The heavy fog from the drug was lifting. At times I felt a wave of dizziness but I could mostly push it away. And something else was starting to kick in. The effects of Blake’s blood. I could feel them working my way through my system. I was under more stress and strain. I figured that was kicking the effects of the blood into high gear. I could feel the change in my body, the power coursing through me.

Ever since my fight with Visha that day in Advanced Weaponry, I’d been honing the advantages of my rider's build with Professor Sankara's help. But no matter how hard I’d worked, I knew there was no way I would ever be as strong or as fast as a highblood.

But today? I wasn’t so sure. That feeling of powerlessness I’d had when I woke up was dissipating. Did I have Blake to thank for that?

I came to a small stream and knelt down beside it. The water was clear and cool as it trickled over the rocks. I cupped my hands and drank deeply. The cold water washed away some of the residual blurriness that still clung to me. I felt stronger now, more myself.

I stood back up, wiping my mouth, and leaned back against a tree, looking ahead. By my guess, I was about halfway around the island by now. If Visha was right, we’d meet up on the other side, just in time for the next test. I hoped she’d keep her word and wait for me.

Just as I began to move again, a blink of movement in the trees caught my eye. My instincts kicked in and I dropped and rolled, just as a small silver blade came flying through the air and landed in the trunk of the tree right where I’d been standing.

There was a rustling sound. Regan stepped out from the underbrush to my right, a sharp rapier in her hand.

There was another sound, this time from in front of me. Gretchen emerged, twirling a small throwing knife between her fingers, a cruel grin on her face. She wore a belt across her shoulders, loaded with at least three more of the small blades.

Someone whistled from directly above me. I glanced up to find Quinn perched in a tree, a bow in hand and an arrow already drawn, aimed squarely at my chest.

Regan stepped out in front. “Look, girls. The little blightborn lamb has lost her way. What? No dragon to protect you?”

I tried to keep my expression neutral, as my eyes flitted between the three girls. “What do you want, Regan?”

Regan sneered. “Oh, nothing much. Just to teach you a lesson about taking what’s mine.”

“I’ve got the best seat in the house,” Quinn called, from where she perched high in the tree. “Let the show begin.”

Gretchen danced up and down on her feet. “Oh, this is going to be fun.”

I sighed. “This again? I’ve never wanted Blake. You know that.”

“I know he’s far too good for you, blightborn bitch,” Regan spat. “As am I. You pollute us both with this unnatural alliance.”

My temper started to rise. Not this Blood of the Blessed shit again. “Does Blake know you’re here? Attacking me like this? What's he going to do when he finds out?”

“It doesn't matter,” Regan hissed. “He’s not here to protect you anymore. Blake and his misguided sense of duty. I don’t understand it, but after today he’ll finally be free. You’ve been a thorn in my side since the moment he dragged you in, covered in dirt. I could tell even then that you thought you were something special. Better than the rest of us. Well, you’re about to learn a lesson in true superiority. Gretchen and Quinn and I are going to teach it to you.”

I tried to keep my face impassive. “I don’t think I’m superior but I sure as hell don’t think I’m beneath you either. You know I’ve always wished we could be friends. I wanted us to work together.”

Regan laughed. “Right. Keep telling yourself that. As if I’d ever stoop so low. I know exactly what you want, Pendragon. Blake Drakharrow’s cock inside of you. You little slut. You want him in your bed, don’t you? But just because he’s abandoned mine doesn’t mean I’m going to give him up to you so easily.”

I was astonished. Not least of all at her admission.

I sighed. It was time to take a different approach and stoop to her level. “Well, I can see why he doesn’t want you. Who would want a snide whiny bitch sucking them off?”

Regan screeched like a parrot. “How dare you!” Her eyes narrowed and a slow smile stretched across her face. “This has gone on long enough. Pull that blade from the tree behind you and stick it in your throat. I command it.”

I turned towards the tree trunk, taking in the sight of Gretchen’s throwing knife embedded in the bark.

Slowly, I pulled it out. I looked down at the blade.

Then I tucked it into my pocket.

“Sorry, but that’s not going to work anymore, Regan,” I said calmly, as the thrallweave she was using continued to wash over me, hit the wall I’d built and skim away.

I didn’t feel the compulsion like the last time she’d attacked me. Then it had been unbearable, undeniable. This was a different kind of pressure. Strong and insistent, yes. Pulling at my mind, trying to find a purchase. But I had practiced for this very moment. I’d partitioned my thoughts, dividing them, hiding the core of myself in my mental shadows. So far inside that Regan couldn’t reach, even if she’d had the ability to. And I doubted she did. She wasn't as skilled in thrallweave as I’d once given her credit for. Rodriguez and Blake were much more proficient.

With a smile, I slammed my wall up hard, shutting her out. The sudden snap of mental threads nearly sent her reeling. I laughed at the look of shock on her face.

Gretchen looked back and forth between us, uncertainty on her pretty face. “What’s happening, Regan?”

“The bitch shut me out,” Regan panted. “Someone taught her how to block us.”

She narrowed her eyes at me. “Who was it? Who taught you? I’ll fucking kill them.”

I smiled slowly. “You could try. But I doubt you’d succeed. You see, Blake and I have enjoyed a lot of time together. He loves getting me alone. To practice.” I wasn't sure what I was doing. Only that seeing the expression on her face made it worth it. “He really enjoys our private tutoring sessions. Why don’t you ask him about them yourself? If you make it back, that is.”

“Blake?” Regan spat. “You’re lying!”

I shrugged, keeping my stance steady. The dagger was in my boot. I could reach for it if I needed to. But it didn’t escape me that I was outnumbered three to one and that Quinn had a bow pointed at me. “Think what you want. I know denial is easier for you.”

I took a step closer towards her, my eyes locked with Regan's. “But you know all you really have to do is ask Blake.”

I lunged forward, reaching for her rapier.

Regan reacted, but she’d lost a few precious seconds. My hand gripped her wrist, twisting hard. My body crashed into hers as we fell to the ground.

The damp earth shifted as we rolled across it, locked in a struggle.

The blood was pulsing in my veins. I felt as if I were filled with power. All of a sudden three against one seemed less of a concern and more of a fun challenge. I could do this. I knew I could.

Regan twisted against me, trying to get the upper hand, but I slammed her arm into the ground, forcing her rapier hand down with all my strength.

Regan growled, fighting me with renewed fury as she tried to roll me off her. I could feel her weight shifting, feel the sheer effort of her desperation to win this fight. She was a highblood. She was stronger, faster. For a split second, doubt crept into my mind.

Then I saw something in Regan’s eyes. The same doubt reflecting back at me.

I gave a ragged laugh, giddy at the sight of it, my grip tightening. “You expected this to be easy, didn’t you? So sorry to disappoint. Any guesses as to why things aren’t going your way?”

“You’re nothing but a blightborn,” she hissed, her beautiful lips curling in disdain as she tried again unsuccessfully to slam me back into the dirt. “I will crush you like the pathetic bug you are.”