Page 191 of Stormbreaker

Rook tackles him to the ground, using his element of surprise. The Guard grunts and kicks, while Rook throws several punches. I think of the video I just saw and the way Rook fought the Breakers with such ease and skill. It becomes obvious as they roll together across the floor that, despite his competence on the sparring mats, he was always holding himself back.

They continue tussling, and I can’t decide what I should do. Run? I don’t want to leave Edward, but I’m also not sure if I’m safe with Rook.

He cocks his arm and delivers a blow to the Guard’s cheek. The man cries out, and I hear the crack of bone before Rook snatches his stun gun and scrambles up, blasting the Guard in the chest.

He didn’t even blink.

I stare at Rook, surer than ever that I have absolutely no idea who he really is.

“Are you okay?” he asks, looking up. Despite the fight, he’s barely winded at all.

Am I okay?

“Did he hurt you?”

“No,” I say. “I’m fine.”

Physically, at least.

“What’s wrong?” he asks, because I haven’t moved. I’m just staring at him, trying to organize my thoughts.

“You were there that night,” I say. “When Raine was attacked.”

He blinks, something passing behind his eyes.

I want him to deny it. Tell me I was mistaken. That the video was fake, or he has an evil twin brother, or something.

“I was planning to tell you,” he says, knocking the breath from my chest. “I was going to tell you everything.”

“Everything?”

Obviously, there’s more to say. I think about Rook searching those hallways. This is about so much more than my brother and that night. He didn’t just come here to find out more about what he is.

“Poet, we have to get out of here before they come for us. They know what you are now. I promise that I’ll tell you everything, but not here.”

I shake my head. “I don’t know who you are.”

He approaches, the stunner still gripped in his hand and his palm flattened to his heart. “I’m still me—I swear to you. There are some things I couldn’t share, but I promise you have nothing to fear from me.”

I open my mouth and close it. “We can’t leave Edward.”

Rook glances at his unconscious form. “They aren’t after him. They’re after you.”

“Me?” My mind is having trouble catching up. It’s all clouded and foggy, swimming through mud.

“The Extinguishers are coming for you, and they won’t ask questions, Poet. They’ll shoot before they listen to a word you have to say. Please. I’m begging you,” Rook pleads. “Just come and I’ll tell you everything as soon as we’re safe.”

Slowly, I nod as he takes my hand. I’m numb. I barely feel it as he tugs me away, glass crunching under my feet as we cross Mr. Robins’s office and enter the hallway. I look back at Edward’s slumped form, praying he’ll be all right, but Rook is pulling me away.

“Stop!” someone shouts from the far end of the hall. Two more Guards materialize, and Rook spins, shoving me back. He fires the stunner, two blasts in quick succession, striking each Guard before they have a chance to react.

“Run!” he orders, pulling me by the hand in the opposite direction.

More Guards appear.

“This way!” Rook shouts as we barrel into a stairwell.

Footsteps pound from below, and the blast from a stun gun fires up.