Deviant Descendants (Descendants Academy #2) - Belle Malory Page 0,9
a mental note to pry the details out of her later. We were supposed to be friends, dammit. She was supposed to tell me about stuff like this. Then again, there could be a reason she never brought it up. Actually—I remember her saying something very similar.
Love is only good under the right circumstances. Sometimes, as much as you think you’re perfect for someone, it doesn’t work. Like a puzzle piece in the wrong box—it doesn’t fit, no matter how hard you try.
My eyes flaring, I swallowed a deep breath. She had brought it up; I just didn’t know she was referring to Peter. He was the puzzle piece that didn’t fit. I wondered what circumstances were so great that they kept them apart.
“You look like a crayon that wandered outside the lines.”
I blinked, so caught up in my own thoughts that I hadn’t noticed the Poseidon descendant approach.
She was one of the strongest of their house, a wisp of a girl everyone called Storm. The nickname came from her unique set of abilities—she could create actual storms. Thunder and lightning, and all. Unlike her delicate features though, her voice was throaty and unexpectedly forceful.
“A what?” I said, confused.
“Tell me something, Sheridan.” She tilted her head to the side. “Is it true you’re the youngest mage to summon a soul weapon in Arcadian history?”
Her eyes were odd. A silvery color that twisted and clouded black irises. “It’s uncommon,” I swallowed, “but I don’t know if I’m the youngest.”
“Certainly the youngest I’ve heard of.” She circled around me in a kind of predatory manner. “Tell me something else. Why do you let them get to you?”
Them? “What do you mean?”
“You’re a geniox, arguably one of the more powerful mages of our time, and yet I find you here. Hiding in the corner, as if you don’t realize you’re a force to be reckoned with.”
My cheeks flushed, and I wasn’t sure how to respond, but I refused to be intimidated. “I’m used to staying out of everyone’s way—” I nodded toward the drink table. “And I was hoping there would be something stronger than punch.”
Her mouth curved up on one side. “I like you…even if you are naïve.”
The backhanded compliment made me straighten. “Well, I’m new to this world. I’m still learning the ropes.”
“Poor excuses.” She shrugged, unapologetic. “You understand enough. People should stay out of your way, not the other way around.”
I opened my mouth, but I was too stunned to speak.
“Here’s my unsolicited advice,” she said, before I had the chance to say anything. “Don’t bother trying to fit in. In places of magic, you’re better off embracing what makes you unique.”
I got the feeling we were discussing a lot more than what was on the surface. Storm reached for two glasses of punch from the table, handing one to me. With a swirl of her hand over the rims, she whispered, “Vocatus.” She held her glass up in salute. “I’ve officially chosen my side.”
I only gave her half my attention, too busy trying to figure out what she did to my drink. “Side?”
She took a giant swig, and I figured it was safe to do the same—ah ha. I licked my lips, feeling the burn of alcohol. What a nifty little trick.
“Your sister approached me about forming an alliance.”
I snapped to attention, my stomach hollowing. “She did what?”
Storm was a Poseidon descendant. She manipulated wind and rain. I could only guess what Riley wanted from her.
“There’s the naivety I mentioned.” She tsked, shaking her head. “While you’re hiding in corners, your sister is busy networking, building an army of powerful friendships.”
I tightened my fingers around my glass, trying not to lose my shit there in front of everyone. Riley’s obsession with my destruction was getting out of hand. Then again, the curse was simply working in perfect order. Fantastic of my sister to play right into it.
“What did she offer you?”
“To lend me her magic, at any time, as long as I swore to do the same. I’m no fool though. I’m aware she’s after your blood. An alliance with her means helping her take you down.”
I swallowed. “What did you say?”
“Nothing. I wanted to meet you first. Now I have, and I’ve decided to align myself on your side instead.” With a wave of her hand, a golden coin formed, lying flat against her palm. She handed it to me. “My seal of support.”
I turned the coin back and forth, marveling at its weight and power. I’d read