Page 46 of Darkness and Deceit
And I’m safe.
At least, for now…
Fifteen
AUGUSTUS
It’s beenhours since we returned from the forest. Since Lilith collapsed. Since I turned away while the others carried her back into the Academy, and chose instead to wander.
I waited until they thought I was gone.
After the forest, I walked behind Lilith and the three Predators who flank her like shadows. I kept far enough back not to be noticed, but close enough to see her—close enough to see the way they orbited around her like she was the only thing keeping them steady.
Lilith did not look back. I do not think she knew I stayed close.
When they reached the Academy, she leaned into them—into the safety they offered—and I knew my presence was not needed. Perhaps not even wanted. So I turned away.
I have been walking the edge of the Keeper encampment ever since.
I should have returned hours ago. Should have reported everything promptly, without hesitation. But the truth is, I did not want to speak it out loud. Not yet.
That I found proof of Magnus.
But that he’s gone.
That Lilith collapsed under the weight of the resonance.
That I had no idea how to help her.
The thought settles in my gut like a cold stone. I was given one of the most important assignments of my training, and all I bring back is doubt. A broken thread. A flicker of fear. And Lilith—worse for wear, but still standing.
I steel myself and cross to the tent.
Mara waits just outside, her pale gaze lifted toward the stars like she’s listening for something beyond this realm. The night air is calm. Too calm. Like the world is mocking our unrest.
“Augustus,” she says without turning. “You have returned.”
“I have.” I pause. “Lilith is safe. But the mission… was not as successful as I hoped.”
Her eyes cut to mine. Cold. Evaluating. She says nothing, so I continue.
“I found evidence—residual energy, anchored chains. I believe it was one of Magnus’ holding sites. The magic was warped. Ancient. Possibly unstable. But he was already gone when we arrived.”
“And Lilith?”
“She sensed it. Immediately. She followed the pull until we reached the clearing. But whatever tether she connected to—it overwhelmed her. She collapsed. She’s stable now, but…”
“But?” Mara asks.
“She should have known,” I admit. “If that site truly held Magnus… It was buried in plain sight. Near the Academy. From the magical residue, I believe someone with a signature similar to Theodore Knight’s was involved in its construction. But it bears layered seals—older than his time, and too complex to be done alone. If itwashim, he had Keeper support. Possibly even Keeper permission.”
Mara doesn’t speak.
“I believe Keeper support was required to sanction it,” I press gently. “To maintain the warding. Which means someone in our order helped hide it—and did not pass that knowledge on.”
That gets her attention.
Her gaze sharpens. “These are not our people,” she says. “They serve the Balance as Protectors, but they are not Keepers. Their sacrifices are theirs to make. Their memory, theirs to carry.”
