Page 104 of Shadow Bonds

“The war games happen every three years, and in the last two decades it’s been going on, Commander Talos’ academy has never won.”

“Never?” I ask in shock and Levington shakes his head.

“But I have a feeling that might change this year with your mates entering,” he says.

“Why do you say that?” I ask.

He gives me a look full of guilt and regret. “Your mates were chosen and groomed for this from a very young age. They were sent to the Void on purpose over and over to make them stronger, testing them to see if the Void and its dark energy was a viable source the Shadows could connect to instead.”

I jolt back a step in shock. “Why? I ask. “Why would Talos do that to them? They were only kids when they first went to the Void.”

I glance from Dakson to Levington as his face grows distraught.

“Why didn’t you warn them? Help them?” Surely, he could have done something.

“There was nothing I could do. We’re not allowed interfere with each other. It’s something that would start a war.”

But… If what Levington says is true, Talos is the one who made sure they were sent to the Void over and over. Not for punishment but to make them stronger for the war games.

It means that it may not have been the old Sena’s fault after all. At least, not entirely.

“Why don’t you sound happy about them winning?” I ask. “You said you’ve had the crystal for years. Maybe it’s time they take a turn.”

“If that were the only reason Talos wanted it, then I would gladly hand it over. We protect the crystal and preserve it in its original form. Whereas Talos doesn’t want to have to rely on its power. He wants it only to destroy it once and for all,” he admits and from the look on his face I can tell that’s something bad.

“What happens if Talos’ academy wins, and he gets it?” I ask.

Levington shares a grim look with Dakson. “Then every Shadow, winged or not… will die.”

CHAPTER 31

The guys haven’t left my side since Dakson brought me back to the tent last night. It’s not helping that all the winged Shadows are now watching me as we head toward the area that holds the first part of the war games.

I tried to tell them about what Levington said, but they didn’t want to hear it, saying he only lies. Just like everyone else in the Volar Academy.

“What the fuck are they looking at?” Malakai says.

“They know what I am,” I tell them, remembering what Dakson said about how they feel drawn to me. “Apparently there’s less winged females left on their side. They’re just curious.”

“Well, they better get uncurious pretty soon,” Knox says, glaring at every one of them while looking two seconds away from starting trouble.

“No fights,” I tell him.

He clenches his jaw. “I can’t promise anyth?—”

“If you listen to me, I’ll take out my wings for you later.”

He freezes for a moment, and then he and the others turn to look at me.

Knox narrows his eyes on me. “I thought you didn’t know how to pull them in and out.”

I give him a smirk. “I’ll figure it out.”

A wide smile full of suggestion spreads across his face. “Deal.”

I raise a brow at Malakai. “You want in on this?”

A hungry look darkens his eyes. “No top, and it’s a deal.”

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