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“Yes, he—”
“No. No. Backup. Sebastian is here?” I snarl, anger burning through my veins as Burton waves and throws his arm out to where he was moments ago to reveal the asshole that, unfortunately, shares the same DNA as me.
“Little sis,” he says with a smirk, stepping closer, but Brax quickly cuts him off from getting too close.
“Sebastian can’t be trusted,” I state, watching Brax closely because I know he wants to slay my brother where he stands, and as much as I don’t want to stop him, I also don’t want to lose the potential allies within the Guild for rash behavior.
Burton shakes his head. “Sebastian is our ally, Raven. You may see him at Erikel’s side, but that’s because we placed him there.”
No. I refuse to believe it.
“But he’s the reason Erikel is here to begin with.”
I can feel everyone staring at me like I’m foolish, but I know I’m right. Whatever Sebastian has twisted in his favor is working on them, and I need to prove him wrong.
“Have you got any proof of that?” Sebastian smarts, smirking wider as Genie moves closer to him. I can’t deal with this bitch today. But none of that matters because I don’t have any proof. All I have is the conversations I’ve overheard. Conversations that I’m certain Sebastian will be able to twist to his advantage.
“I heard you talking to Erikel the other day where Erikel said, ‘I told you; get me in here, and there will be endless power at your feet. I’m a man of my word.’ Was that right? Or was I a word or two off?” I challenge, knowing I’m right, and even though I can see the anger brimming in Sebatian’s eyes, I can also see the cogs turning in his head to paint this in a better light for him.
“Sebastian?” The question comes from Professor Fitch this time, who takes a step forward but makes sure Leila stays exactly where she is.
“I’ve never had a conversation like that with Erikel, or anyone else for that matter, but if you would rather believe a newer member over me, then go for it.” Sebastian takes a step back as Burton’s gaze flickers between the two of us before he sighs and settles his attention on my brother.
“Sebastian, come, of course, we take your word. Let’s discuss today’s events, shall we?”
Without a backward glance, the two of them leave while I stand helplessly gaping at them. “Someone’s got to be fucking with me. This can’t be happening, surely,” I mutter under my breath, and before any of my men can even attempt to reassure me, it’s Fitch who steps up close to me.
“Nightmares are as cliché as nightmares are dreams themselves. We keep our friends close and our enemies even closer.”
TEN
RAVEN
One day swirls into another as the week goes on, and the grueling new atmosphere at the academy takes hold. Each lesson seems to be turned up a notch, becoming more ruthless than it was before.
Darker, harder, more sinful.
The Basilica Realm is certainly making its impact and it seems no one higher up in the Elevin Realm is really sure how to react so we’ve been left to deal with it. On the other hand, I also haven’t had to revive anyone since the beach, and I’m taking that as a win.
Staring up at the ceiling, I notice the emptiness around me. I’m alone, tangled in the sheets, and a little warmth still remains from where the guys were lying. It may be the weekend now, but I know without even looking that they’ll be outside training. They slowed down their training when we joined the Nightmares Guild, but they’re right back at it harder than ever now that Erikel and his men are in control.
Burton has remained out of sight, Fitch along with him, while the other professors quiver in Erikel’s presence and scurry to follow his every order. Everything is upside down, and I don’t know where to aim my anger for the most effective result,but the one thing that has been working me up the most is prominent in my mind this morning.
Ari.
Something isn’t right. I know it.
There’s no use in me lying here worrying about it when I could be on my feet figuring it out. With a heavy sigh, I kick the sheets off and crawl to the end of the huge bed that now fills my room. My oversized tee falls to mid-thigh as I stretch out at the foot of the bed before heading for the backyard.
Stepping into the lounge, it’s not hard to spot them, spread across the lawn, their muscles bulging, hair damp, and skin glistening in the morning air.
Hot.
Hot. Hot. Hot.
I take my time, admiring the view before me as I make my way to the patio doors. Goosebumps swoop over my skin as I watch them, just like they did the first time I walked into the house to find my new housemates. I’m more obsessed with them now, though, and more willing to admit how they make me feel.
The moment I open the door separating us, each of them looks up at me. Creed is the closest, arms folded over his chest as he sits on the floor, ready to continue his workout while offering me a soft smile. Zane is a step behind him, hands on his hips as he pants, his chest rising and falling with every breath. Eldon and Brax drop the weights in their hands to the ground with a thud as they both take an instinctive step toward me.
