Page 90 of The Princess of Portals

“It was the only fair solution.”

“To what problem?”

“All the ladies wanting to enjoy the pleasure of my company.”

I smirked at him. “Don’t look now, Romeo, but two of your admirers are coming this way fast. Maybe they’ll fight for the honor of being the first to dance with you.”

He patted me on the back, chuckling. “I’m glad the vampires didn’t eat you, Sav. I missed you. Though I must admit things got a lot quieter the moment you disappeared.”

The only response to that was an eye-roll. Dante seemed to find that even more amusing. A mischievous twinkle lit up his eyes. I knew that look. I was in for a lot more teasing.

Or at least I would have been if his two admirers hadn’t just arrived in front of us.

“Dance with me, Dante,” they said over each other.

The fire in each girl’s eyes promised drama if he didn’t pick her.

“Why, of course,” Dante said smoothly.

He extended two hands. Bewildered, the girls each took one. Dante led them onto the dance floor, where he proceeded to dance with both of them at the same time. He led them into spins and turns, and very soon, they were laughing and enjoying themselves, their battle rage totally forgotten.

Not far from them, Eris and Orion were dancing together. They smiled at me. I smiled back. At least they didn’t think I was a bad apple.

Not all of the Knights were as cordial. Kato and Conner were well-liked, and the rumor that I was somehow responsible for their odd behavior was spreading fast.

The music stopped.

“May we have your attention please.”

I knew that voice. Kato! He stood in front of the orchestra. The six mentors stood with him. Knights and Apprentices gathered around them.

“This is the big day,” Kato said. “The day Apprentices become Knights. The day you join your Tribes.”

Anticipation buzzed in the air. As far as rites of passage went, this was a big one.

Altair stepped forward. “Joining the Alchemists are Ansel, Parker, Chris, Lara, and Tristan.”

The crowd applauded as the named Apprentices joined Altair. Ansel’s placement in the Alchemist Tribe was no surprise. He was a genius.

Eris was up next. “Joining the Nymph Tribe are Nevada, Wayne, Georgia, Ryan, and Cindy.”

“Go, Nevada!” Dante and I shouted over the lively applause.

Though I did not envy her being stuck with Georgia. What the heck had happened there? Georgia was Zoe’s trusty sidekick and one of the Victory kids. Nymphs were supposed to be kind, calm, and harmonious. The kids from Victory were none of the above.

Next, Orion welcomed the new Dreamweavers into the Tribe. “Jack, Noah, Troy, Mona, and Kylie.”

“They actually placed me,” Kylie gasped. “How? I missed so much of the training.”

“I guess you’re a natural.” I winked at her.

She joined her new Tribe, grinning.

Ainsley was next. She stepped to the front, looking as glamorous as always. “How are you, my lovely Elves?”

A few of the girls squealed with excitement.

“Joining the most fabulous Tribe of all are Victoria, Sophia, Sophie, and Amber!”