If they’d left without Assembly approval, they’d be branded deserters. Everything—family legacy, their careers—would be at risk.
A rebellious part of me whispered,‘They sacrificed everything to come after you.’
I squashed that thought and stepped into my leggings and sports bra. “They can’t do this,” I muttered, braiding my hair roughly. “They can’t destroy me and then show up expecting sanctuary.”
‘And yet,’Noodle said, coiling up my leg,‘they are here.’
Grabbing my bag, I headed to the door, determined to reach the combat hall before they found me. Training with Stardust was exactly what I needed—routine, normalcy—not four emotionally wrecked men barging into my life.
Bursting through the tower door into the misty morning, I almost collided with Phoenix. He steadied me with his strong hands, his copper-brown eyes widening at my frazzled appearance. “Jupiter. What’s wrong?”
“They’re here. The Nightfall Shield came to Imperium.”
Phoenix’s entire demeanor shifted. His warmth vanished, replaced by anger and coldness. He released my shoulders, eyes narrowing. “How close are they?”
“Likeherehere.” I pressed my palm against my chest, where the bond throbbed like a second heartbeat. “They must have flown overnight. I don’t even know how this is possible. Director Waverly told me they couldn’t follow.”
Phoenix swiftly dialed on his phone. “Lucas has to know immediately.”
“I don’t need protection,” I started, but his stern look silenced me.
“This isn’t only about your protection, Jupiter, though that’s the main issue here. But there are four unauthorized shield warriors in Imperium’s territory. If they step onto these grounds without the Headmaster’s approval, it becomes a significant issue.” Phoenix spoke into the phone. “Lucas. We have a situation.”
Standing there in the damp morning air, I listened to Phoenix relay the information, trying to steady my breathing. The mist swirled around my sneakers, and in the distance, a bell tolled five-thirty.
Phoenix ended the call. “Lucas is gathering the others and alerting Professor Winters.”
“I didn’t ask for any of this,” I said, horrified as my voice cracked.
Phoenix softened slightly. He didn’t touch me again but positioned himself between me and the main gates, as if Nightfall was about to barge right through and sweep me out of here against my will. “I know you didn’t. But you’re not alone in this anymore.”
Footsteps crunched on the gravel path behind us five minutes later. I turned to see Jamie emerging from the mist, a cigarette already lit between his scarred fingers. His vivid green eyes were bloodshot, suggesting he hadn’t slept. “They actually showed up then.”
“Apparently abandoning everything. Reckless fucking idiots…”
Jamie took a drag. “Desperate men tend to act like idiots. What do you want us to do about it?”
“I don’twantorneedyou to do anything, Jamie. None of this is on any of you and it’s not fair for me to just drop my drama in your laps. I just want them to go home. I came here to get away from them. I thought I could start over here, and maybe find a way to sever the bond. But if they’re here, the proximity might actually make it impossible.”
I hugged my arms against my chest, realizing I’d rushed out in such a panic that I hadn’t even grabbed a jacket. The thin fabric of my sports bra offered little protection against the damp morning.
“You’re freezing,” came Theo’s low voice as he emerged from the mist, Lucas and Rowan close behind him. Before I could protest, Theo shrugged out of his coat and draped it over my shoulders.
“I’m fine,” I muttered, even as I instantly leaned into the warmth. The coat smelled like clove cigarettes and peppermint, which I realized I liked a bit too much.
“Just take it,” he said. “No need to freeze on top of everything else.”
I reluctantly slipped my arms through the sleeves, which hung well past my fingertips. “Thanks.”
Lucas stepped closer. “I just spoke with Winters. She turned the Nightfall Shield away when they arrived in the middle of the night.”
I blinked, momentarily speechless. “They’re gone?”
“Not gone, but denied entry to campus. Apparently, Winters received a call from Dominion before they even landed, warning that they’d disobeyed direct orders and left for London without authorization.”
“So they’re just, what, sitting at the gates?”
“They’ve been put up at an inn in the village. Winters made it clear they’re barred from stepping foot on campus until you explicitly grant permission.”
