any cash,” puts in Oriana. She drains the cup and pulls a sour face. “And I doubt she wants to exchange favours.”

Alana’s lips twitch in amusement. “Seriously, Eloise, have a drink. Relax. Blank out this shithole for a few hours, because after a couple more weeks you’ll want to do this every night.”

I stare at the kids around me. How many people walk around the academy high on drugs?

“Maybe later,” I reply.

The rhythmic bass from the music invades my mind to blank out thoughts as readily as alcohol or drugs would. My heart races as I watch every face around me, attempting to figure out if any would be a threat. Oriana and her friends talk about the latest politics inside the academy, and I vow to keep any challenges between me and Dorian. Dorian’s followers include girls, and the ones who hang on his words and attempt to hang onto his body are the ones I avoid, especially now I’ve heard what they do to people.

A small door in a side wall opens and a girl walks out. She’s blonde. Pretty. Vacant expression from the drugs she’s taken. A vamp guy I’ve seen with Dorian follows and squeezes her arse before helping her stay upright as she stumbles away.

His eyes meet mine and he runs his tongue around his lips as if savouring a good meal.

“Drugged witch blood. Ultimate high,” whispers Oriana.

“She let him feed?” They laugh at my shock. Every moment I’m in this place, my awareness how naive I am grows.

“Believe me, if one of the hot vamps wants you, try it. If you let him take your blood while he fucks you, you’ll never want a witch lover.”

Omigod. I’m glad they can’t see my pink cheeks. Vampires feeding on witches is dangerous enough, but