Page 65 of Inked in Bloom
Fortunately, aside from being drawn to Briar, I haven’t dealt with the withering he warned me about. I keep waiting to feel miserable, but other than the vagrant emotion weaseling its way through the bond, it hasn’t been anything distressing. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think the whole “rejecting your mate will cause the bond to wither” warning is their way of encouraging harbingers to go along with it and not ask questions. After all, we’re always apt to go for the less painful option when given a choice.
Cherri nods in understanding. “I’ll pop in for the first bit, then grab some pizza for us on the way home. Movie night?”
“Sure! What did you have in mind?”
“Hmm… I’ve been on a musical kick lately.” Her rich-purple irises light up with excitement. “How about a classic?Grease?”
“Oh, count me in.” It’ll be the perfect time to hatch a plan for spring before we go into rejuvenation.
The dean walks in, and Cherri grabs my hand. “Here we go!” Her grasp quivers a bit around mine. It never occurred to me that she would be nervous. Everything has been seamless for her for the most part.
Dani reclines back in their chair, feet up on the desk and arms crossed. They clearly do not give a single fuck about this assignment. I’d feel the same way if I’d served as many springs as they had and was treated as if I were starting from scratch.
The dean clasps her hands in front of her.
“As spring’s time seems to become shorter and shorter each year, it is imperative that we utilize as many Blooms as possible while also staying safe.” She glances at Briar a moment, and though his expression is unreadable, tension zips down my spine. What if the work I’ve put in these last eight weeks isn’t enough to change her mind about wanting me to defer? Nerves flutter in my gut.
Finally, a smile draws across her face. “I’m happy to announce that due to your hard work, everyone in this class will be going to the mortal realm this spring.”
I gape. A few classmates cheer. Dani gives an annoyed grunt between popping their gum. I peek at Professor Briar whose confusion and nausea bubble through me. Was he that anxious about my progress? Did he not think I’d graduate? His lavender stare catches me eyeing him, and I turn back to the dean. She raises her hand in front of her, and the chatter of students fades into silence.
The professors walk around placing small ceramic pots on each of our desks. They’re empty aside from the plot of soil inside. It feels like some sort of test, and for a moment, I’m scared I’ll fail and the opportunity to get back to my world will be ripped away.
Kitt gestures toward them and the one in his hands. We follow suit and pick up the empty planters. “Imbue the seedling with your magic,” Tess comes up beside him and sticks her hand in the soil, wriggling her nose, “and learn what path blooms before you.” A flower grows above the lip of the pot and opens. I lean forward to see what it is, but a sage hand blocks my view. Professor Briar unrolls the long paper and holds it up for the class, reading it off with a goofy grin on his face. “Happy first spring, graduates.”
I cradle the pot in one hand and press my other against the moist dirt. Magic buzzes beneath my palms, flowing intothe soil. There are gasps around me, but I keep my attention honed on the small bud poking up from the dirt. A dozen thin petals ripple open until a single word on a slip of paper stares up at me…
Lisse.
My brows knit.
A shadow looms over me. “Looks like you’re stuck with me.”
“Guess so!” I twist around to where Skylar stands, showing me her matching paper. “Where is Lisse, though?”
“The Netherlands. Didn’t you read up on the assignments?”
“Apparently not enough.” Or not at all, considering it was nowhere near the United States’ East Coast or near the top of my list.
Fuck.
“Where are you headed, Cherri?” I ask, trying to sound chipper despite her visible frown. I know she wanted to be close to each other, but maybe there’s still hope.
She flips her paper, not thrilled by whatever it is.
USA: East Coast
I squeal, then clamp a hand over my mouth. “That’s so exciting for you.”
And us.
If Cherri is able to get me an update on everyone, I can figure out how to help them, even if it’s only from afar this season. Once I get back to Earth, I’ll have a better idea what’s possible.
Skylar crosses her arms, tossing her pink side-swept bangs out of her face. “You squeal for her but are disappointed for our elite assignment?”
“No, it’s not that.” I swallow thickly, formulating an appropriate response. “I was hoping for somewhere else.”
“This was my first pick. Lisse in spring is a dream.” Skylar places a palm over her sternum and lifts her chin. “What was your top choice?”
