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My chest clenches for her. All of this is hard, but at least on my end, both Sebastian and my father weren’t truly themselves. It doesn’t make their actions any less heinous, but it clouds my instinctive thoughts to rain Hell down upon them.
Standing, I offer her my hand, and she takes it.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” she rasps, making my chest clench for an entirely different reason.
“Are you ready to fight?”
She nods before I even finish asking. “I’m ready to wreak havoc.”
Determination flashes in her eyes as Eldon pats her on the shoulder. “Perfect,” he mutters in approval.
“What’s the plan?” Her hands clench at her sides and her sword appears a moment later, ready for whatever comes next.
Smiling, I’m sure I look feral, but I’m channeling it. “We’ll walk and talk.”
THIRTY-FIVE
RAVEN
Rejoining Rhys and the small army we have gathered is easier than I expected. Zane’s father leads the way, his sister a step behind him, with men and women he’s explained are part of her battalion behind her.
His sister is a soldier. She’s badass as fuck, and I’m in awe of her.
Brax’s parents, along with my Mother and Sebastian, walk behind them, followed by another battalion, while we bring up the rear.
They’re more practiced than us; that much is clear. They walk stealthily, not making a single sound. I assumed that’s why they were going unnoticed as we made our way around the Gauntlet area, down toward where Rhys believes Burton is gathered, and although their ability to be so covert could definitely be adding to the fact, it’s not the only reason why.
It seems we haven’t truly seen the full extent of Burton’s theatrics and how eccentric they can get when he’s wearing the fur cloak and scar as Erikel.
They’re gathered by the main gates, the exact ones where we met Zane’s sister and everyone else on the other side. The entire student body from Shadowgrim Insititute stands around the perimeter, weapons raised and attack stances taken. They’re watching for us, waiting for us to come charging at them from every direction except the one we’re approaching from. They’re expecting us to come from outside of the academy.
Dumb. As. Fuck.
“Is he…?”
“Yes, yes he is,” I murmur, peering up at Eldon, who can’t seem to finish the sentence even though the answer is staring us right in the face.
Zane snickers, shaking his head as the black throne floats in the sky, Burton perched on it with the furs drifting in the wind, still disguised as Erikel. A mass of Monarchs, soldiers, and students stand around him. Some with foggy eyes that don’t seem all that present, while others tremble in fear. The ones doing neither of those are the most concerning, the ones eager for blood.
I tighten my grip on my sword, prepared for whatever comes next. I’m confused by the fact they haven’t seen us yet until Rhys turns to face us all.
“In a few moments, Sammi is going to drop our invisibility cloak.”
My jaw drops, my awe for Zane’s sister only growing. I peer up at him and he grins. He has the same magic as his sister. Does anyone else in his family tree have it? Is he capable of keeping a large group like this hidden in plain sight in the future?
Holy. Fuck.
“Close your mouth, Dove,” he whispers with a smirk, and I slam my lips closed, focusing back on his father.
“Once she does, I’m going to address them, give the students the chance to actually choose their side, but after that… it’s all out of my control. I know we’re all here for our own reasons, but above everything else, we know this isn’t right. Not for this academy, not for the realm, not for our people. If I die today, which I would rather I didn’t, I’ll know it was for the purpose of the people.” Cheers ring out through the crowd and my gaze darts toward Burton, but still, they are oblivious to us. “Any final words?” he adds, scanning over the crowd, but no one responds. He’s said what needs to be said. We’re not wasting our time on dramatics. “Sammi, release me from the magic first. I want Raven held off until the end.”
I frown, instantly wanting to correct him, but Creed quickly whispers in my ear. “Element of surprise.”
Gulping back the instinctive defenses that have risen in my chest, I nod.
Rhys produces a sword at his side, sheathing it as he starts down the grassy hill toward the gathered crowd. Burton doesn’t notice him at first, his arms wide in the air as he speaks down to the crowd.
“Our first attack will be Shadowmoor. We’ll lower the defenses at their weakest spot, show them the blood we can shed, and then we’ll move up. Pinebrook isn’t on the list; we already made a display there, caused a stir. Once we’ve hit their vulnerabilities, we will finally bring this to Haven Court. By which time, there will be nothing left for them to defend, and anyone remaining at The Monarchy who isn’t on our side will face our wrath.”
