Page 54 of A Touch of Darkness

She presses her lips together, as if momentarily debating, then sighs. “I’m enrolled here, but it’s complicated. My attendance is… sporadic. Solstice business keeps me busy.”

“Solstice.” I try to keep my tone neutral. “How long have you been part of them, anyway?”

Her gaze flicks down. “Well, my family’s been involved for generations. We… I was practically raised in the Society. It wasn’t much of a choice.”

“And you’re… you’re human?”

A flicker of something crosses her face—maybe shame. “Yes. Full-blooded human.”

I pause, letting her words sink in. I can’t read her mind like Nicole and Rebecca, but I can read her posture—stiff, uncomfortable. She’s not lying, at least as far as I can tell. “Is that why you’re with them?” I ask softly. “Because your family expected it?”

Her head dips in a nod. “Among other things.” She looks up, forcing a wry smile. “We’re not all monstrous, you know. Solstice thinks they’re doing what’s right—protecting humanity from vampires, witches, whatever. You of all people know how dangerous some of them can be.”

I think about Lucian, about my new classes, about the witches who have proven themselves more allies than threats.They aren’t all dangerous… “Yeah, but how can you be so sure Solstice’s approach is right?” I counter. “I mean, your group’s put me in its crosshairs. That can’t be good.”

She hesitates, glancing around. “Sylvie,” she says carefully, voice pitched low, “I like you. I really do. But Solstice sees your lineage as a threat—or an asset, depending on how they can use you.”

Before I can respond, I hear Nicole’s voice in my head.

Sylvie, can you hear me?

I stiffen, nearly jumping out of my seat. Isabel doesn’t seem to notice, her focus inward, as though she’s trying to choose her next words.

I nod, hoping Isabel just assumes I’m reacting to her words.

Relax, Nicole’s voice continues, echoing in my mind.We’re here, reading her thoughts. She’s… planning something. Sylvie, be careful—she’s thinking about how Solstice wants to capture you soon if you don’t join willingly.

My stomach flips. Suddenly, I’m hyper-aware of how alone I feel, even in the crowded cafeteria.

Capture me?I project the thought, hoping Nicole can pick it up.

Yes, she confirms.She’s worried. Feels guilty. She actually likes you, but she’s bound to the Society. She can’t get out.

I steady myself, forcing a calm facade. “Isabel,” I say, voice trembling only slightly, “You said they want to use me. I’ve heard the rumors… that Solstice might force me to join them whether I want to or not.” I watch her face closely for any signs or tells.

Her eyes flare with surprise. “Who told you that?” She leans in, voice taut with urgency. “I never mentioned that. How…?” Her eyes narrow before she glances round the cafeteria, and I worry she’ll realize Nicole and Rebecca are infiltrating her thoughts.

I press on before she can bolt. “I know things, Isabel. I’m not as powerless as you think. I am a witch, after all. Please…just tell me the truth—what’s Solstice planning for me?”

My pulse hammers in my ears, and I sense Nicole and Rebecca’s presence—like a gentle buzz at the edge of my awareness. They’re listening. They know. But I keep my gaze fixed on Isabel.

She sighs, shoulders sagging in surrender. “Like I said, I like you. I feel a strange pull to you, like I want to help you. I’ve never wanted to help a mark before.” She stops suddenly like she’s said something she shouldn’t. I assume by mark she means that they purposely go out and hunt people to join their cult. “I don’t know what that means, but I do know I don’t want you to get hurt. At the same time, Solstice can’t know that you heard this from me, okay?” I nod and she continues, much too trusting. “They’re discussing… measures. If you won’t come willingly, they might try to force your hand.” Her tone softens. “I’m sorry, Sylvie. I wish I could stop it, but I’m… stuck. My family has expectations. You don’t just walk away from Solstice. It’s unheard of.” She shakes her head. “Plus, even if I could walk away from them, I’d lose everything. But you do have a right to know.”

She’s being honest, I hear Rebecca’s voice come through.

“I appreciate you being honest with me. I haven’t got much of that from Solstice. I won’t say anything. I don’t want your safety at risk either.”

A pang of empathy surges in me, unexpected but intense. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, meaning it. “I get it—feeling trapped by expectations. But… maybe there’s another way.”

She gives me a shaky smile, almost pained. “I hope so,” she murmurs. “I really don’t want you to get hurt. I’ve seen what they can do. But I can’t go against everything I’ve been raised to believe—everything my parents dedicated their lives to.” She looks down at the table, twisting her fingers. “And if you’re trulyas powerful as they say you are, Solstice won’t risk letting you roam free. Eventually they’ll stop asking and start demanding.”

My chest tightens. She’s basically confirming that they’re coming for me. My mind spins with possibilities—who else they might target, how I can protect myself. How I can protect Nicole and Rebecca, and even Lucian.

“Can you tell me about Lara? Is she safe?” I know I’m pushing my luck, but maybe if she won’t tell me, she’ll have thoughts about Lara that the girls will be able to decipher.

“You’re reading my thoughts anyway, aren’t you?” She gives me a small shrug. I’m surprised she thinks I’m strong enough to tap in myself, but I’m glad she hasn’t discovered it’s the girls. “Lara is safe. For now. She isn’t dead. Vampires didn’t hurt her.” Her expression looks almost pained. “I’m sorry I had to lie to you. Amara wants us to do anything we can to draw people in. But Lara will be safe if you do as they ask.”

She’s safe, Sylvie.Rebecca’s voice breaks back through.She’s telling the truth. Isabel had a vision like you did, of her suspended in air. They are keeping her in the in between right now. But she’s alive.

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