Gifts Unveiled, Hearts Guarded

Mr. Vance's fury radiated across the dining hall like a physical force. The trembling floor stilled immediately as his power seemed to clamp down on the very elements around us. My bonds remained protectively clustered around me, but I could feel them tense as the headmaster strode toward us.

"My office. Now." His voice was deadly quiet, somehow more terrifying than if he'd shouted.

Jaxon still crouched in front of me, dagger clutched in his white-knuckled grip. "Someone just tried to kill her," he growled, eyes scanning the retreating students.

Mr. Vance's gaze flicked to the weapon, then back to Jaxon's face. "Put that away. My office."

He turned and walked out without checking if we followed. The dining hall had emptied except for a few wide-eyed stragglers watching our group from a safe distance.

Rhys helped me to my feet. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I said, though my heart hammered against my ribs. "What just happened? Did someone really try to attack me?"