I hesitated.
Even the air between us seemed to tighten, as if the castle itself didn’t want the words spoken aloud.
“It’s not something you want to find out,” I said eventually. My voice was softer now.
More dangerous.
She searched my face, trying to gauge the truth in my eyes.
“All you need to know,” I added, “is that no one walks out of it the same. If they walk out at all.”
The flicker of fear crossed her expression, but she covered it quickly, squaring her shoulders.
She was brave. Too brave.
I stepped even closer, close enough that she had to tilt her head to hold my gaze.
“You’re assigned to me now,” I said. “That’s good. It means I can protect you.” A beat of silence.
“But only if you let me.”
She let out a bitter laugh. I gave her a sharp look but let it go.
“I can’t promise you anything,” I continued, “but I’ll help you. As much as I can.”
“How?” she asked, suspicious, arms crossed like armour.
“Your powers, for one. Work with us. Stop fighting us every godsforsaken day. Maybe then you’ll stay alive a little longer.”
“And what exactly would thatinvolve?”
“You’ve seen some of it already. Slade can train your body—build strength and control. Phoenix will help you master the shadows. Leo’s... irritating, but he’s a damn good weapons trainer.”
“And you?”
I hesitated, then met her gaze. “I’ll help you figure out who you are. I’ll help you weaponize your thoughts.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You mean invade my mind.”
I rolled mine. “Call it what you want. There’s something buried in you. Let me dig it out.”
“Oh, and that hasnothingto do with your hatred for unsolved mysteries?”
I almost smirked. “Maybe a little,” I admitted. “But this won’t be easy. It’ll be brutal. It’ll hurt. But if we make you valuable enough, he won’t risk breaking you. He’ll protect you instead.”
“And Vasquez?”
I sighed. “Vasquez won’t back off. He’ll twist and manipulate every chance he gets. He’s got spies in every corner—expect it.”
She muttered, “And you wonder why everyone hates Shades.”
I didn’t respond. Because she was right.
Chapter14
Elira
Apparently, a field trip was in order today.
