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“No reason,” he murmurs, reaching for the glass in front of him. It’s a murky brown color and strong if the grimace on his face is anything to go by.
If he’s going to try and leave me in the dark, I can direct the conversation elsewhere if necessary. “What about you, Sebastian? Any interactions with the Basilica guests?”
The corner of his mouth lifts in a sneer, like he would love nothing more than to set me on fire, but instead, he attempts to be civil. “None. Why would I waste my time with lowlifes like that?”
“Sebastian, you mustn’t say that,” Mama interjects, and he glares.
“You lost the right to tell me what must and mustn’t be said a long time ago,” he grunts, snatching the glass from Papa’s hands and downing the rest himself.
Well, this is going to be an eventful night. I’m sure of it.
Glancing around the table with wide eyes, I send silent, pleading looks to each of the Bishops sitting around the obnoxious space, watching my family drama unfold. I might be asking for whatever was in my father’s glass at this rate.
“Good evening, everyone.” My head spins to the podium where Professor Burton stands. “Before the food is served, I wanted to say a few words.” The room goes quiet, all of the chatter around us coming to a stop as he holds everyone’s attention. “As I’m sure you’re all aware, we are gathered this evening to celebrate our surprise guests from the Basilica Realm. Erikel, Ruler of the Basilica Realm, and a select few of his students from Shadowgrim Institute.” He continues on about how fabulous it’s been to entertain them all week and I start to drown him out when my focus shifts to my father, who seems to be leaning incredibly close to me.
“Raven,” he mumbles under his breath, making me freeze. Of course, he chooses this moment to throw something at me, I should have fucking known. “Raven,” he repeats when I don’t give him attention quick enough or acknowledge his existence.
Desperate to get him to shut up, I glare at him out of the corner of my eye, enough for him to see the deathly stare. “What?” I hiss, my body locked and ready for whatever crap he’s going to throw at me.
He leans in closer, pausing a beat before he speaks. “Just know that for every ounce you hate me, I love you ten times more.”
Just… what?
I frown, my pulse ringing in my ears as I turn to face him head-on, but he’s focused on the podium. My mother taps my thigh, trying to get my attention, but I’m stuck in place.
Why did he say that?
What the fuck does that mean?
My breath comes in short, sharp bursts as I begrudgingly turn back to the podium in time to see Erikel approach Burton. “Please, a few words from our guest of honor,” Burton insists, taking a step back to give him all of the spotlight.
“Thank you so much for having us,” Erikel says with a rasp, like the words taste wrong on his tongue as he spits them out. “Coming to Silvercrest Academy has been a dream for far too long, but I’m pleased that after all this time, I’m here.” His gaze scans the room, committing each and every person to memory. “But, it’s with mournful news that I have to announce the gem that is Silvercrest Academy, and its surrounding city, will no longer stand so tall and bright among the darkness.”
I sit straight and stiff in my seat, hanging off of his every word. Each of my men glance my way from across the table, uncertainty and confusion flickering in their eyes as it does in mine.
“I’m sorry, Erikel. Whatever do you mean?” Burton asks, politely stepping forward with a light chuckle. A glint of silver flashes between him and Erikel and a moment later, Burton screams in agony.
We watch in horror as Professor Burton’s blood runs crimson down the blade as he falls forward, the sword slicing through him even more as gasps and screams ring throughout the room.
I’m on my feet before I even realize it, kicking my heels off without a passing thought, but when I get both feet on the ground, I’m suddenly locked in place, unable to move.
Panic kicks in as I stare at a manic Erikel, laughing down at his victim before turning his attention to his audience.
“Friendly visits are for friends. I am not, nor will I ever be, a friend, companion, or ally of the Elevin Realm.” I try to take a deep breath as his words unravel. Whatever lies he’s twisted up in are rushing to fill the room now, to his delight. “The only reason we’re here is for control and power. A war, if necessary.” His cloak drops to the floor, spilling over Burton with complete disregard, to reveal the same outfit underneath that his students are also wearing.
Arms out wide, he takes a deep breath and hollers at the top of his lungs; at the same time, the magic holding me in place is lifted. “Bring in the Battalions!”
Doors crash open with a boom from behind as hysteria echoes around us. Soldiers storm the room, led by a giant of a man dressed in golden armor with copper and crimson stains. Black eyes consume the room, instilling fear into every person present. Every person but one.
I know those eyes. I know them without a doubt. Gasping over my shoulder, I seek out my quiet and observant love as one word passes his lips.
“Father?”
AFTERWORD
Wow, I don’t even know where to begin. Since I started writing this book, so much in my life has happened and changed. A very close family member is now a stroke survivor. I know more about strokes now than I thought was possible, but our gal is strong, and her strength allowed me to find the words to continue writing this book.
Lord help you all with book three because my fierce Nan, the Linda who does all of the Linda-ing in the Emerson U Series, is currently very ill, and again her strength is MAKING me keep writing.
All I can say is, surround yourself with strong women who believe in building each other up, it changes your world. I hope that one day people will say this about me.
I want to be a cheerleader for everyone, I want to rev you up, even on my worst days. I want to see the world smile.
I’m not going to lie, this ending… wasn’t the ending outlined for this book, it wasn’t even meant to be a part of this series haha but my fingers just started moving and I had no control over any of it. I blame Creed and those dreamy onyx eyes. Or maybe I blame Brax, because… well, it’s Brax haha
Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for being here, and thank you for the silent strength you give me every day to give you the best version of myself, even when the world would rather I didn’t.
My heart is full.
