Masaru wiped a trickle of blood from the corner of his lips. “I am. After all, I’ve paid a lot more for a lot less.”

Again, Kasumi narrowed her gaze on Ryuichi. “Then you are a very special boy. As a rule, Masaru refuses to serve any mortal.”

A chill went down his spine. There was a warning note in her voice that made every part of him nervous. “How do you mean?”

She curled her lip at Masaru. “He only serves the dark gods. And as long as he’s been here, all he’s done is lure others to death . . . or betrayal.”

Ryuichi swallowed. Was Masaru a shinigami? They were the only ones he knew of who tempted others toward death—the darkest of the dark.

He turned to Masaru. “I don’t understand this.”

“Honestly, neither do I.” Kasumi raked a scathing glare over Masaru. “Each student is given a yōkai they can bond with during training or fights.” She held out her hand, and a small teapot shot from the shelves into her palm. “Most, like Toshida here, are battle-seasoned warriors who gladly loan their skills to our students. And stay with them for the rest of their lives.”

Masaru gave him a lopsided grin. “I intend to loan him my skills . . . and powers.”

She shook her head. “But Masaru will expect something in return. He always does.”

Ryuichi swallowed as he cut a measuring stare toward Masaru. “And that is?”

“You are to reward me with what you think my powers are worth.”

He didn’t like the sound of that.

At all.

Ryuichi let out a nervous laugh. “I’m not a fool.”

“No, you’re not, little dragon.” Masaru bowed to him. “I will guard you and keep you safe.”

 . . . In this life and the next.

Ryuichi wasn’t sure if he heard those words in his mind or imagined them. Most importantly, he wasn’t sure what exactly they meant.

* * *

Keiko flinched as she heard Masaru make a promise that filled her with dread.

I was the one who was supposed to protect him.

Even from Masaru.

How had this happened? She had a long, sordid history with that particular beast.

What am I to do?

From experience, she knew she couldn’t trust Masaru. He’d betrayed everything. Everyone.

Why was he here, at this school? For the briefest instant, she thought he might have sensed Ryuichi’s powers and come for him . . .

But she knew better. Masaru had lost his standing and his honor. It was only bad luck that he was here.

She had protected her charge. None of them had discovered Ryuichi’s real identity.

Not yet.

Not even her former partner.

They might suspect that her charge had great powers, but they had no idea just how great they actually were.