“We finally got word back from Zane and Nexus,” Akari starts. She’s become the newest member of the council after Emeric insisted I trust her. Apparently, Officer Delecroix’s betrayal didn’t only hurt Reign. “They said the Training Sector is back to the way it was a few years ago. Witches are being taught banned spells and they’re training the students on torture techniques, amongst other things.”
“That’s no surprise. It was bound to happen, eventually. Are the two of them safe?”
“As safe as they can be. I told them in the letter we sent back that if at any point they need extraction to use the vials of vapor we sent with them.”
“Any updates on the lost island?” I direct the question to the other end of the table where Artemus is fidgeting with an old quill pen he found in the study this morning. He hates these meetings almost as much as I do, but he’s the only one I trust enough to be my second in command.
“After what you told us about the ancient wards, we’ve been looking for a way through them, but so far everything is telling us that normal magic won’t work. There has to be some other power source that could break through them,” he reports.
It’s not the update I wanted after letting Slader spend three weeks sifting through my memories. I had hoped by now we would at least know of a way to break through the wards or have nailed down the location, but we have neither and time is not on our side.
When the meeting ends two hours later, I’m thankful Emeric finds me for a sparring match. His technique has improved immensely since I started mentoring him. Hopefully in another month or so he’ll be able to help train some of the newcomers who haven’t fought since they left the Sector years ago. He may not be quite as advanced as Damien, but Akari was right in her comparison of the two.
“Have you seen her today? I haven’t had a chance to stop by yet.” He doesn’t have to say her name for me to know who he’s referring to.
“Only for a minute. No change,” I say dismissively before connecting my fist to his jaw.
“Ow! What was that for?” he whines as he moves his jaw side to side.
“What have I said about always being ready for a fight?” Although punching him is a good lesson to stay ready, there’s a small part of me that enjoyed retaliating at his mention of Reign. It’s hard enough having to push her from my mind every second of every day. I don’t need a reminder from him, too.
“If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready,” he mocks with the roll of his eyes that instantly reminds me ofher.
“Exactly,” I snicker before vaporating behind his back. This time, he whirls around and catches my fist before it has a chance to land the blow. “Now you’re learning.”
I let him land some of his own punches, welcoming the pain. What does it say about me that I find comfort in violence? I suppose it only makes sense considering how I was raised. Pain equals punishment and I’m still punishing myself for not protecting her. For not saving her.
“Have you found anyone to help my brother?”
The question catches me off guard. It’s been weeks since he’s brought Elias up to me.
“Not yet.” His head drops at my answer, and I can tell he’s trying to hold back the tears so I quickly add, “but I have Roman asking everyone if they know of anyone back in the realms who may be able to help.” I put my hand on his shoulder and he looks up at me. “If there’s someone who can help, we’ll get them here. Even if that means we have to go get them.”
With that promise he appears to perk up slightly right before crashing his fist against my temple.
“What was that about staying ready?” he mocks with a smirk that I’ll make sure he pays for later. I never got a chance to grow up with a little brother, but I imagine this is what it would feel like.
“She’s awake!” Akari shouts from across the way as she attempts to catch her breath. “She’s—”
I don’t wait for her to finish. I’m already standing at the end of the bed paralyzed by the pair of jewel-toned eyes burning into me.
Chapter 20
Reign
“Take it easy, Reign. Here, drink this.”
A man I don’t recognize hands me a glass of water while Amaya readjusts my pillows to help me sit up. It’s not until the glass is completely empty that I pull it from my lips. Despite downing the whole thing without a single pause, my mouth still feels drier than a desert wasteland.
“How do you feel?” Amaya asks, taking my hand in hers. It feels right having the comfort of her hand wrapped around mine. It’s a feeling I thought I’d never feel again. I want to tell her I feel amazing, that I feel better than ever, but the truth is I’m not sure how I feel.
The man who handed me the glass of water looks to both Amaya and Ryder before saying, “How about we give her amoment with the king, so he can explain what happened out there.”
With the mention of the king, I shoot up out of the bed, knocking into the side table. Ryder is next to me, helping steady me as the dizziness rushes to my head.
“He’s referring to me,” he says, dipping his head so that our eyes meet. “You’re safe now. My father can’t get to you here.”
I glance to Amaya for confirmation, and she nods. Ryder turns his signature deadly glare to the man standing next to Amaya on the opposite side of the bed. The man quickly guides Amaya to the door, and she reluctantly goes, still looking back at me. I want to tell her to stay. I don’t want her to leave my side, but again I can’t seem to find the words.
