San’s words didn’t bother me. I’d expected it. I wouldn’t worry about something I had no control over, either. If San wanted to break my bones, he would, and I wouldn’t be able to stop him. I could only rely on the peace treaty. I had to trust that none of the students of Maiestas Regia wanted to start a war. And if they did, well…

I already lived with a target on my back. No matter what, a day might come where a vengeful vampire finally got their hands on me. I would just have to trust in my ability to protect myself. And I did, for the most part. Even if my family deemed me useless, I still endured the ten-hour training and learned how to fight, to guard, to incapacitate. I’d learned how to disregard pain and keep parrying attacks with a broken wrist.

The memory made me absentmindedly shake my wrist out, trying to get rid of the permanent stiffness.

Yes, I wouldn’t be bothered here by anyone’s words. I’d endured worse things than someone threatening my life.

Sighing, I tightened the gold ribbon of my uniform, staring at myself in the full-length mirror. I’d barely slept the night before, my thoughts running. Today Kaz would be giving me a tour inside the academic buildings. I’d been requested to wear my uniform. There were more pieces than I’d imagined when I opened my closet to see what it contained. Stockings, skirts, slacks, blouses, sweaters, vests, jackets… at least twenty items to choose from. All with the same golden patterns embroidered about and the school emblem on the shoulder.

I’d opted for the skirt and blouse. The slacks were enticing for easy movement without flashing anyone, but my dagger holster didn’t fit around my calf and I didn’t feel like chancing it again in case something like yesterday happened. It would work better attached to my thigh under my skirt. I pulled on stockings as well to protect my bare legs from the October chill.

I stepped away from the mirror and slipped on a pair of black vans. The students could wear any shoes they wished— the only part of the uniform where they were allowed to express their personalities. Unfortunately for me, I’d only brought black shoes.

What did that say about my personality…?

A tapping came from the door and I pulled it open, startled to find Kaz nearly pressed against it, his face inches away from mine.

“Coast is clear,” he whispered, barely moving his lips. “Let’s go.”

“Clear of what?” I whispered back, shutting the door gently behind me. Good, Kaz wore his uniform too. I wouldn’t be the odd one out.

He gave a pointed look at the double doors behind us.

I frowned. “I’m not afraid of Claude, you know.”

“Everyone is a little afraid of Claude,” Kaz responded, ushering me out of the hall and into the common room.

“It’s just that Sway.”

“It’s more than that. You’ll learn. Claude could murder someone without repercussions. Even if you think you’re close with him, you’re not really. He’s on a different plane of existence. I wouldn’t say he’s cruel, but I wouldn’t put anything past royalty.”

“That sounds a little personal.”

Kaz pursed his lips. “I’m saying this for your benefit.”

I raised my eyebrows but didn’t press it. “You do know I’m supposed to be befriending him, right? I’ll try my best.”

“Aren’t you here by force? Just live out your time quietly and then return to your world. Don’t put yourself in any unnecessary positions or danger. It’s not like you want anything to truly change, anyway. Just keep your head low and you’ll be out before you know it.”

I stopped at the top of the stairs. Kaz took a few steps and then paused as well when he noticed I wasn’t following, turning to look up at me. “Is that what you think?” I asked.

His lips flattened out as if he wasn’t going to continue, but then he sighed. “It’s hard to believe the daughter of the Levant family would truly want peace. For a vampire hunter to not want to hunt. You seem like a nice person and I like you, but it’s impossible to trust you. No one would at this academy would.”

“I’m not…” I began, but trailed off, my throat closing in on itself. What could I say back? My words meant nothing. I dropped my gaze, my body growing uncomfortably warm. Kaz’s kindness only stemmed from his mission to be my guide. Not because he wanted friendship. I’d been wrong when I thought I might have an ally.

Kaz grimaced and rubbed a hand over his forehead. “That came out really harsh.”

“I understand.”

“I don’t mean that I think you’ll stab me when I’m not looking or something. It’s just… your family is notorious. No one knows if you have ulterior motives, even if you claim otherwise.”

My heart thudded in my ears. I wanted to scream that I wasn’t anything like my family, but that wouldn’t change Kaz’s feelings. And I did have ulterior motives, even if they weren’t by my decision. Kaz had every reason to distrust me. Even if it hurt a little. “I know. You don’t need to explain. My family has done terrible things. That’s why I’m here.”

An awkward silence settled between us. I tried to focus on my breathing, resisting the urge to run and return to my room.

“Shall we go?” Kaz spoke after another moment, heading down again before I could answer.

I took two stairs before halting again. “Kaz.”

“Hm?”

“You don’t have to believe me,” I started, “and you’re allowed to feel how you feel, but I do want things to change. It’s true I came here because my family made me, but that’s all they have to do with it. I want to do my part properly and help build the bridge between vampires and humans. And even if you can’t bring yourself to trust me, I still want to be your friend. I’ll place my trust in you instead. Day by day, I’ll become closer to you. And I’ll understand if you stab me in the back if you decide I’m the enemy.”

Kaz pivoted around again, green eyes piercing into mine as he climbed the steps between us until he stood on the one below me, his shoulders coming up to my chin. I had to tilt my head up to keep his gaze.

“That’s a dangerous thing to say,” he said.

“You only bring about change when you take risks.”

“Is that so?”

I nodded.

“Well, it just so happens I’m a risk-taker and your words have persuaded me.” Kaz held his hand out to me. “I accept your high-risk friendship.”

I cracked a smile, taking his hand. “Good. Because to be honest, it would have been awkward to have to be around each other eight hours of the day while on uncomfortable terms.”

“I’ll try, too.”

I tilted my head to the side questioningly.

“I’ll try to trust you, too,” he said, holding my hand tighter. “It was wrong of me to assume who you are as a person and what your intentions are, no matter the circumstance. Neither side should take all the blame. We’ve done just as awful things to humans.”

“Day by day,” I said.

“Day by day,” he agreed.

“Now should we actually go do what we’re supposed to, or should we have another heart to heart?”

He grinned. “Let’s go.”