Page 55 of Ever Dark Academy: Vol. 3
There was a pause and then Balthazar said, It’s funny, but I keep expecting you to have Vampire senses already since you’re already, well, you.
I wish, but I don’t, Grayson admitted.
I wasn’t able to get any Ashyr into the party. That would have been a line too far for Charlie to cross, but they’re outside, surrounding the place and can be here in moments. Fiona has her people coupled with them so they can teleport in, Balthazar explained.
That wouldn’t quite give Grayson the cover he wanted when he squeezed people, but that just meant he’d have to be quick and careful.
Good. With the Wyvern we might actually be able to capture another Sect member, Grayson said. One we can interrogate and maybe have Dani or another Ashyr try to feel for structures.
So you don’t just squeeze them? Balthazar chuckled.
If I squeezed their brains literally, what do you think would happen? Grayson asked back dryly.
Ah. Squish. I see. Yuck.
Exactly, which is why I can’t just tell Dani and the others what I’m doing, Grayson answered. I’m realizing that it’s more complicated than that. And I’m more worried that them simply being a Vampire and using their gift on a Sect member will trigger a trap anyways.
You really think the Sect is that well prepared, don’t you? Balthazar sounded a little surprised and worried.
They got people past you, Balthazar, so yes, I think they know what they’re doing, Grayson said.
He felt Balthazar’s happy frisking at the compliment. That’s so nice of you to say! I had heard that my former self was a bit… well, careless.
Grayson’s memories shifted and refocused as he said, You were arrogant to be sure. But it was because you were really that good.
I was? Balthazar sounded agog.
You were. And you’re getting back to it, though you have a long way to go, Grayson amended. We all do. But maybe that’s a good thing as this will make us more cautious again. Less certain of ourselves.
You think that’s what caused Kaly to get you last time? Balthazar asked carefully.
I do. I should have never gone after him alone, but I did. If I’d brought others with me like you or Wyvern or Weryn, things might have gone very differently, Grayson admitted. Hopefully, the Sect expects us to behave as we used to and not as we are now.
By the way, you do look smashing in that coat, Balthazar said. Ryder is going to lose his mind when he sees you.
You can see me? Grayson asked.
Up here!
Grayson was at the base of the stairs up to the front door. He looked up at one of the Juliet balconies on the second floor nearest the entrance and there stood Balthazar in all black except for a silver domino mask. He toasted Grayson with a drink before disappearing inside.
Where is Ryder? Grayson asked as he picked his way past couples and groups that were camped out on the graceful front steps, drinking and laughing. The front door had been removed so it was really just an open archway.
Sniffing everyone inside. He’s on the third floor, Balthazar said.
The urge to go find Ryder was almost overwhelming, but Grayson knew that once he did that his concentration would be split. No matter how hard he tried, part of him would be focused exclusively on the Weryn Vampire.
If Ryder and I are going to be together then I have to be very careful we don’t distract each other when it counts like now, he told himself then said to Balthazar, I’m heading to the basement.
You’re really serious about keeping things with him separate, Balthazar remarked, and Grayson wondered if he meant for Grayson to hear this.
I want him more than anything, Balthazar, but that means I have to prove to myself–and Daemon–that I can be his general and not be distracted, Grayson explained.
You’re allowed to love someone or more than one someone, Grayson, Balthazar said sadly. I don’t believe that Daemon wants you to sacrifice everything that matters to you on the altar for him.
Grayson shut his eyes for a moment before answering, He needs us all in different capacities, Balthazar. Some of those capacities have less room to move than others. I’ll contact you if I find anyone with structures in their minds.
He wasn’t sure if he did it or Balthazar did, but he winnowed their connection, or maybe Balthazar merely understood his need to not discuss this any further and went quiet. It was hard to know. But either way he felt alone in his head and at the party to do what had to be done. He was surprised by how much he relished the idea of being on a mission again. He had a keen purpose once more, something far beyond just staying safe and out of sight.
