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“I could find her now,” I retort, not wanting to drag the situation out any longer than necessary. Waiting until morning only gives Burton more time to act.
“The professors’ quarters are impossible to access. You won’t be able to get there. If you’re willing to help, it will have to be in the morning, just like the other day when she helped you.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose, exhaustion threatening to claim me as the mess around us continues to grow. I haven’t forgotten the words Burton stated earlier, either. Whoever he’s working with in The Monarchy is allowing them access to push forward with their plans.
That’s another hurdle we’re going to have to face sooner rather than later, but maybe for tonight at least, it will keep him occupied.
“You’re going to have to hide out here for the night.” I look into my brother’s eyes and he nods, unfazed by a night in the forest. It feels like a stark contrast to the boy I met when I arrived here; one full of demands, selfishness, and a pompous attitude. “I’ll bring her to you, then you’re on your own,” I add, meaning every word, and that seems to be more than enough for him.
“I won’t go quietly,” he croaks, scrubbing the back of his neck as he exhales, eyes still locked on mine. Brax inches closer to him in a defensive manner, but I raise my hand, wanting my brother to explain further. He must sense the question without me saying it because he slowly rises to his feet, standing tall as he offers me his hand. Indecision flickers through my thoughts for a split second, but despite the uncertainty, I place my palm in his and he pulls me to my feet. “Whatever you need, whatever this battle requires, I’ll be there.”
“No,” I state with a shake of my head, and he completely ignores me as he glances at each of my men before boring his eyes into mine once more.
“I deserve to die, but not in that room. I deserve to die for a purpose greater than me. Raven Hendrix, I am Sebastian Hendrix, and I pledge to help with all that I am, all that I could be, and all I wish to be.”
TWENTY-SEVEN
RAVEN
The echo of our front door closing behind us solidifies the fact that we’re home and hidden from the rest of the world. My eyes dart around the open-plan space, making sure there haven’t been any more surprise intrusions, and when everything appears to be untouched, I sag back against the door with a sigh.
We haven’t spoken. Not a single word. I’ve been trapped in my head the entire time, trying to figure out where my mind is at. I’m exhausted. Bone-dead exhaustion from the constant shit we find ourselves in.
Burton’s confirmation that his plan proceeds, Sebastian’s assholey face back to normal as he breathes pleas for Lyra, my new jet-black hair.
I’ll look at it later. It’s not high enough on my priority list right now.
Creed takes my hand, silently tugging me from my spiral as he walks me toward the sofas. I flop against the cushions just as dramatically as I had leaned against the door. My eyes fall closed, and I try to calm my breathing.
Hands touch my arms and legs, shifting me into place so that my feet are propped up on the coffee table and my head is nestled against the back cushions. I wiggle in deeper, my eyes heavy, until lips press against my cheek, bringing me back to the present.
“How are you feeling?” Zane asks, running his thumb over the spot he just kissed. I sense someone on my other side, too, but I don’t turn to look. Instead, I try to answer his question as honestly as possible.
“Confused.” The word feels heavy on my tongue, weighing me down as if admitting the truth only adds to the confusion.
Despite my growing inner conflict, Zane smiles softly at me, shifting his hand to hold my chin in place, forcing my eyes to lock on his.
“Confused because you’re glad you helped your brother despite him being the biggest cunt that ever existed? Or, confused because you’re still going out of your way to help him? Even though you’re technically telling yourself you’re doing it for Lyra.” He quirks a brow at me, the knowledge and challenge clear, while all I can do is gape at him like a damn fool.
Frowning, my lips purse, unsure if I like his reading of me or not. “I thought Creed was the one with the mind reading abilities…” My gaze seeks out my onyx love at the mention of his name, and I find him sitting at the dining table with Brax, his head in his hands as he tries to smirk at me, but it falls flat.
It seems I’m not the only one drained and exhausted by all of this.
“Mind abilities aren’t needed,” Eldon states from my left, his hand falling to my thigh as Zane hums in agreement.
“When you came to the academy, Raven, a complete whirlwind of attitude and anger, you kept everyone at arm’s length, us included. But with every layer you’ve peeled away, the more you’ve revealed yourself.” A lightness dances in his eyes.
“So you think you know me, huh?” I grumble with a pout, slightly impressed that he knows me as well as this but irritated by it at the same time. How am I supposed to dwell and stress if it can be explained away so easily?
“I don’t think, I know,” he retorts, earning an eye roll from me. I should have expected a response like that.
“How so?” I push, intrigue getting the better of me. I can’t deny the fact that hearing him read me so effortlessly both warms my heart and sets my soul on fire.
He tucks a loose tendril of hair behind my ear, letting his fingertip stroke over my cheek before he finds the words to answer. “Shadowmoor made you a tough bitch, Dove. A badass in her own right, but being here with us has allowed you to find the inner Raven you always were. The little girl you kept tucked away inside, hiding from the rest of the world; she gets to find herself too.”
I feel like I can’t breathe, my throat clogged with emotion. “And who is she?” I ask, barely able to hear the words over the pounding of my pulse in my ears.
“She’s just as fucking ruthless, let’s start with that,” he states, holding up a finger to count, and a small snicker burns through my chest, escaping from my lips. “But that ruthless girl? She cares more deeply than anyone I’ve ever known. Still selfish, sure, but not for her own safety. Never for her own safety, annoyingly enough. But for the ones she loves, and I’ll forever be honored to be on that list.”
