I take off even faster this time, acutely aware of the fact that my mate is waiting for me.
A scream rings out in the distance, and gasps echo through the air, the sounds drawing me closer rather than pushing me farther away. Which can’t be said for those who suddenly run toward me and away from the madness.
They block my path, irritating the hell out of me, but it’s their whispered words that make me falter.
“Who the hell has the power to do that?”
The instant smell of fire envelops me, clogging my throat with uncertainty. As I near the dorms, I startle at the sight of the entryway to the Fire Protectors’ building.
The power is still out around campus, but familiar flames frame the entryway.
A quick glance toward the other protector buildings confirms none of the others have returned to their protective states, reconfirming that magic has not been restored.
Protocols have been completed, ensuring the safety of campus, and a full Rejuvenating Ceremony will likely take place tomorrow, so this is at the hands of an individual, and my gut already knows who.
Skidding to a halt in front of the building, I gape at the flames, unsure of how I can approach, yet desperate to step inside. Distress consumes me with only one thought on my mind: Ivy.
As if summoned by The Fates themselves, I spy a disgruntled Silas storming toward the flames. Staying light on my toes, I beeline for him, planting my hand on his arm as he leaps through the flames, and I dart with him.
My back collides with the wall the second I step foot on the other side as Silas shoves me off him.
“What the fuck?” he snaps, and I shake my head, scrambling to my feet and darting for the stairs before I can get into an altercation with him.
Breathless, I screech to a halt at her door, rapping my knuckles on the wood three times before I throw caution to the wind and I let myself in.
From the doorway, I’m rooted to the spot as I watch Archer drape a sheet over Ivy’s naked frame, tucking her into bed, his jaw tight and eyes wide. Sax prowls back and forth at the foot of the bed in his tiger form, his white fur on full display, a snarl on his tongue, while Baron stands closest to the door, arms folded over his chest, anger palpable from every inch of him.
I get one single step inside, and before I can even close the door, Baron's fist collides with my face. I take the full weight of his hit, startled as I fall to the floor, staring up at the ceiling in a daze.
“Could everyone stop fucking hitting me?” I snarl, my muscles twisted in knots as I rub at my jaw, forcing myself to stand, despite the pounding in my face.
The second I'm at full height, I’m graced with the presence of our dragon rider in my space.
“This is your fault,” he bites, making my heart twist as I pant with every breath.
“What is?” I ask, acutely aware that Ivy is in whatever state she's in.
“Our mate is a whirlwind, but it’s not quite a common occurrence for her to be in this state. Never mind the…” Archer’s words trail off as Baron scoffs.
“The flames,” he bites, and I exhale.
“At the door?” I clarify, and he nods.
“Ivy did it,” Archer confirms, and despite knowing it in my stomach, my eyes still bug out of my head at the acknowledgment.
Gripping the back of my neck, I gulp. “Is she okay?” I breathe, and Baron throws a sprig of ivy and a piece of paper in my direction.
My gut sinks with fear as they land at my feet.
“Leonardo,” Archer confirms, and I hide my face in my hands as my fingers curl into the roots of my hair.
I cling on for dear life.
“What the fuck happened?” I ask, and Baron scoffs.
“How about you tell us? Where were you? We know Dorian was with her, not you.”
My head dips as I release the ends of my hair, inhaling sharply as my lips part, but before I can speak, a soft voice calls my name.
