“No monster?”
“No just a good old-fashioned cage fight.”
“Anyone I know?”
He shakes his head. “It seems like she’s running through the weaker royals first. Some are young. Others not physically imposing. The stronger students find it a relief and amusing. They’re really just happy it’s not them.”
“Sounds intentional.”
“Everything Victorine does is intentional.”
Anger spikes under my skin. I hate bullies. Loathe them. And that’s what it sounds like is infiltrating the Academy. I spin on my heel and head to the door.
“Where are you going?”
“To talk to Roland, one on one.”
“Not a good idea.”
/> “I don’t care. I have to do something.”
I step into the crowded hall and slip away, headed straight to the Headmaster’s office. I knock, but don’t wait, walking into the room. I wince when I see Roland behind the desk. Victorine sits on his lap and his hand is tucked in her shirt, stroking her breast.
“My fault,” I say, fighting a gag, “I should have knocked.”
Roland’s eyes narrow and he runs his hand down Victorine’s leg. She has a small twisted smile on her mouth.
“I figured you’d make an appearance,” he says, shifting his gaze from me to the goddess on his lap. “She can’t keep herself out of others’ business.”
“The goings-on at the Academy, including these insane challenges, are my business.”
“Fine,” he says, scooting Victorine off his lap. She pouts, standing behind his large, leather chair. “As if you don’t know, we’re building an army.”
“By tossing children in cage fights? You of all people know how awful that is.”
“I do know how it is. And I also know what it’s like to be ripped from your home as a child and pushed into battle.” He leans forward, dark eyes twinkling. “It’s how I became a man. An immortal. I survived and continue to survive.”
“I’m not sure your soul did.” He shrugs, and I add, “You don’t have to do this.”
“I don’t, but I am. The gods want a show and since you’ve hidden the key and refuse to start the crusade, this is the only alternative.”
“So this is my fault.”
He grins. “You said it, not me.”
“I’m not giving you the key.”
“Then we’ll keep playing with our toys.”
Victorine bends down, exposing her ample chest, and whispers in his ear. His eyes light up.
“It’s my understanding you skipped the challenge tonight. You realize it’s mandatory.”
“I’m not a child, nor do I answer to anyone in the Academy.”
“You’re posing as a student at this school, aren’t you?”
I cross my arms over my chest. “Yes.”