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My eyes land on Asher, who’s now standing in front of me.
“If you don’t want him on our team, then we could pick someone else, but we’re running out of time.”
The fact he’d choose my judgment over his friend and tutor must hurt Kali’s feelings, but he doesn’t show it. He’s standing tall, waiting patiently for my decision, which I commend. He doesn’t have to join us, especially when we’ve shown obvious apprehension, but I’d scanned the room multiple times when I entered the classroom on purpose.
To scout who would be a good fit if we were tossed into teams.
Sadly to admit, Kali’s magic fits our dynamic six.
“No one else fits my standards,” I admit. The few of the quiet curses and insults prove students are overhearing our conversation on purpose.
Not like there’s much privacy, to begin with.
Taking in Kali’s appearance from head to toe once more, I acknowledge his hazelnut brown hair, unique eyes of orange-magenta with bits of silver, and slightly tanned skin. He’s our height at 5’6”, making him pretty short, in my opinion, and he doesn’t really have much muscle compared to Hades, Asher, and Azrael. That could be a reflection that his magic abilities are strong, but then again, I don’t know what anyone is capable of.
He made it to N.M.U., so he has to be somewhat capable of surviving.
“Kali means ‘doomsday’ in Hindu, doesn’t it?” I bring up. The poor man is staring at me in bewilderment. “Solanine is a type of poison found in nightshade.”
He can’t hide his surprise at my quick deciphering of the hidden roots of his first and last name.
Sliding off the desk, I move around Asher so I can stand before Kali head-on. Being the same height makes the tension spike in our little atmosphere, but I’m zoning everyone out.
Leaving all my attention on the individual before me who I need to confirm is a friend or foe.
“So, my question to you,Kali, is whether you’ll lead our team to an agonizingly slow demise, or will accepting you into our reign of elites walk us down a path of absolute destruction?”
I can see the bubble of nerves in him, and I further play my taunting games by letting a glimpse of my aura flick around me. Whatever is being talked about in the room is no longer important because my signature move seems to silence everyone further behind me.
Ah. Pinch-drop silence can be so empowering.
“I was named after my mother, the previous princess of one of the Malevolence Kingdoms, Kali Anastasia Elvira. Despite the reference to doomsday and death, Anastasia in Russian means Resurrection. Elvira means truth and the name of the Mistress of Darkness in legends,” he explains.
“My Father’s surname was Solanine, and you’re correct about its deadly chemical meaning, but I proudly carry it, for I’ve been blessed with magic that can taint and destroy in similar forms that mimic a poisonous substance.” Despite the risk of revealing what his magic or potential gift can be, he keeps his focus on me, standing his ground.
“If you believe I’ll be but a disservice to you, I’ll gladly let you replace me with another you deem worthy to be a part of your entourage,” he admits and bows his head slightly.As if I’m a queen sitting on a throne.“However, I’m confident I can be a loyal attribute, and I carry no ill will to any of you.”
Impressive.
My lips curl before I can stop myself.
“Alright then.” My approval is evident in my voice, but I lean in to whisper words I know very few would understand.“Hurt what’s mine in any shape or form and I swear to the gods of Nephilim and Malevolence to let your suffering be as agonizingly rich as the poison you reap upon your enemies.”
I enjoy the way he swallows and nods his head ever so slightly.
“I like him,” I announce.
Asher isn’t the only one who lets out a breath they didn’t realize they were holding.
“Sweet Cruella, you had everyone fearing for their life a moment ago,” Asher notes.
“Really?” I look at him in confusion. “Why is that?”
“She doesn’t realize when she goes into a deadly serpent ready to devour her prey with no remorse state of mind.”
I move my eyes to Hades, who doesn’t seem fazed by my protective stance.
“I’m going to assume you’re referring to Ophira.” I point at the golden serpent as she comes out from her snuggled spot around my neck. I actually forgot she was there.
