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He winks but says nothing. That disconnect he speaks of might just come in handy tonight.
“Let’s move out,” I say, and we melt into the tunnels that will lead out to the path opposite the place where Ever told Crystal to meet us.
Ten silent minutes later, we head up to the surface. The trees stand tall and quiet as we navigate through the underbrush, every step deliberate, every breath measured. The clearing comes into view, an open space bathed in silver light. It’s party central on warm Spring nights, but now that the weather has turned, it’s deserted, as we knew it would be. Ever takes point without hesitation, her posture alert as she surveys the area. This is KnightsCastle territory—her territory—and she owns every inch of it. All she needs to do is claim it.
We fan out, each taking our positions. We’re a small army, armed and ready, bound by a cause that’s become more than just defending turf—it’s about proving ourselves, about not letting the past dictate our future.
“Stay sharp,” I murmur, though I know they don’t need the reminder. Our enemies could emerge at any moment, and we will be ready. We have to be.
“Whatever happens,” Alistair says, his voice low, “we end this tonight.”
“Agreed,” Ever replies, drawing her blade with a soft metallic whisper. Her eyes scan the treeline, fierce and unwavering.
“Tonight,” Damien echoes, almost inaudibly, from where he watches, cloaked in darkness.
“Yep,” Charlie adds, spinning a knife between his fingers, almost playful but lethal all the same.
Marcus and Trent nod, their hands resting on holstered weapons, expressions hard.
Feeling the weight of leadership settle around me like a mantle, we fall silent, save for the distant rustle of leaves in the wind.
We watch and wait.
21
EVER
The moment Crystal strides into view, I know it’s showtime. My pulse doesn’t even spike; this is what we’ve been gearing up for. The guys flank me, a silent promise of backup without the need to speak.
“Crystal,” I say, my voice slicing through the tension as my former friend swans into view with that irritating smirk adorning her face.
“Ready for round two?” she asks.
“Are you?”
She stops, flanked by her lackeys. “You’re out of your depth. I’ve been training for this my entire life.”
“I know we share blood, Crystal. But this twisted little clusterfuck you’ve got going on is not happening on my turf.”
“Your turf? Please.” She rolls her eyes, but I see the flicker of doubt.
“Your leadership?” I press on, stepping closer. “What are you really after?”
“Like you care about tradition,” she snarls, her façade cracking. “All you do is whine about how being a Knight is such aburden. You’re weak and pathetic. You should’ve burned in that fire you set.”
I shake my head, trying not to let her words get to me. She is nothing to me anymore. “I didn’t start the fire, Crystal. Why would I?”
“So you could get in with them and try to be something you’re not.”
“Ever thinks she’s the queen of the Four Cardinals now,” one of her guys jeers, stepping forward. Big mistake.
“Thinks?” Alistair’s laugh is cold enough to chill bones. “She doesn’t think. She knows.”
“Watch your back, bitch,” Crystal hisses, her threat as empty as her leadership.
“Or you’ll what?” Charlie asks his voice light but edged with steel. “Talk us to death?”
She hisses and raises her knife, ready to throw down.
