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“What’s going on?”
I take a deep breath and nod, deciding to trust him with this now. He’s willing to sneak into the infernal realm alone to search for them, risking his own life to bring back the dagger to save Maximus. That alone shows me he’s worthy of our trust.
“There’s something you should know,” I say innocently, hoping he isn’t upset that we didn’t tell him sooner. “When I found the dagger, there was a voice that came to me. It told me to let my blood drip onto the blade to form a bond. So I haven’t tried it out of course, but in theory, I should be able to summon it back to me.”
Titus’ brows furrow as he looks around the room. His eyes light with understanding a moment later, clearly gauging that everyone knew about this except him.
“There wasn’t really a good time to tell you,” I explain, wincing at the glimmer of pain that slices across his gaze, but it’s gone in a flash. “Kallen was always around, and for obvious reasons I didn’t think it was a good idea to trust him with something like that.”
Titus’ shoulders slump slightly, but he nods in understanding.
“Liv,” a woman’s voice nearly screeches as the front door flies open, revealing the harried face of my best friend. I leap from Kyros’ lap and sprint across the room to Nelle as she grips the door frame for support, dragging in ragged pants as she catches her breath.
“Nelle, what’s wrong?” I clasp her shoulders, scanning her body for any sign of injury.
“Penelope?” Titus asks, already at my side as he peers at my friend over my shoulder.
“Penelope?” I ask incredulously, turning a look of disbelief on my half-brother.
“That’s her name,” he huffs in frustration, as though I don’t know what my own damn best friend’s actual name is.
What in the actual fuck is that all about?
“I heard about the house and I had to see it for myself, but it’s here, you’re here,” Nelle says, drawing in several staggered breaths.
“We really need to get you on another run,” Titus says dismissively as he takes a step back, giving me some air.
She cuts a glare over my shoulder at him, not bothering to dignify his insult with a response.
“Come in.” I sigh, tucking my arm under her shoulder and leading her in. Titus motions for us to pass with a flourish and closes the door before following us back to the living room. The rest of the room settles back into their seats, apparently satisfied that my best friend isn’t about to be attacked and has just now taken the moniker as the dramatic friend for herself.
I should get her a plaque or something to celebrate the occasion.
I help her over to the couch and my parents move over, letting her sit beside them. Before I can decide where to sit now, someone clasps my arm and tugs me back straight onto Adrian’s lap.
Mateo and Kyros both frown at him while he grins triumphantly, telling me exactly who pulled me back.
“I guess that means we can continue with the spell as soon as the defenses are in order,” Titus says, continuing our conversation as he takes his place at the edge of the living room again. I don’t miss the way his eyes drift to Nelle as she leans back against the couch, sweat beading over her forehead as her chest heaves for air. There’s a small wistful smile on his lips, but it’s gone before anyone else can see it.
What is going on with him today?
“I saw plans in the cave when we went to scope it out,” Mateo announces. “I didn’t alert Kallen to seeing them, and they were gone when we attacked, so I’m assuming he’s still sticking to the map I saw.” He goes on to explain a map of Ethereal sitting on a table, with the water access points circled.
“That would be a good plan, attack by water and land to spread our forces thin.” My father taps his chin thoughtfully.
“Exactly, but that also gives us an advantage since his troops will have to split up as well.” Mateo grins, the battle lust already shining in his hazel eyes as he plans his attack. “I’ll pass the information along to the generals so they can lay out a preliminary plan for us to authorize.”
My father nods in approval, a small grin playing on his lips.
“That’s a good plan for Ethereal, but if I know Romulus, he won’t be focusing his attack there,” Titus says, his warning wiping the smiles from everyone’s faces. “Especially since Kallen would’ve told him when we were there, he’ll know his plans won’t be a surprise anymore.”
“You’re right.” Octavia grimaces. “If him destroying this house is any sign of his intentions, I’m willing to bet the majority of his forces will be focused on the academy.”
“That would make sense. He knows we’ve been centralized here throughout this war, and he’ll be coming for blood,” Mateo agrees, his eyes distant as he must reformulate his plans in his mind.
“So the house was destroyed?” Nelle asks, her brows furrowing. She sticks her tongue out at me when she notices my attention on her, like she was right and I was wrong.
“Not the time,” I murmur, giving her a quick shake of the head.
