Going Down in Flames (Going Down in Flames #1)(42)

“Thanks for the gift, but I’m not into that sort of thing.”

Everyone but Jaxon laughed.

He glared at her and muttered under his breath.

Mr. Stanton emerged from the adjoining storage room. Had he hidden in there waiting to see how she’d handle the situation? Probably. Damn sneaky dragons.

“Class, at this point, you should be able to sustain your emissaries for at least thirty seconds. Now you need to move it from one hand to the other.”

Mr. Stanton created a twister of wind in his right hand. The whirling mass of air moved over to his left hand and back again.

“It’s important to be able to direct your emissary, or it’s of little use.”

Bryn focused on her hand. Rather than exhale a ball of fire into her palm, she concentrated on creating the fire. Sweat beaded on her brow as five small flames appeared on her fingertips. Pressing her fingers together she compressed the individual flames into a ball of fire.

The boy who’d spoken to her yesterday in class scooted closer. “How’d you do that?”

“I imagined the flames coming from my fingers, and it happened.”

“Cool.” His smile reached his bright green eyes. “I’m Keegan. You’re Bryn, right?”

“Ye—” Ice cold wetness smacked the back of her head, making her jerk forward. She growled and whipped around to find Jaxon smirking at her.

“Sorry.” He was the picture of fake sincerity. “I overshot my hand.”

Mr. Stanton spoke before Bryn could reply. “I don’t want to see another accident in this classroom, especially between you and Bryn. Do I make myself clear?”

Jaxon nodded. “Of course, Mr. Stanton.”

Bryn gritted her teeth and concentrated on her emissary. Foot-high flames shot from her fingertips.

“Bryn,” Mr. Stanton snapped. “Keep it under control.”

While fantasizing about roasting Jaxon on a spit, she focused on moving the ball of fire. She could toss it and catch it, but she couldn’t consciously move it from one hand to another. It was frustrating. “I wish Mr. Stanton would give us more directions.”

“You’re doing better than I am.” Keegan tossed a fireball, which fizzed out instantly. An outraged growl ripped through the classroom.

Jaxon sprawled on the floor. “What did you do?” he snarled at Bryn.

She didn’t bother to hide her huge grin. “I didn’t do anything.”

“Something knocked me out of my chair.”

“My apologies, Blue.” The male Orange dragon spoke in a deep voice. “It’s difficult to catch what cannot be seen.”

The Orange dragon said the word Blue in the same tone Jaxon had said mongrel. Had he knocked Jaxon out of his chair on purpose?

Jaxon nodded to indicate he accepted the apology and took his seat.

Why didn’t he rip the Orange dragon’s head off? Were Blues wary of Oranges for some reason?

After class, Bryn approached Mr. Stanton’s desk, where he sat rubbing the bridge of his nose. “I haven’t found a History tutor for you yet.”

Did she need a tutor? “I don’t know anything about Dragon history. Why don’t I read the chapters and outline them?”

“I’ll need more work to assign you a grade. Pick several influential dragons or historic events and write three five-page papers. You can work in the library. Speak to Miss Enid if you need additional resources.”

She bit back a groan. Three papers had not been part of the plan. Still, it was better than taking chapter tests.

Clint and Ivy waited outside the door.

“I’ve been assigned to the library, so I’ll see you in Basic Movement.”

“I’m jealous. Mrs. Hanfelder made me copy the first chapter of the text during detention last night. I didn’t know if my hand would give out or I’d die of boredom first.”

“Today, be sure to duck and cover,” Bryn said.

Clint saluted. “Will do.”

…

Once she reached the library, Bryn felt conspicuous. Older students, enrolled in college courses, milled about with ease. She headed for the stairwell and climbed to the second floor, intent on hiding out in the study cubicles. The second floor landing was occupied by a couple attached at the lips. Embarrassed, she rushed up another flight of stairs and came out on the third floor.

Now where should she go? The first group of tables by the door was occupied. Pretending she had a plan, Bryn turned left and walked down an aisle. A flash of multicolored light caught her attention. Halfway down the aisle, she discovered a stained glass window depicting dragons in flight. It was beautiful. She approached and ran her fingertips over the glass, which was warm from the morning sun.

Dragons of all colors flew through the bright blue sky. Were there really yellow, brown, white, and purple dragons? No one mentioned them. She traced the Orange dragon and smiled. Anyone who could knock Jaxon on his ass was all right with her.

She continued to search for a table. On her way, she found more stained glass windows. In the far back corner, she discovered a row of tables and chairs. A few held book bags, but none of the owners were present. She picked an empty table and set to work outlining the first chapter of the history book.

Fifteen minutes later, she struggled to keep her eyes open. Who knew this could be so boring? Time for a break. She yawned and glanced at the bookshelves. One shelf, which held pastel-colored books, stood out in the sea of gray and black bindings. Curious, she decided to investigate. The first book she pulled from the shelf had a picture of a dragon and a knight. The title was Legends of Love and War. Interesting.