InkBorn (InkHaven Academy Book 2) Read online

  “That’s Cel,” Lottie inserted, bumping my hip with hers.

  “I know,” I whispered with a little smile though I looked at her in question.

  “Obviously, they liked to fuck,” she answered with a shrug. I ignored the pinch in my stomach at the sight of Emerson with a man he’d enjoyed previously. I couldn’t blame him in the slightest for what he did before he was mine but it was still an unpleasant sensation. But it was Emerson. He was just so open and vibrant, he drew people to him like flies.

  We reached the front of the line where we were given a pouch that was heavy with coin. I was struck by the notion that it was perhaps more coin than I’d ever held at once. Coupled with how much money Gale had given us just a week before, I could not help but think it was too much. Emerson trotted over and nabbed his bag of coin before we moved from the line.

  “I’m supposed to spend all this?” I asked, choosing to ignore the flirtation I’d seen. Emerson fell behind us, staying within sight as we moved off. He and Cel continued to talk, though their expressions had certainly shifted from being flirtatious to more aggravated.

  “Benefit of being Blessed by Zeevar.”

  “Fine, ok, I get that. But they already gave us money, Lottie. A week ago. What’s this for?” I gave the bag a shake and listened to the coins jingle.

  “It’s our money for the rest of the year. How do you think I keep this skin like it is, honey?” She snorted at me. “We’re Order members but we’re not immortal. We age and die like normal Inkeds. We’ve just been blessed a little bit more.”

  “Okay, okay. I get it.” I didn’t really, but money was not something I wanted to argue about. I tucked the bag into my back pocket and went back to the previous topic, “Anyway, party.”

  “No, Kai. Absolutely not. I’m putting my foot down because you are not shaking your way out of this. You’re going and you will wear one of the pretty outfits I picked for you last week.” She wiggled her eyebrows at me.

  “Zeevar, no. As expected, the guys inspected them and Ronan went apoplectic when he saw them. It was a fantastic argument, I just had to swear I wasn’t wearing them for anyone outside our group or else he would have torn them to shreds, burnt them then doused them with acid for good measure.”

  “Really? I would have thought your magical golden vagina could have stopped that.” She dragged me along to follow the rest of the student body towards the back of the building. I didn’t recognize where we were going. Even after living in InkHaven for a year, there were still pockets of it that were undiscovered for me.

  “Lottie, are you really never going to let that go?” I pouted at her but a laugh bubbled up before I could stop it.

  “Nope. Call ‘em as I see ‘em.”

  “Okay, okay. The so-called golden vagina didn’t stop him. So I might have threatened to hack off his balls, tear them to shreds, burn them and douse them with acid, but he said I was being overdramatic. Me. Overdramatic.” I rolled my eyes as Lottie bent over laughing.

  “Who are you? The Kaia Shaw of a year ago probably wouldn’t recognize you.”

  “Who knows at this point really.” I shrugged.

  We slowed down, and I saw everyone was walking out of the building. Shoulder to shoulder with Lottie, we moved to follow.

  “But, really, I don’t recognize me sometimes. Where are we going again?” I whispered under my breath.

  “Temple. Keep up.”

  I swatted her on the arm. “I got that much, Lot. I just meant which one.”

  “Oh, right. The main one on Order premises, honey. We only go to the ones on the Outside as smaller classes. Can you imagine going out en masse and scaring the Inkeds? No way. Besides, that’d be hell to transport.”

  “Right, right.” I only then realized that my mother had seen and interacted with Order members as a Matron. I couldn’t help the surge of excitement of hoping I could see her again. What would she feel were she to see me now? Lottie was right, I was a different Kaia from the year before. For one thing, I actually looked like a proper woman. For another, I had confidence that had been conspicuously lacking previously.

  Taking my hand in hers, Lottie and I walked down a garden path I hadn’t seen before. She spoke in a low whisper as she pointed forward, “Look.”

  A large, sprawling one-floor structure of white marble sat surrounded by luscious bushes and trees flourishing in the stunning colors of early fall - red, yellow and orange.

  The contrast of the cool white and the warm colors was an amazing feast for the eyes.

  “It’s stunning,” my voice reverent - I was awestruck.

  “Mhm, exactly what I thought when I first saw it. It’s Zeevar’s most elaborate temple, which makes sense as it’s exclusively for Order use.” Lottie gave my hand a squeeze when we came to a stop in front of the entrance.

  Air Docent Reid and Ink Docent Murphy stood shoulder to shoulder like they did when they taught Worship classes. This time, though, they wore long robes of black over their usual uniform. The robes, trimmed in their respective Mage colors, whipped in the cool fall air.

  Docent Murphy held out her hands to quiet us before Docent Reid spoke up, “Ok, class. Please be reminded that entering the temple of Zeevar, particularly this one, is a great honor and must be treated with respect. Should respect not be given, the privilege will be taken away.”

  A beat of silence. She nodded when no one spoke up. “Incoming second years are to go in first and then going up - incoming fifths are to go last.” I separated from Emerson with a little smile so that he could join his second-year class at the front.

  Gripping her hand more firmly, Lottie and I jostled along until we joined the incoming Fourth Years. Everyone walked quietly into the building and when I stepped in, I had to fight to stop myself from gasping. Nothing could compare to what I was seeing before my eyes.

  The whole building was done in a stunning white and gold marble that glinted in the late morning sun. All over the walls were tapestries of rich jewel tones that depicted various scenes of the Order’s history.

  Multi-faceted gems of red, purple and blue sparkled as decorations on ornate frames and all over the walls. Huge vaulted windows let in light that glinted off the richness. The ceilings were high, and I had to crane my neck to take in the entire sight - it was worth it.

  “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

  “Yes,” I breathed out and Lottie beamed at me.

  We gathered in a huge room with high ceilings that were covered with even more gems but that wasn’t even the most impressive thing in the room because, in the middle, was a grand statue of Zeevar done in a brilliant translucent green on an opalescent pedestal that seemed to glow from within.

  Unlike the outer rooms that were wall to wall marble, this room was carpeted all over in a soft green so thick that I sunk to my ankles.

  “Down,” Lottie commanded under her breath, and I looked around to see that everyone was sitting on their heels.

  Docent Murphy sat in front with Docent Reid, her hands folded on top of her thighs, a small smile on her face.

  “Class.” She hummed. “Breathe, close your eyes and send your thanks to Zeevar. Say as I say.” Beside her, Docent Reid hummed as well.

  “Zeevar, we are born anew to bring you glory. Exalt thee Zeevar.” A wisp of golden light whipped out of her hand, and I joined my classmates in chanting, closing my eyes as I did so.

  “Zeevar, we are marked. We are not Inked. Exalt thee Zeevar.”

  As I spoke, I felt a warmth in my hands. I opened my eyes to take a peek - a dark red light was whipping lightly out of them.

  “Zeevar, we are honored to train and be in your service. Exalt thee Zeevar.”

  I closed my eyes once more, but I did not need to see. I felt more light whip out of my hands.

  “Zeevar, guide us in this school year and show us where our paths will go. Exalt thee Zeevar. Exalt thee Zeevar,” we repeated the phrase over and over until the whole room was bathed in such bright red and golden
light I could see glimmers even with eyes closed.

  “Exalt thee Zeevar,” we all said aloud for the last time. I opened my eyes as the red and gold winked out and a green light bathed us. In an instant it winked out and it was as though nothing had happened. But something had because I felt an almost unassailable calm wash over me, a peace I had never known could be possible, a faith I felt was unshakable.

  As one, we all stood and walked out of the building in complete silence - it was not a tense silence though, the calm had obviously rained over everyone.

  When we stepped out, Lottie flung her arms out as though she wanted to hug the sky. “Zeevar, I feel fabulous. Wasn’t that just the most wonderful thing?”

  I smiled at her even as her enthusiasm could be a little much. “Wonderful is maybe too simple a word for it. It’s something I’ve never ever experienced and never thought to experience.”

  “Oh, honey, I forgot that this was your first time. Trust me when I say that the feeling of calm will become a really fantastic high in just a few hours. Which is why party!” The word pierced my ear as she shrieked it.

  “Doesn’t that seem, I don’t know, disrespectful?” I winced at Lottie, who was basically dancing down the hallway to our room. She spun in circles and laughed as she burst in.

  “Disrespectful? Zeevar, no. Trust me, sugar, unless you want to spend the entire night awake and bored, a party is the only way to go. Get rid of all that excess energy.”

  “Did I hear party?” An arm came around me, and I leaned into Emerson even as Lottie beamed at him.I hadn’t even noticed that he’d been following us but was nonetheless happy about it.

  “Yeps! Make her come. You’re good at that, aren’t you?” Lottie winked at Emerson.

  I flushed, slamming the door closed in surprise. “Zeevar, Lot.”

  “What? Lottie don’t lie, honey. But I meant the party, you naughty girl.”

  “She’ll come. Won’t you, Precious Kai?” Emerson cooed it straight into my ear, and I whipped around to wrap my arms around his neck.

  “Are you serious, Emers?” Much as I loved Lottie, I wished she were gone. Because she was right, I was feeling a sudden burst of energy and as I nuzzled Emerson’s cheek, I knew how I wanted to spend it.

  Lottie cleared her throat and she spoke up with a chuckle, “Not that I’m a prude like Kaia with the golden vagina but it would be very rude to have sex in my room while I’m standing right in the middle of it.”

  I felt myself flush as I extricated myself from Emerson’s hold. How had I not noticed that his hand had crept up the back of my shirt? “Zeevar.” I ducked my head.

  “Are you embarrassed? Zeevar, don’t be. I’m not. If the two of you suddenly did the naked dance here, I’d be so jealous I’d be forced to join in and, Kaia darling? Much as I love you, you aren’t my type.” She winked at Emerson then. “I’d go for you though, Hawkins. You’re pretty cute.”

  I laughed as Emerson simply chuckled as he ran a hand down my back. “Tempting, Montgomery, but I’m a one woman man.”

  “One woman, three man sort of guy, huh?” Lottie’s voice was slightly muffled coming from inside the wardrobe.

  “That’s me!” Emerson declared as he sat down on my bed and grinned up at me. “But we really should go to the party. The guys are sure to know that it exists so we should go.”

  I bit my bottom lip. “Ok then. But none of them will be there. Won’t it be weird?”

  “You’ll have me.”

  “Oh, all right!” They were right. My entire life didn’t revolve around Alec Gaius, Ronan and Gale - much as I loved the three of them.

  “Yay!” Lottie popped out and bounced back in just a bra.

  “Lottie! You’re half-naked.” I couldn’t help it, I was still a little shocked that she would be so free with a man in the room. A man she wasn’t intimate with.

  “So I am. Figured I’d beat you two to it.” She shook a head at my narrow-eyed stare. “But, anyhow, how’s a body supposed to try on outfits not semi-naked?”

  “I don’t know. By putting them in front of you like a normal person?” I said dryly, standing up and dragging Emerson with me. “Emers, you should go.”

  “What! Why?” he whined at me and pulled.

  “Party, Emerson. Getting ready. Go.” I gave his butt a slap as he dragged himself out. “Before Lottie takes even more clothes off.”

  “I wasn’t looking,” he protested.

  “I know. But I don’t fancy jumping her.” I gave his lips a hard but short kiss as I pushed him out.

  “Okay, see you at the party.” He shouted from the doorway. “Bye, Montgomery!”

  “Bye, Hawkins.” She laughed and angled her head so he could see her - her eyes were laughing. “By the way, I totally know you were eyeing my boobs. Can’t blame you, they’re pretty awesome.”

  I closed the door on Emerson’s shocked face. “Did you have to tease him, Lottie?” I placed my hands on my hips.

  “Sure I did, honey, or he was never gonna leave. Now, time to dress you!” She bounced up and down and as she did, I couldn’t help but stare at her boobs and had to agree that they were indeed excellent specimens.

  I hated myself for being jealous.

  ✽✽✽

  “Lottie. These shoes are killing me.”

  She looked back at me as she dragged me with her, eyeing my shoes dismissively. “You’ll get used to them.”

  “Uh-uh. No,” I whined. “Never.”

  “You only need to use them more. Walk faster,” she demanded dragging me along harder.

  I tripped and cursed. “Dammit, Lottie. Say again, where are we going?”

  “Kitchens.” She turned a corner and clattered down the steps towards the basement.

  “Okay. Why?”

  “We’ll be drinking. Need coffee and food so I don’t destroy myself.” She pushed the heavy doors open, stepping in with a cheery greeting, “Hi! Marcus, you here?”

  A tall, bulky man walked out from the closed kitchens. He had dark skin textured like leather, but the wide smile on his face communicated he knew Lottie well. “Lot the dot! So you come see Marcus on your first day back, huh?”

  “Of course, Marcus. You’re my favorite Earth Mage!”

  The tall man’s bushy eyebrows drew together. “Am I really? Now, who’s this pint-sized thing?” he asked, turning to me.

  “You are really. This is Kaia,” she said, introducing me. “Kaia, Marcus. He basically runs the kitchen. He gives me coffee.”

  I laughed and smiled up at the big man. “Nice to meet you. Thanks for keeping Lottie caffeinated. You’ve done the World a favor there.”

  “The dot gets annoyed when she doesn’t get caffeine. I assume you’re here to have some?”

  “And food if you can swing it. Kaia?”

  “Iced tea?” I asked hesitantly.

  “Yes. But I’ll bring food, and you’ll eat it.” He stalked away and Lottie dragged me towards one of the booths by the wall.

  “Ah, Lottie, won’t we be late?”

  She shook her head. “Nope. Party doesn’t start for another hour.”

  I buried my face in my hands. “And you tortured me with this outfit!”

  “Yep. Zeevar, I can’t believe we’re finally Discs. Hello, Fourth Year!” She stretched her arms high and did a little dance.

  “I was only here last year, Lot. Don’t see how it’s a big difference to me.”

  “Ugh. Well, the last three years have been shit. I want to just be focused on my future. Be a Protector. Security is fine but, Zeevar, I can’t ever be an Assassin. Imagine how shitty that’d be, yeah?”

  I shrugged. “Sure?”

  “Think about the emotional toil of having to actually end a person’s existence. I know it’s something we do for the balance, but I’d rather not do it myself, thank you very much.”

  I held out my hands and gestured with them. “Oh, Zeevar. I have no fucking clue what I want to do.”

  “You’ll do great with
whatever you decide to do. But don’t let anyone make the decision for you.”

  I chuckled. “Okay, Lottie.”

  At that moment, Marcus barrelled out of the kitchen with a tray. He laid a plate with sandwiches and fries in front of us along with iced tea for me and coffee for Lottie.

  “Thanks, Marcus!” Lottie beamed up at him. “They look good.”

  “Eat up and don’t come running to Marcus when you have a hangover.” He glowered at me, and I physically felt myself shrink back. “And you. Eat. So you’re not pint-sized.” Without waiting for a comment he stomped off.

  I picked up my tea and sipped. “I like him.”

  Lottie laughed, sandwich in hand. “Marcus is one of a kind. Now eat up then party!”

  Oh joy.

  Three

  Kaia

  The music pulsed, the bass a low thump that made my head pound. “Lot,” I protested again, even after spending the last hour complaining in the kitchen. “I should change. You really can’t be serious with this. Ronan will kill me if he finds out.”

  Emerson, who we’d run into in the previous hallway, trailed behind me, chuckling, and I could feel his eyes on my ass that was displayed in the asymmetrical, wraparound leather skirt Lot had squeezed me into.

  “Keyword: If. Anyway, I don’t understand why he’d kill you. Your boobs aren’t even showing.” I glanced down at the deep vee of the burgundy, lacy bodysuit that barely covered me. She was right, even braless, I had barely any cleavage despite the low neckline.

  “And her legs?” Emerson’s voice trembled with restrained laughter as he eyed the outrage on my face. I felt eyes turning our way when we walked in the room, and it took all my willpower not to glare.

  “She’s quite short. Stuff fits her differently.” Lottie shrugged, but I detected a hint of laughter in her voice too.

  “So shit should be longer on me, Lot,” I groaned and gestured at what I wore. “And this is not!”