AllFreeNovel
Share Us
ONE
RAVEN
My gaze slowly shifts back and forth between two sets of onyx eyes, both framed with even blacker hair. Emotions flicker across Creed’s face with every passing second as time slows to a near stop.
Did he just say what I think he…
“Father,” he repeats, his brows furrowing as the word falls heavily from his tongue.
There it is again. I definitely heard what I thought I heard, and this man, thiswarrior, is exactly who I believe him to be. How is that possible?
I gape back at the leader of the Battalions, as Erikel called them, taking in his golden armor, which is stained with crimson and copper patterns, each patch deeper than the last.
A pained gasp rattles in my ears, audible over the rest of the academy’s panic and dismay, and I turn my gaze once more, but this time, it’s not to check on Creed; it’s his mother. Her hand is plastered to her chest, tears tracking down her high cheekbones and dripping from her chin without care. Her eyelids flutter across her brown pupils over and over again, like she can’t believe what she’s seeing, no matter how long she stares.
Erikel cackles, garnering everyone’s attention once again as he spreads his arms out wide. “Excellent. It seems at least some of you are familiar with my monster. Now, how this next part goes will determine how the rest of your… lives unravel.” His wicked grin connects with every single person in the hall. It somehow makes the scar that runs down the right side of his face stand out more, reminding us all of the many layers of this man we know nothing about.
Who did we let into the academy?
No, who didSebastianlet through those gates?
The whimpers and sobs of fear ebb as we wait for him to continue, but the tension and anxiety only intensify in the air around us.
With every passing second, my pulse thuds wilder in my ears. I can feel the adrenaline in my veins, body zinging with magic as I catch a glimpse of Professor Barton’s lifeless limbs splayed out on the floor at Erikel’s feet. Erikel’s fur cloak is draped over him, hiding most of the blood, but it doesn’t disguise the lifeless gray hue of his eyes.
How do I help him?
It’s not a matter of if. My magic is drawn to him, desperate to heal his soul and bring him back to the land of the living. I instinctively attempt to take a step toward him again, but my bare feet are still rooted to the floor.
Frowning down at the marble beneath my toes, I exhale slowly, trying to focus on where the magic is coming from. It’s not as easy to see it, morph it, and play with it when my adrenaline is running so high and my heart is thundering in my chest. It’s not giving me the usual ability to focus, hone in. Instead, I’m scattered and overwhelmed.
My nostrils flare in irritation at my lack of ability, but another sob parts Creed’s mother’s lips, garnering my attention once again. She can’t take her eyes off the warrior at theentrance to the hall, flanked by the Amayans—the faceless men—stoking fear into everyone’s hearts. Creed is right there with her, dripping in pain, tarnished with horror, and helpless in the face of a reality none of us believed to be possible.
Continuing around the table, I snarl when I see a smirk teasing the corners of Sebastian’s mouth. I want to slaughter him with my bare hands and never give him a chance to come back. He deserves to rot in whatever pit he falls in. Our parents stare at Erikel with apprehension in their eyes and I can’t decide if it’s mixed with surprise or anticipation of knowing what’s to follow.
Eldon stands protectively beside his mother, the frustration of also being locked in place evident on his face as his mother squeezes his hand tight. Zane stares his father down, who remains stoic and unfazed as he waits with bated breath to see what will come from Erikel’s mouth next. Brax, however, is plastered against my back. I don’t even know how or when he got there, but he’s there in all of his protective glory.
Taking a deep breath, I set my sights on Barton but speak to Brax. “I need to save him.”
“Save who?” His chest rumbles at my back, calming the rising heat of magic spreading through my veins.
“Barton.”
“It’s too much of a risk,” he grunts in response, and I shake my head as discreetly as possible, careful to make sure Erikel isn’t watching us. But he’s too busy relishing in the fear he’s injecting into the room.
“She’s right.” My gaze slowly shifts to Rhys, who doesn’t look away from Erikel either as he interjects. Zane looks at me, though, confused by the words from his father’s mouth.
“It’s too much of a risk,” Brax reiterates through clenched teeth.
“He’s too influential. Everything hangs in the balance if he dies tonight. All hope will be lost.”
“But they’ll know,” Brax spits, his anger warranted but rocketing far higher than my own, and it’s me we’re talking about.
Rhys finally takes his eyes off Erikel to find mine. Sympathy crinkles the corners of his eyes as his lips set in a grim line of disappointment.
“I will save you all from death tonight if you can complete one simple task. I want someone to step forth and heal your faithful leader, Professor Barton.” Erikel’s voice echoes around us. I know what’s coming.
Fuck.
