Academy for Courting Curses - Tara West Page 0,7

powerful rage spell, he would’ve killed her mates if she hadn’t subdued him.

Serah was shocked the king had managed to make the flight, but if Tormung had one flaw more powerful than his anxiety, it was his thirst for revenge, and he wanted to burn her grandfather to a crisp. That was the condition under which he traveled with their party. He’d made Sir Goblingout, her mates’ fathers, and the Fae queen promise to leave Goldenwand to him (if he still lived), for her grandfather had once sent a witch to implant a cursed thorn in his tail, altering his memory and triggering his rage. King Tormung still attributed his anxiety to that thorn, even though it had been long since removed, and he believed the only way he could conquer his fear was to kill the mage who’d cursed him.

Serah wasn’t so sure killing her grandfather would bring the dragon king any peace, but she could not care less if her deceitful grandfather died. She’d loved him once, but he’d proven himself to be a selfish, nasty prick, and she would not shed another tear over him.

After Violet poured various herbs into a bottle and shook it, she hastily made her way to the king, handing the bottle to him with a plastered smile.

The king pinched the bottle in his talons, then tossed it in his mouth, crunching glass before letting out a smoky belch. He didn’t bother thanking Violet before turning tail and stomping away.

Violet shrugged and returned to her mates, who sent frosty looks at Tormung but said nothing. The king flew circles above them with five other dragons, his generals, all mighty leviathans with fangs as long as swords and scales that reflected prisms of light.

These beasts were one reason why her mates and their family had refused to shift into humans during their journey. They were more menacing as dragons, and they needed to be constantly vigilant, not just around Tormung and his generals, but also the witches and Fae. Though shifters and witches had signed a temporary truce, there was little trust between their races. Goblingout had already angered Tormung after sending mercenaries for Violet and her mates’ older brother Thaddeus, demanding they face an inquisition after defeating the rebel Arcane Army. As if they needed to explain themselves for ridding the world of malicious witches.

How could Serah trust the Fae when they’d been so openly indifferent to her? Though she was half Fae, her two Fae uncles had refused to acknowledge her. She pretended their treatment of her didn’t bother her, but it did. Her father had showed how little he cared for her when he’d drugged and kidnapped her in an attempt to give her to Goldenwand. Why should she expect his brothers to be any different?

You shouldn’t, Thelix said. All Fae think they’re better than other races, but I bet none of them can lick pussy.

How do you know? Serah asked, amused. Her siren measured character by how well they could lick pussy.

With those pinched mouths? Her siren snorted. They couldn’t suck the cream off a cupcake.

Serah heaved a groan. What am I going to do with you?

“You okay, Serah?”

She looked over at Teju, who was giving her a quizzical look, his wise dragon eyes assessing her as if he could see through her. Yes, she projected back. Why wouldn’t I be?

Sitting on his haunches, he rubbed his horned skull. You look upset.

She looked at her leather boots. I have a lot on my mind.

He flashed a fanged grin, waggling his scaly brows. Shall we fly up there and burn down their flimsy palace?

Yes, please, Thelix squealed.

No. She gave them each a stern look. I won’t have you start a war over my hurt feelings. The last thing they needed was conflict between the Fae and dragon-shifters. Perhaps her mates had forgotten that Queen Rhia carried the amethyst scepter, and she could burn holes through their armor-plated hides.

Ladon laughed. I don’t think anyone else would mind watching their stuck-up asses fall off their perch.

Craning her neck, she wagged a finger beneath his jowls. “We need to focus on our real enemy,” Serah said sternly, wishing they understood how uncomfortable it made her to talk about attacking the Fae. Her mates would do anything to defend her honor, and she loved them for it, but she was starting to realize the Fae had no honor and wouldn’t comprehend, or care, about insulting her.

Got it. Teju kicked up sand and pebbles. After we