Academy of the Wicked : Year Two (The Paranormal Elites of Wicked Academy Book 2) by Avery Phoenix

Author:Avery Phoenix [Phoenix, Avery]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2025-03-23T00:00:00+00:00

Exhaustion And Blood Thirst

~GWENIVERE~

"You need to brush your teeth," Cassius says, his voice carrying that perfect blend of command and concern that somehow manages to be both irritating and endearing.

I groan in response, face half-buried in a pillow that smells wonderfully of him — cedar and night air, shadow and strength.

The thought of moving seems impossibly daunting. My limbs feel like they've been replaced with lead weights, muscles pleasantly sore in ways that remind me of exactly how we've spent the past hours.

"Five more minutes," I mumble, the words muffled against soft fabric.

"You said that fifteen minutes ago," he points out, amusement coloring his typically stoic tone. "And fifteen minutes before that."

I crack one eye open to glare at him, finding his tall form leaning against the doorframe with casual grace that shouldn't be allowed after such exertion.

His hair falls in artful disarray around features that have softened into something approaching playfulness — an expression I'm still not entirely used to seeing on his typically impassive face.

"Has anyone ever told you that you're incredibly annoying when you're right?" I grumble, reluctantly pushing myself into a sitting position. The borrowed shirt I've somehow acquired again slides off one shoulder, the fabric carrying his scent in ways that make me want to simply curl back into the warm cocoon of bedding and sleep for another century or two.

His lips curve into that rare smile that transforms his features from merely handsome to breathtaking.

"Multiple times, usually right before they regretted it."

The casual reference to his Duskwalker reputation should probably intimidate me. Instead, I find myself smiling back, warmth spreading through my chest at this glimpse of humor beneath his carefully maintained reserve.

"Fine," I concede with dramatic reluctance, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. "I'll brush my teeth, but I'm doing it under extreme duress."

"Noted," he responds dryly, watching as I struggle to my feet with all the grace of a newborn fawn.

My balance wavers immediately, exhaustion making the simple act of standing unexpectedly challenging. Cassius appears beside me with preternatural speed, one hand catching my elbow to steady me before I can topple over.

"Perhaps you need assistance," he suggests, concern replacing amusement in his silver eyes.

"I'm fine," I insist, pride making me straighten despite the heaviness in my limbs. "Just a little tired."

His expression turns skeptical, but he releases my arm, allowing me to make my way toward the adjoining bathroom with careful steps. The cool tile beneath my bare feet helps sharpen my awareness slightly, though not enough to entirely dispel the fog of exhaustion weighing me down.

The mirror above the sink reveals a reflection that makes me pause, momentarily startled by my own appearance.

My silver hair stands in wild disarray, tangled in ways that will require serious attention later. My lips appear slightly swollen, cheeks flushed with lingering warmth. Most telling are my eyes — pupils still slightly dilated, silver irises carrying a glow that speaks of magic recently activated.

I look thoroughly claimed, thoroughly satisfied, and thoroughly exhausted.

Cassius appears in the doorway behind me, his reflection joining mine in the mirror.

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