Page 15 of Darkness and Deceit
“And what exactlyarethe stakes?” I demand, my voice rising. My hair is sticking to the back of my neck with sweat, and I’m practically vibrating with pent-up rage. “I’ve had a long-ass day and I’m pretty done with having to explain myself over and over. This conversation is another bullshit power move and I’m so over it. Because from where I’m sitting, it looks like you’remore concerned with protecting the system than stopping the threat.”
“The threat,” Bennett repeats softly, like the words themselves are delicate, “is not as simple as you seem to believe.”
I feel the guys bristle around me.
Simon takes a sharp breath.
Vaughn straightens.
Kai’s shadow shifts across the floor, ready to move.
But I don’t let them speak. This fight is mine. I need to prove—to myself more than anyone—that I can stand my ground.
My hands are clenched in my lap, nails digging deep into my palms.
It hurts. But I welcome it. Because I’m furious.
Furious at being questioned. Dismissed. Treated like a problem to contain.
All I wanted was to follow the path I was given. Become a Protector. Make my father proud. But that version of me doesn’t exist anymore.
They dragged me into the light. Called me unstable. Dangerous.
So fine.
I’ll be dangerous.
But it’ll be on my terms.
“I didn’t ask for this,” I say, my voice low. “And I didn’t go looking for that thing in the forest. It foundme.”
“You’re certain it was a Dual?” she asks.
“Yes. Not only did it recognize me,” I reply. “I recognized it—him. Not his face. Or his voice. Just… the magic. Thefeelof it. Like my Shadows were answering a call I didn’t know they could hear.”
“And you believe he’s imprisoned here on Obsidian Academy grounds?”
I meet her eyes. “I don’t believe he’s here. Iknowhe is.”
Vaughn cuts in. “Which raises the real question: why? Why would someone like that be chained up on an island full of students? So what—someone thought if they locked him up here, no one would ever find him?”
Bennett’s eyes narrow. “You’re asking the wrong questions.”
“No,” I say. “We’re finally asking therightones. That thing—whoever he is—he knew me. And you knew abouthim.Long before we ever stepped into that forest.”
Another pause.
The room holds its breath.
Bennett exhales slowly. “Some things are locked away because it’s the only way to keep this realm intact.”
Simon straightens, surprise spreading over his features. “So you admit it. He exists.”
“I never said he didn’t.”
“Then who is he?” I demand.
Her jaw tightens. “He was once a student here. One of the strongest in generations.”
