Page 94 of The Lost Elemental

We were all silent as Riven stormed up the stairs and then a door slammed.

“Well, that was fun,” Kai said.

Atlas moved into my space, one hand lifting to cup my cheek. “I’m sorry. Don’t listen to him. I don’t know what’s going on in his head, but we’ll talk to him.”

I shook my head. “Don’t. It’ll only make things worse.” Just like that kiss in the library had. “I’m gonna go back to my dorm. Riven doesn’t want me here and it’s not fair for me to invade his home.”

“We’ll come with you,” Atlas offered.

“I think I need a little alone time.”

“Let us walk you at least,” Kai pushed.

“Sure.” I’d let them walk me to my dorm, but I wasn’t sure how things could work past that. Not when one of their brotherhood was so determined to tear us all apart.

48

My stomach cramped as I brushed invisible wrinkles out of my robe. We all looked as if we were about to join some crazy cult. And maybe we were.

A hand reached out and gripped mine. “It’s all going to be okay.”

I looked over at Kerry and nodded, but I knew my expression was anything but convincing. And it wasn’t just The Unveiling we were walking into. It was how unsettled things were with Phoenix, Kai, and Atlas. How I couldn’t see a path through, yet I wanted them more than my next breath.

I found myself wishing that I could take back my decision to sleep in my dorm last night. I wanted at least one more night with the guys. To feel them wrapped around me. To feel safe and cherished. Instead, I’d lain awake last night staring at the ceiling.

Shivering, I hopped up and down. “Did they have to do this before dawn?”

It wasn’t like I’d been asleep when my alarm went off, but it was freaking freezing out here even though it was spring.

Drue sent me a glare. “Show a little respect for our traditions, mutt.”

I didn’t even have it in me to snap back at her, I was too damn tired.

Kerry smiled at me. “Sunrise and sunset are when our magic is strongest. It’s when it’s best to break the bindings.”

My magic didn’t need any help in the strength department. I could only hope that pouring out all that fire yesterday would keep things under control.

The doors to a chapel-like building swung open and Professor Caelyx and Professor Cinders held them in place.

“Showtime,” Kerry whispered.

Xena squeezed Drue’s hand ahead of us. “I can’t wait for your aether status to be revealed.”

Drue beamed down at her as if she’d already been crowned queen. “You know I’ll find a role for you in my cabinet.”

A snort sounded from behind me.

I glanced over my shoulder to see Aiden walking next to a kid I only faintly recognized. “I thought you were besties with those two.”

He rolled his eyes. “They’re morons if they think Drue is an aether.”

“I hate to break it to you, but they’ve fully drunk the Kool-Aid.”

Someone hissed at the students to be quiet, and I turned around. As we approached the stone chapel, I could see that the only light came from sconces on the wall and ornate stained-glass windows. But it wasn’t much. It gave the space an eerie glow that had me fighting a shiver.

As I stepped inside, I saw the teachers and staff lining the walls. At the front of the space was an altar. Headmaster Acker and Quincy stood front and center. Behind them were the royals. Kai sent me a cheeky wink. Atlas, a kind smile. Smoke curled around Phoenix who was glaring at Riven. And Riven himself had his death stare pointed firmly on me.

“What did you do to him?” Kerry whisper-hissed.