Page 102 of The Powers of Nyx

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My heart crashed painfully against my ribcage as I slipped into the classroom. Already, there were whispers of the attack. About the dead. One witch, one shifter, one vamp. Two mages had been hurt, but not killed. It was a message; one we couldn’t ignore.

Ivy found my stare as I settled into a corner of the room. Her eyes narrowed, anxiety spiking in the bond.Is everything okay? Was that about the attack?

The professor droned on about the demon realm, seemingly unaware of the change in energy. Archer lazed nearby, clearly bored out of his mind but just as anxious as everyone else.

I was almost tempted to pick Ivy up and carry her away from this fucking hell hole. Hide her away somewhere in the wilderness where no one would ever find her and let Queen Greer’s people handle the False King. Ivy wasn’t Queen yet—it wasn’t her responsibility to deal with any of this. And it took all my power to just stand by and watch her, because that was all I was allowed to do.

Grey updated me about the attack, I replied finally, while the professor began discussing the different rulers of Hell.It doesn’t look good.

A wave of sadness from the bond had me clenching my jaw. My skin itched with the need to hold her, to have her nearby. Theshift was close, too. There was an urge to find the fuckers and tear them apart with my teeth.

Fuck. It was hard controlling myself, but I buried it for her.

They were after me?she asked carefully, her mood darkening.But surely, they know I’m here. Why would they attack a different academy?

They wanted to send a message, I replied.One they knew we would receive. I’m sorry, Angel.

From where she sat, she looked defeated. I knew she was blaming herself. Thanking Nyx the kids were okay while condemning herself for being grateful it wasn’t them.

The palace is on lockdown. Thea and the kids are with Kingsley and Grey, and they are safe. I promise.

Ivy’s shoulders slumped, and she lowered her head.Thank you.

It didn’t take long for the class to be dismissed. The chatter about the attack grew louder; some claimed they knew the dead; others were in talks with the students in lockdown at Briarwood. Ivy and Vanya took longer to leave; Ivy’s magic was unsettled from the stress, but she did well in taming it. If it weren’t for the fact that it was time for an evening study session with an appointed tutor, I’d have taken Ivy into one of the many empty classes to help relieve some of the magic.

But just as much as she needed relief, my wolf needed to escape.

Archer looked up and our gazes locked. I motioned to Ivy, and he nodded as if understanding what was needed. I couldn’t attend her tutoring class anyway. Not as her mate or her guard. But Archer could.

Fuck, I hated this set up. I couldn’t wait for the day where Ivy didn’t have to attend this stupid academy. Even if she could be open with her bonds, it would be difficult to navigate. No, I imagined the days where we could simply exist without theconstant threat of danger. Waking up to her in my arms without worrying she might be late for some class. Hell, I’d take early morning wakeups with the children.

And one day, with our children.

As much as I liked to joke about putting a baby in her, I knew it wouldn’t be safe until we had the False King in custody.

Or dead. I’d prefer the latter after everything he’d done to hurt Ivy.

I rolled my shoulders as the shift tingled across my skin. I made my way out onto one of the few outdoor fields before letting the shift ripple over my skin and claim my body. Since bonding with Ivy, my wolf had felt stronger, larger. It was a risk, taking this form in front of the students, but I didn’t care. Let them fucking talk.

I took to the boundary, running through the underbrush. The protective wards around the academy were stronger now, and the building was mostly under lockdown, too. The gargoyles were activated, taking to the outer perimeter, and Grey had a small army of Phoenix agents in training on the way to secure the academy in the off chance the attack at Briarwood was a distraction.

Other shifters, as well as a few Born vamps, joined me. The entire campus was searched in a matter of hours. It didn’t stop the unease building within me, though.

Is everything okay? Ivy asked.

I slowed to a trot, making my way out of the thickest part of the forest. My fur was a matted mess from the sludge and mud.Other than needing to be hosed down, it looks safe out here.

Her amusement made my chest warm; as soon as I reached the guard housing, I shifted.I’d ask to join, but I don’t think anyone wants you dragging mud through the halls.

I snorted. Three other shifters joined me, transforming from beast back into their human forms.There are outdoor showershere,I replied.Not as glamorous as the one at the palace, but it’ll do.

The guard block was surrounded by marsh, and close enough to the academy’s main building to always be on alert, but far enough away that we wouldn’t have much interaction with the students. Most of the guards were agents from the Phoenix Compound, while some were personal bodyguards dragged in by the most powerful families. That was my cover, and for the most part, I wore it with pride. It gave me the perfect excuse to follow Ivy between her classes and keep an eye on her.

The block had a path leading into the forest and an old set of sheds that were filled with shit no one was ready to destroy yet. Other than that, we were left little, just some bunks, a mess hall, and training equipment. Thank fuck I got to stay with Ivy while I was here.

Someone hit a rune burned into the side of the wall, and the outdoor showers kicked on. I blew out a breath and entered one of the stalls. Before mating Ivy, I would have stripped down to nothing. But I let the water run over my gear, mud clumping and falling off the material. I wasn’t too fond of anyone else seeing me when I’d been claimed by my girl.

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