Page 83 of Ares' Shield
“We are going to have a conversation one day about why you always have a bag packed,” Rebecca calls to me as I open the door.
“When we first met before the academy, you did say that I was adept at hiding.” I open the door and step out.
Jayden wraps an arm around my waist. “No more hiding, baby.”
“I’m not hiding anymore, Jayden.”
I continuously throw myself headfirst into every problem. What makes him think I have any intention of hiding?
Am I suicidal? Because this could be the most dangerous mission we’ve faced yet and I’m not running for the hills. Idiot.
16
We rush past the parking lot to the volcano that holds the forges. I’m not looking forward to sweating my ass off, but Claud wants to see us before we go.
Jayden tugs open the heavy metal door and a blast of hot air hits me in the face. “Ugh, I really don’t like this place.”
Raven chuckles. “It’s hot before you even walk through the door.”
Jayden rests his hand on the small of my back and nudges me to walk inside. “We need to talk to Claud.”
“I know and he loves it here, so I can deal,” I say and lead them through the cavern.
We get to the second door and I pull the door open to see all the workbenches sitting empty.
Where is everyone? Are they all in class?
“Claud?” I call out to the empty room.
“Is he in the volcano?” Raven asks.
“Gods, I hope not. It’s hot enough in here.” I fan my face.
“Claud, are you here?” I shout.
I don’t even want to open the door that leads to the volcano, but he may not be able to hear us beyond the door.
Jayden runs a hand over his sweaty forehead. “We don’t have time to waste.”
“It’s not a waste of time to say goodbye to Claud.” I stroll to the huge door and bang a fist against it.
The door flies open and I jump back just in time so I’m not smashed between the steel and rock.
“Friends?” Claud grins.
“Hey, Claud,” I say as he wraps his huge arms around me.
“Jayden,” Claud yells, dropping me to my feet and wrapping Jayden in a hug as well.
“Hey, buddy. We had to come see you before we go.” Jayden pats his arm.
“Go?” Claud’s lip wobbles. “No go.”
“We have to, Claud,” I say. “People are going missing. We have to rescue them.”
“Save friends?” he asks.
My heart sinks into my gut when he says it. Dax. Where the fuck is he and how the hell are we supposed to find the missing students and Ares’ shield as well as stop another world war?
