“I can help!” she argues, rushing around to face me.
“I know you can, but I need you here.” I move around her dismissively, and she wraps two bands of fire around me, caging me like an animal.
“If you’re out there, I won’t be able tothink,” I admit through gritted teeth. “Once I know there are no more bombs, I will come back for you, but right now I need to know you’re safe.”
“It’s okay. Let him go.” Amaya reaches for her arm and nods to me in silent knowing. Reign releases her power, but her glare doesn’t falter as she watches me vanish.
The moment of relief I feel knowing she is safe is quickly replaced with dread when I land back in the chaos. Jace is cradling Roman in his arms, and I know he’s dead. Sharp pain clutches my chest, but I can’t afford emotions right now. I cast my shadows out, drawing everyone’s attention to me. Most look like they’re still in shock, their eyes glazed over. Not a good sign when getting ready to enter a war where reaction time is vital.
“Wolves, search the Heart for any other explosives! I want every inch of it cleared.” They heed my order, shifting immediately. “Fae, check the Hall! Leave nothing unturned. The rest of you, do what you can to help the injured. If they aren’t breathing, leave them!” My orders seem to shake everyone out of their stupor, and they immediately go to work.
“What do you need from me?” Akari asks, hurrying over to my side.
“There isn’t enough room in the infirmary for everyone. Clear out the Center and prepare beds. Take Emeric with you.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Ryder!” Elias shouts from across the way. I know it has to be killing him to be in that chair, unable to run around and help like everyone else.
“You’re not hurt, are you?” I ask, looking him over.
“No, I’m fine, but listen. I was watching the units before the explosion, and it was Nexus. He just blew up… as if he were the bomb.” His ocean-blue eyes bore into mine like he’s trying to say more without actually saying it.
“Where’s Zane?”
“I’m not sure.”
Not the answer I wanted.
“Can you take charge here?” He nods, but I can see the haunted look behind his eyes. I put a hand on his shoulder. “I know what you’re feeling and that what I’m asking of you is no small thing.”
“I’m good,” he says in a low, gravelly voice that tells me he is far from good.
I already knew it, but his ability to push through in times of action is one of the many reasons he’s a fine soldier. It’s clear to me now, we need more of him, but that’s a conversation foranother day. Right now, I need to find Zane. Maybe Amaya will know where he’s at.
“Where’s Zane?” I ask before they can torpedo me with more questions and demands.
“He was in the Grand Library doing some research with Kane.”
“Why?” Reign quickly follows up. Her tone is telling. She knows something is up. Amaya looks to Reign, her face pinched with confusion.
“What’s going on?”
“Ryder…” Reign warns.
“Nothing. I just need to find him.”
“Don’t do that,” she says, taking a step forward. “We said no more secrets.”
There she goes. Using the trump card on me.
I let out an exaggerated sigh. “I don’t know much, okay? Elias said Nexus went off like a bomb. I’m not saying Zane is going to do the same, but I need to make sure.”
Amaya starts sobbing, and Reign instantly wraps her arms around her.
“Shhh, I’m sure he’s fine,” she promises, rubbing her back in soothing motions. “What can we do to help?” she asks, directing the question to me.
Her expression is pleading, as if she’s begging me to help give Amaya a distraction. I want to tell her to stay in Grimstone and out of the way, but I can’t bring myself to do it with her looking at me like that.
