“That’s why you’re my favourite Tom.”
“Yeah, well you’re lucky Mr Redgrave put me in charge. Or there would be no chance. Just don’t let me regret this.”
“Scouts honour,” I said.
We walked up to the front steps, the whole lobby glowing with white light.
Soft piano music drifted through the air. I straightened my shirt and pants, aware that my parents would be watching. I took a deep breath.
Mother was waiting in the living room in a long red gown that curved her body. Her black hair was pulled up in a tidy chignon and her gems sparkled with their own light. She was speaking to a tall imposing figure I recognised immediately.
Dominic Lightwood.
When she saw me, she smiled so wide, I almost believed it.
“Devon!” she walked over to take my hands. I allowed her to kiss my cheek.
“Mother,” I said calmly.
“Oh, it’s been an age, has it not? Dominic, do you remember my son, Devon?”
“Dev,” I said. “I prefer it.”
“You look absolutely scrumptious, my darling boy.”
“Thank you.”
Dominic held out his hand to shake it. I hesitated, then obeyed.
“Dev, then.” Dominic said. “Your parents talk of you often.”
“They do? That’s a surprise to me.”
“I heard about your unfortunate incident that landed you in Darkmoor.”
“Ah,” I looked at Mother who was blinking rapidly, sending me dagger-like glares.
“Yes, that wasunfortunate.”
“A shame really. I’ve been looking over your school transcripts. Your teachers were very impressed with your work. I’ve been told you rated in the 99thpercentile in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry. All on an APA of 46D. Incredible.”
I fought the urge to narrow my eyes. “I’m a conundrum, I suppose.”
“Terrible thing that happened at Darkmoor. Those Equinox soldiers will stop at nothing for their own gains, will they. That institute had great potential.”
“I’m sure it did.”
“Thankfully, many of the technologies that were in development on site there were saved. Have you heard of our most recent invention?”
“I can’t say that I have sir.”
Dominic smiled, his eyes dark.
“A device capable of shielding those in need from dark magic attacks. It works almost like a pulse gun. If someone attacks, we can repel them with the press of a button. Isn’t that wonderful?”
I thought of Ash — how he almost died because of that machine.
“Yeah. Sounds great.”
