Page 149 of The Blackened Blade

“What the fuck happened?” He grits out, his eyes darkening quickly.

“The academy is under attack.” I step up beside Grey, the poor shifter shrinking back with Creed's dark glare. “There's more over by the main building. Ezra and Annex are helping out over there.”Shit. Ezra and Annex. They won’t be happy I left.

Creed stares at me, his brows furrowed and eyes narrowed as he looks me up and down, an unreadable look in his eyes. His gaze flickers behind me to the downed beast and back before glancing toward Morgan. He opens his mouth, just as Annex and Ezra call my name.

“Micai!” They shout, running through the courtyard and jumping over the creature's corpse. “What the fucks that–”

“I told you to stay there–”

“Red, you can’t just leave us like that–”

I’m about to open my mouth to answer their calls and to tell them I can take care of myself, until I meet their anguish-filled eyes.

“Were you hurt?” Asks Ezra, an uneasiness to his voice as he and Annex surround me, scanning every inch of me, checking for any kind of injury or wound. Annex walks around me as I tell them I’m okay. He slides a hand down my back and places it on my ass before giving it a slap.

I turn and glare at the asshole as he grins.

“You deserve more than that for not listening,” He trails his eyes up and down me, his grin turning wicked as he bites his lip, “But we’ll settle that later…when it's just us.”

He rubs his hand over the spot he just hit before giving it a light squeeze. I’m about to slap it away when Erza suddenly pulls me toward him, sliding his arms down mine as he pulls me closer.

“Micai…” His tone is tight, his brows drawn together as his gaze meets mine. He was clearly upset that I broke our promise to stay put.

But how could I? Morgan needed me, and I wasn’t some weak damsel. I could fight…But any anger or annoyance I have fades the longer I stare at him. Seeing the real worry and fear etched across his features. It's in the slight tremor of his hands on my arms and the flickering of his eyes as they repeatedly search up and down me for reassurance that I was really okay.

How could I be angry at him? Even if he might be with me, I couldn’t be with him. Not when his anger came from a place of genuine concern and care.

A small ache begins to spread in my chest the longer I look at him.

I reach up toward his face, cupping his cheek in my hand as my fingertips brush the strands of hair falling onto his face.

I couldn’t apologise for leaving. Morgan, Ash and Grey needed me, and I knew I could handle myself. But I guesstheydidn’t know that.

They thought I was still the weak-magicless Micai.

I was stronger now, but how would I even begin to explain it? On how I came to be like this or what I was now? When I myself didn't know or understand it all.

He leans into my hand, pulling me from my thoughts as a gentle smile stretches his lips.

And a small prickling sensation spreads in my chest with his expression, one filled with so much affection and warmth. Maybe he was different.

I glance towards Annex. Maybetheywere different.

Maybe one day…when I have the answers I need, I can tell them the truth. But for now, my words will have to do.

“I’m stronger than you think Ezra. You’ll have to learn to trust me on this.”

“But–”

“She's fine.” Calls Creed, glancing toward me. “She handledthatwith Grey.”

He nods toward the dead creature as Ezra's eyes widen.

“How?” He asks, his brows drawn down in confusion.

“Fuck babe, I knew you were made for us.” Murmurs Annex as he wraps his arms around me from behind, leaning his head on my shoulder. “Pity I missed it though.”

“We’ve got bigger problems,” Sighs Creed, turning his gaze toward Annex and Ezra. “Mallyn’s missing.”

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