by Stone, Leia
“Don’t act like the blame is mine,” Snade snarled. “You promised me a fledgling mage—but I gave her a wall of flame taller and wider than you could handle on your best day, Kian, let alone prior to your training, and she did fine with it. Master Karn assured me that her education was kept to a minimum at that bastard academy. Are you sure she hasn’t been secretly trained?”
Whoa. Whoa. Whoa!
Each one of those revelations sent my mind spinning, but I shoved away the information to process at another time. I was approaching the end of the row of shelves.
“Is she done yet?” Orion asked.
I recognized his voice from earlier today. The high mage of air had been almost personable before throwing me into the path of a tornado. Psycho.
“Did she pass?” he asked. Then I heard the sounds of chair legs scraping across the stone floor.
How many of them were here?
“Not yet, but she obviously will. Geoff won’t let her fail,” Kian snapped. “Clearly, the half-breed wasn’t stretched enough during her other trials for Snade to succeed.”
Hugging the shelf nearest them, I peeked out from the aisle and saw that three of the five high mages were here.
Tucked away at the end of the rows of several shelves was a small alcove. On the other side of the table was a large, stone, bay window overlooking rolling hills and the rippling waves of an aqua ocean, over which the sun kissed the horizon, reflecting a vivid expanse of color on the water. The bookshelves came within a couple of feet of the wall, leaving a long aisle perpendicular to the rows of books. This nook could’ve been one of many, but it didn’t escape me that none of the high mages’ doors were near the area—almost like this was neutral ground.
The high mage of air plopped back into his seat at the lone table occupying the space and fisted his hands in his hair. “Well, I did exactly as you said, Kian.”
Snade finally appeared to be losing his crap; his skin mottled with rage. “As did I.”
Four empty chairs were tucked close to the wooden furniture, and Kian and Snade each stood in the tight space, glaring at each other.
“So you say,” Kian grumbled, pulling out a chair.
“Are you accusing me of lying?” Snade grabbed Kian’s arm, but one look from the high mage of water, and the balding mage withdrew his hand. “The proof is in the recording—for all of you to see,” Snade hissed, taking his seat. “I pushed her limits!”
Holy. Mother. Mage.
They’d 110.9% tried to sabotage me!
“She’s much stronger than her mother,” Orion said, shaking his head. “I gave Nai an F5 tornado. Elia struggled with an F2.”
My heart thudded as indignation flooded me.
How dare they?
“Any idea what Geoff is having her do?” Snade asked, leaning forward in his chair, his eyes narrowing. “More importantly, could we send someone to oversee them?”
“He said they’d be at his castle, same as each of us,” Kian said.
Apparently, them isolating me at their castles cut both ways. While Rey wasn’t able to be in their territory, they wouldn’t be able to sabotage me in Grandpa’s.
Halle-freakin’-lujah.
Orion huffed and then muttered, “He’s probably teaching her how to raise the dead.”
Kian slid into his seat, still glaring at Snade. “You should’ve burned her! Even if it appeared intentional, at least, it would’ve sent her to the healing ward so she couldn’t complete her final test.”
Glaring at the water mage, Snade slammed his fist on the table. “And why didn’t you drown her, eh? Why is this on me?”
Kian smoothed his shirt. “Everyone knows I have it out for her. I had to go easy, lest it looked malicious.”
Stunned, I stood there, gaping while they discussed their failed assassination attempts. The sense of betrayal pressed against my soul, and I turned away from their discussion.
Note to self: these high mages were d-bags. Except for my grandfather—and maybe the high mage of earth, Heath.
Maybe that’s why Gramps sent me here. Lesson learned.
At this point, I’d fetch Grandpa’s book title and then get the heck out of here.
“It doesn’t matter,” Kian said, flatly.
I started to slink away—
“We’ll have time to deal with her later,” Kian said. “We need to discuss the new king of Shifter Island.”
—and then froze.
Shifter Island? They were talking about Rage.
Spinning back toward the evil asshats, I crept forward, dread sinking into my soul.
“He’s invited all of the other shifters back,” Snade said.
“He’s trying to unite them!” Orion growled.
Kian shook his head. “Worse, he’s training the lower mages to protect themselves!”
I had no idea what in the name of the Mother Mage they were talking about, but it seemed like my mate had been busy.
Silence fell, the air thick with tension.
“He can’t do that,” Snade growled, his eyes glowing with live flame.
“No, indeed he cannot. He’s rejected all of our traditions,” Kian stated. “I’m not sure if Declan failed to train the boy or if he’s truly just that ignorant, but we can’t have him ruin our society.”
“The half-breed is his mate,” Snade said. “And they share a shield bond.”
Kian nodded. “But my sources say they haven’t sealed their mate bond. We must make stopping their mate bond from sealing our top priority.”
“How can we do that? One of the blood mages maybe?” Orion asked.
Did he say blood mage? What the frick is that?
Fear coursed through me.
“If we fail…” Orion tapped the table.
“She could spy on us and use her bond to filter everything to him. Our entire way of life could fall,” Kian said, unknowingly filling in the risks for me.
Stunned by this revelation, my fear turned to anger. How dare they even try to stop Rage and me from sealing our bond? And for what? Power?
“He could encourage the lower mages to stage a rebellion or insist we take care of them,” Snade growled.
Orion swallowed hard. “Can you imagine the lower mages running around here?”
All three men grumbled or snarled.
“He could ruin everything,” Snade said. “We can’t allow it!”
“He must be stopped,” Kian stated, which was followed by murmured assent.
The three of them continued talking, but my mind spun, unable to process any more than fragments of their speech, and I rested my head against the shelf.
Blood mage? That sounded dark … and powerful.
But … surely they wouldn’t … they couldn’t…
I couldn’t even finish the thought. I knew there was no level of depravity these men wouldn’t stoop to in an effort to preserve their control. Hadn’t they just admitted to trying to kill me? And they’d interfered in Rage’s ascent to the throne by giving Mallory’s father that spelled necklace. Who knew what else they’d done—or how long they’d been pulling strings.
The sky deepened from cerulean to rich sapphire, and the lights in the library brightened. I raised my head and blinked, my gaze zeroing in on the gold plaque label of the shelf: 2B2.
This was the row Grandpa told me to find.
I forced a swallow and craned my neck up to the top shelf and let my gaze fall on the golden inscription of the tome’s title: Betrayal of an Empire.
Shock punched me, and I turned my gaze toward the deepening sky—and nearly screamed.
There I was—or rather there was my reflection in the window—just like a mirror.
Frick!
Could they see me?
Panic seized my lungs, and I scurried backward, bumping into the shelf—and somehow knocked a book down. Apparently, my ghostly soul could still move objects—good to know, and also freaky.
“What was that?” Snade asked, and someone’s chair s
craped the floor.
I dropped to the ground and crawled away on my hands and knees.
“Orion, pull the air from the room,” Kian snapped. “Let’s find out who’s here.”
No. No. No.
Wait!
What was I doing? I just needed to get back to my body.
I sat up and leaned against the shelf, closing my eyes.
Please let this work!
I thought of Gramps sitting at the bistro table in his gardens … his castle in the background.
I felt a tug in my navel, and then the smell of roses perfumed the air. The kiss of a cool breeze tickled the hairs on the back of my neck—or was that someone breathing?
Someone rested their hand on my shoulder, and my eyes flew open as I yelped.
“Nai, it’s just me,” Reyna said, bringing her hands up in surrender.
She stood directly in front of me, her features twisted with worry.
My gaze leapt from her to the chair on the other side of the small wrought-iron table where my grandfather sat.
He offered me a sad smile, but his only question was, “Did you get the title?”
I pushed back from the table, my entire body trembling as I stared at him. He knew … somehow … he knew what I’d just seen. Maybe he was there too, just hiding.
Forcing a swallow, I nodded. “Betrayal of an Empire.”
He sucked in a small breath and then tilted his chin and looked up at the floating orb that hovered in the darkness of the sky. “She’s passed her test for spirit. Let it be recorded for all to see. The initiation is done. Nai Crescent is my rightful heir and will start training at once.”
Lightning crackled across the sky, causing me to jump. The bolt of energy struck the bubble. With a loud rumble of thunder, the orb disappeared.
Grandpa’s gaze returned to mine, and I couldn’t help the tears filling my eyes.
How was it possible that only a few weeks ago, he was robust and full of life, and now … my grandfather’s body appeared frail—and withered? How was it possible that the high mages were so evil—and consumed with power? How long had Gramps known?
“Your classes start in the morning,” he said, offering me a small smile.
There were so many things I wanted to ask him. So many things I needed to say—so many questions I needed him to answer—but first … I needed to make everything right with Rage.
“I’ll be back,” I managed to choke out, my voice warbling with each word. “I need—” The thought that someone might be eavesdropping stopped me. With a shake of my head, I repeated, “I’ll be back.”
The rush of adrenaline waned, but I didn’t wait for Gramps’ permission.
Right now, the most important thing was my mate.
Chapter Four
I raced back to my grandfather’s office and burst through the door. Honor froze, his muscles bunching as he crouched on the rug where he’d been pacing.
‘I passed,’ I told him, slamming the door shut behind me. I strode toward the black wolf, my throat constricting with a flood of emotions. Kneeling, I gave my friend an affectionate hug, resting my head against his.
He nuzzled me. ‘Well done.’
I rose, trying to blink away the tears. ‘We need to get back before…’
This time, the words stuck as a wave of guilt crashed over me, clogging my throat. I turned away from my friend, wondering how I could ever make this right? What would I say to Rage? How—?
‘Rage turns the entire Island upside down looking for you?’ Honor finished.
I nodded, barely hearing his words as I stared at the inside of the office door. Deep gouge marks marred the once smooth surface, and my jaw dropped.
‘You were in danger today. I felt it,’ Honor said, letting his tongue loll in a wolfish grin. ‘I tried to get out so I could help you.’
‘You’re the best,’ I said, nearly overcome with emotion again. ‘Now, let’s get out of here.’
We raced down the hallway toward the library, my mind still spinning.
What time was it?
Fatigue pulled at my limbs, but I gave it no heed; I needed to get to Rage.
My poor mate. How had nearly two days passed since I’d walked out of his coronation?
Now … the high mages wanted me dead, but since that didn’t happen, they’d settle for ruining my mate bond to Rage. I wouldn’t let that happen. I needed to seal it. Now.
Honor and I started toward the entrance to the library, both of us pivoting when we heard someone approaching from behind.
“School starts in the morning; you’re already behind,” Reyna commented as she slowed her pace.
I didn’t want to take the time to explain, but at least, here it was safe from prying eyes.
“I can’t start anything without telling him what’s going on. I’ll be back by morning, I promise.” Blinking through tears, I held up my left hand. “I won’t stay away from him any longer. He deserves to know what’s happening, and—” My voice cracked, and I forced a swallow. “I need to make things right—if I can.”
Her gaze fell to the silver mate marks on my finger before returning to my eyes. “Alright then.” She gave me a tight smile like she didn’t do it enough. “Let me help you through the library in case Kian is waiting. Then I’ll see you first thing in the morning.”
I nodded. “Thanks … for everything today.”
Leaning forward, I pulled her into a hug, only mildly surprised when her body went rigid.
“Not a hugger,” she croaked.
I just grinned and squeezed a little harder.
When I let go, she glared at me, but there was no sharpness to her expression.
“Come on,” she said, tilting her head down the hall. “Let’s get you back to lover boy.”
My eyes widened, and I snickered. “I can’t believe you just called the alpha king that.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Do you want to stand here and have me tell you all the other names I could’ve chosen, or are you ready to go?”
Good point.
“Let’s go,” I said.
Sneaking out into the library, we stilled, all three of us listening for any sounds that might indicate the three high mage d-bags were still there.
It was quiet and dark.
Reyna and I stepped out with Honor trailing behind as we tiptoed through the aisles until she waved me toward the secret corridor that led to the portal to Alpha Academy library. “I’ll meet you back here first thing in the morning.” She gave me a flat look. “Do not make me come fetch you.”
I waved goodbye and then ran all the way to the back side of the onyx door.
After a deep breath, I opened the black stone door and slipped out into the Alpha Academy library, nearly tripping over…
Mother Mage.
I wanted to cry at the sight of Noble asleep on the floor directly in front of the portal door. If not for the bright red blanket draped over him, I would’ve stepped on him. I sniffed back my tears, and his eyes sprang open as he scrambled to his feet. Blinking, he took me and Honor in.
“Oh, thank the mage, Nai!” He pulled me in for a tight hug. “You had us worried to death.”
My throat tightened, and tears welled in my eyes.
“I’m so sorry!” I croaked, throwing my arms around him.
Under his breath, he muttered, “I thought you might come back through here.” He released his hold on me and then pulled back to assess me. “Are you hurt?”
I shook my head. “Not hurt.”
He cocked his head and raised his eyebrows in disbelief. I offered him a rueful smile.
“All the physical scratches will heal before morning, but…” I swallowed hard and then forced the words out in a rush. “My grandfather is dying, and the high mages want to steal his magic, and … I need to see Rage.”
Noble nodded, his hazel eyes wide. “Absolutely. Come with me.”
He took my hand and pulled me through the library as Honor trotted along to my left
.
“Good to see you, brother.” Noble tipped his head at Honor, and Honor nodded back in kind.
We crossed the moonlit courtyard and then made our way to the giant castle, my heart racing faster the closer we got. After using a side door and passing several guards, the number increasing the farther we went into unfamiliar corridors, Noble pulled us to a stop in front of a large oak door with hand-engraved roses. Two male shifters from Midnight pack stood outside the door.
“These are his new living quarters,” Noble whispered. “Honor and I’ll give you two privacy.”
I blushed the color of a tomato.
Grinning, Noble nodded to Honor, and together they started to walk away.
Ignoring the two guards, I spun toward the door, staring at it with a lump in my throat. Would Rage understand?
I could only hope so.
Taking a deep, uneven breath, I squared my shoulders and opened the heavy door. The damn thing groaned loudly on its hinges, and my chest tightened as light sliced through the darkened room.
What ifs spiraled through my mind, twisting up my thoughts, and I shoved them away. It was time to face the music—or whatever that saying was. Regardless, I could do this. I would.
After forcing a dry swallow, I stepped inside.
“Someone better be dead,” Rage growled, sitting up. The sheet puddled at his waist as he turned toward the doorway, his half-lidded eyes practically glowing in the darkness. My heart stopped. He looked so sexy, his bare chest rising with his breath, and yet vulnerable, too, with his hair a mess, and eyes heavy with sleep.
“Nai?” he gasped.
Hearing my name … his disbelief … his hope … fall from his lips, it undid me. My heart shattered, and my vision blurred.
“Rage!” I cried out.
He burst from the bed. I blinked, and one moment, he was wrapped in blankets, and the next, he stood before me. His gaze roved over me, nearly as hot as his touch, and I waited, trembling for some kind of verdict.
I chewed my lip, knowing he’d see not only the dirt but the scratches and scrapes that still marred my body. My stomach churned with guilt, and my eyes burned. I felt like a prisoner on trial…
“What … who hurt you?” he growled, pulling me into his arms, pressing me to his chest. I melted into him, the warmth of his touch, the softness of his skin over the steel of his muscles. I wanted to cry and beg forgiveness and cling to him—all of it at once. It felt so good for him to hold me. “Was this your grandfather’s doing?” He growled, rubbing one hand up and down my back. “If so, I’ll kill him.”
