Going Down in Flames (Going Down in Flames #1)(21)

“Purple,” Bryn replied with a straight face.

“Right.” He pretended to believe her. “I can see why you’d want to cover that up.”

“If I could have everyone’s attention,” the tour leader bellowed. He shot a scathing glance at the two Orange dragons, who’d stayed ten feet behind the group the entire tour. “Classes start bright and early tomorrow morning. Tardiness is not tolerated. Be sure to visit the tables along the walking paths to acquaint yourselves with the extracurricular activities we provide. Remember, you’re required to maintain an active membership in at least two clubs during your time here.”

Students drifted off in different directions.

Ivy continued their conversation. “You’ll get your share of grief from the Blues. That’s okay. You can hang with us.” Ivy winked at Bryn. “I’ll let you introduce me to Zavien.”

“It’s his hair, isn’t it?” Clint said. “I could wear my hair like that.”

“Speak of the devil.” Ivy pointed down the sidewalk.

Zavien stood behind a table labeled Wilderness and Survival Training. He gestured with enthusiasm as he spoke to a group of dragons that included several Blues. Bryn moved closer to eavesdrop.

“Camping is a wonderful adventure. We teach you how to survive in the wild. You’ll learn to catch fish, clean them with your own hands, and cook them over an open flame. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.”

Zavien grabbed a twelve-inch, serrated knife from the holster on his belt. “Let me explain the proper way to gut a fish.”

The Blue dragons turned away with expressions of horror. Bryn strolled into his line of sight. “Are you trying to appear criminally insane?”

Zavien twirled the knife in his hand. “I’ve no idea what you mean.”

“Those are new.” She pointed at the lip rings he sported.

Reaching into his mouth, he pulled out several magnets. “I thought they were a nice touch.” He made a yuck face. “The magnets taste terrible.”

Ivy sidled closer and cleared her throat.

Bryn took the hint. “Zavien, this is Ivy and Clint. We met on the tour.”

Zavien’s lopsided grin made an appearance. “Nice to meet you. Any friend of Bryn’s is a friend of mine.”

He assumed a lot.

Ivy smiled. “We thought we’d adopt her. She has good hair. All she needs is a few tattoos.”

“The filthy mongrel needs dog tags,” drifted out of a group of students passing by. Cruel laughter followed.

Fists clenched, Bryn glared at the students laughing at her expense. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t set their hair on fire.”

“You don’t want detention your first day here.” Zavien returned the knife to his holster. “I assume you’ll all join my group.” He passed out application forms.

Hands shaking, Bryn reached for a pen. Zavien placed his hand on her shoulder and gave a reassuring squeeze.

That helped, a little. “What other group will cause me the least amount of pain?”

“My friend, Nola, runs the theater and stagecraft groups. Come on, I’ll introduce you.”

She followed him over to a table with a large, colorful banner that proclaimed, “Theater students are more interesting than normal students.”

Sitting on the table was a woman who resembled a dark-haired Barbie doll.

Clint stepped forward. “I’ve always been interested in the theater.”

“Really?” Nola said. “What’s your favorite part?”

“The beautiful women.” Clint winked.

Nola chuckled and pointed at Zavien. “Did you teach him that line?”

“I wish.” Zavien clapped Clint on the shoulder. “That was good.”

Clint puffed out his chest with pride. “Thanks, I try.”

A tingling sensation crept up Bryn’s scalp. What now? After scanning the sidewalk, she located a group of older students staring at her. She reined in the urge to flip them off. Instead, she took a membership form for the stagecraft department and filled it out.

Ivy passed her another piece of paper. “Sign up for the theater department, too.”

“No, thanks. I’m already onstage.”

“She’s right.” Zavien moved to stand between her and the group of students. “She doesn’t need to draw more attention.”

Nola checked her watch. “It’s time to close up shop.” She collected her papers and pens and placed them in a floral fabric bag. “Why don’t I take you on a tour of the theater?”

“You three go ahead.” Zavien placed his hand on Bryn’s arm. “We’ll catch up with you.”

Clint, Ivy, and Nola walked off down the path.

“Come help me pack my stuff.” Zavien headed toward his Wilderness and Survival Training booth.

When they reached his table, she helped him collect his papers. “Is this where I get my secret decoder ring so we can pass messages back and forth?”

“No,” Zavien said. “This is where I ask why you approached Jaxon Westgate.”

His expression wasn’t angry, but his tone of voice was.

“I didn’t know who he was. He was next to me in line, and I thought it would be nice to get to know some people. I had no idea he was Ferrin’s son.” Her stomach rolled as she remembered the encounter.