I froze. The card. The threat. It had been him all along.
"According to my Registry data," he continued, as if discussing the weather, "they are 'Critical Threats'. I could have them expelled tonight. I could have them arrested for the 'Assault' in the medical wing. I could have them... neutralized."
He looked at me.
"But if you join me... they are safe. I will grant them immunity. They can keep their bond. They can keep their magic. As long asyoubelong to me."
The room spun.
It wasn't just an offer. It was a hostage situation.
"And if I refuse?" I whispered.
Marrow smiled. He reached out and picked up the apple from his desk.
He held it up. And then, he inhaled.
The apple withered. In seconds, it turned brown, then black, then crumbled into dust in his hand. He drained the life right out of it.
"Then I will start with Mr. Blackmoor," Marrow said dusting his hands. "He has such a... spicy flavor. I think I would enjoy him."
He checked his watch.
"You have twenty-four hours to decide, Lina. Become my right hand... or become my next meal."
"Get out of my office."
I turned and walked to the door. I didn't run. I refused to run.
"Think about it!" he called after me, cheerful again. "Partners, Lina! We could be gods!"
I slammed the door behind me.
I walked down the hallway, my boots echoing on the stone. My heart was pounding so hard I thought it might crack my ribs.
I pushed through the exterior doors and into the cool night air.
The Triad was waiting.
Rhett saw my face first. He didn't ask. He just moved.
He crossed the distance between us in two strides and wrapped me in his arms. He buried his face in my hair, inhaling deeply, checking for injuries, for scents, for Marrow's touch.
"Did he hurt you?" Kai demanded, grabbing my hand.
"No," I whispered against Rhett's chest.
"What did he say?" Lucien asked, his voice tight.
I pulled back. I looked at them. My boys. My pack.
They were alive. They were warm. They were magic.
And Marrow wanted to turn them into dust.
"He wants me to join him," I said, my voice hard. "He wants me to help him drain the school. And if I don't... he's coming for you."
Rhett snarled—a jagged, vicious sound. "Let him come."
