Keepers guide. Protectors defend. That’s how it works—or how it’s supposed to, anyway. I’ve heard it a dozen times in theory, but this is the first time it’s felt real. And I’m wildly, terrifyingly unprepared.
Oh, crap.
I swallow, forcing my voice to steady. “Just... theoretically,” I ask, “does anyone know you’re in here?”
He takes another step forward. “No. I came on my own.”
Of course. I stare at him, the weight of that answer sinking like a stone in my stomach. That’s just great. I might be the only line between him and whatever is waiting out there in the dark.
Something brushes across the back of my neck like a breeze… except there’s no wind. I whir around, but there’s nothing there. “Did you feel that?” I whisper.
Augustus doesn’t answer out loud, but very slowly, he nods.
A shiver skates down my spine. Not the kind that comes from cold, but the kind that warns you something is watching. And waiting.
I glance at Augustus. The glow around him seems dimmer now. Or maybe the shadows are bolder—creeping closer than before. Or hell, maybe I’m imagining things. Either way, the unease is starting to mess with me.
Finally, Augustus speaks. “Something else happened here. Before the fire.”
He pauses, surveying the area once more, and continues on.
Something deep in my gut screams that this is a bad idea. We’re heading straight toward something deadly.
And it’s waiting for us.
Twenty-Six
SIMON
I finishmy task for Bennett with soot in my hair and the tang of ash clinging to the back of my throat. She’d assigned me to escort a group of Keepers out to the damaged ley lines along the southern flank—just outside the wards.
Most of the outer protections are still holding, but just barely. The forest around them is another story entirely—scorched, cracked, and humming with unstable magic.
The Keepers were mostly quiet, which was fine by me. I didn’t have much to say either. As soon as they finished their scans, I turned back toward the Academy.
Now, with every step I take, the feeling in my chest tightens.
Something is off.
The feeling sharpens once I reach the main hall. I walk faster, the dull thud of my boots loud against the stone as I head toward the healing ward. I don’t even realize I’m holding my breath until I push open the door to Kai’s room.
I expect Lilith to be curled in the chair beside him. She’s been with him constantly. Only leaving in short bursts to train with me or rinse off in a quick shower. But when I open the door, her chair is empty.
The tension coils tighter in my chest.
I take a step inside, scanning the space. The soft amber glow from the candlelight flickers over Kai’s form, still and pale in the bed, his torso wrapped in clean linen. Burned skin peeks through the edges, angry and raw.
All of a sudden his chest jerks like he’s being yanked up by invisible strings, his body spasming as he gasps in a breath that sounds more like a choke.
“Kai!” I lunge toward the bed, hand outstretched, not sure if I should steady him or hold him down.
His eyes fly open, wild and unfocused. His hand shoots out, fingers clamping around my wrist before I can blink. Holy fuck his grip is strong for someone who was unconscious literally five seconds ago.
“It’s okay,” I say quickly. “It’s just me. You’re safe.”
He blinks a few times before recognition returns. He releases me, but doesn’t speak.
I ease back, heart pounding from the damn jumpscare. “I’m going to call for Tanya and summon Vaughn.”