“There’s nothin’ to it,” Raith replies with a lopsided grin.
Before I can comment, he lifts me effortlessly and places me on Kazer’s back. The giant feline doesn’t react, and Raith jumps up, settling in behind me.
“Try not to have too much fun without me,” Galen drawls, pouting a little as he swings himself onto his stallion.
“That’s Arizak,” Raith says, his breath hot on my neck as he leans down, getting closer to my level.
He nods to where Thane is now on his bear, and Knox climbs onto his wolf. I swear Knox and his creature must be kindred souls, because they both turn to glare at me like I’m a threat who has infiltrated their pack.Seriously, are they always this hostile?
“Those two are called Rinoc and Bonfang,” Raith explains, indicating to the bear and the wolf.
I stare at Knox’s beast. Bonfang.Of course, the creature has the word ‘fang’ in his name.
“So, do all new students get this kind of treatment? Is this how you transport them all to the shadow realm?”
Raith chuckles. “Nah. Most of them are tossed into a shadow vortex. It’s a kind of portal, but it would only spit you out in the main foyer of the academy. Considerin’ we’re well past orientation this seemed like the better option.” Raith shrugs his broad shoulders. “Provided that Bonfang didn’t kill you.”
“Kill me?” I practically squeak. “Don’t you have some kind of code about protecting your students or something?”
Galen pulls up his stallion, Arizak, closer beside us. “Until you enter the gates of the academy and are registered, you’re not technically a student.”
“Besides, I knew Kazer would take a likin’ to you. He likes everyone.” Raith pauses. “Except the ones who cry too much. I think the wailin’ hurts his ears.”
I’m thankful then, that I’d never started screaming like I’d wanted to.Noted for next time.Because I have no doubt this won’t be the only terrifying situation I end up in with these four.
“If you’re done,” Knox snarls. Then without another word, he and Bonfang turn from us, vanishing into a cloud of smoky shadows as both the wolf and its rider seem to slide into the darkness. One moment they’re there, and the next they’re gone.
I watch in awe as Thane and his bear do the same.
Galen waits with us, and Raith bands his arm tighter around my waist. My sketchbook digs into my stomach, and he notices me flinch.
“Don’t ask,” Galen says with a wry smile.
Nodding like he understands, Raith loosens his hold a little. Not that it does anything to stop the sensation of ice and fire going through me at his touch. The man sits right behind me, his muscled abs pressed up against my back, and I can hardlybreathe. I reach down, sliding my fingers into Kazer’s soft fur to ground myself, and a soft purr starts vibrating through the creature’s body as his tail flicks back and forth.
“All right, sunshine.” Raith’s gruff voice is like warm honey sliding against my skin.Seriously, how can this guy and Knox be twins? Aside from their appearance, these two don’t seem to have anything in common.“There’s nothin’ to this,” Raith goes on. “Just don’t try to do anythin’ stupid like jump off. If you fall while we’re traveling along a shadow road, I might not be able to help you.”
“A shadow road?”
Raith doesn’t explain anything else. He urges his creature forward, and Kazer and Arizak move at the same time, melting into the shadows. The library with its beautiful shelves bursting with books disappears from view, and soon we’re surrounded by drifting shadows, with no landmarks around us. Knox and Thane are up ahead on the shadow road, and it’s clear they’ve been waiting for us, because the instant they spot us, their creatures turn, forging ahead.
“What is this place?” I whisper. I’ve been in portals before, but this is nothing like that.
Galen is the one to reply as his stallion walks steadily beside Kazer. “There are many shadow roads, but this one leads to the academy in the shadow realm. The shadow realm is connected to all of the other realms via a shadow network, of sorts. Or a series of pathways, you could say.
A network?I’ve never heard of it, but then again, like I said, not much is known about the shadow realm.
“Trained shadow warriors can use the pathways to get around, but there are risks. Lose yourself in here, and you might never find your way out.”
Black shadows move beneath Kazer’s paws.
“And how do you know if you’re going the right way?” I ask.
Galen gives me a small smile, but he doesn’t answer.
“Hold on,” Raith rumbles, right before Kazer starts to pick up speed.
Chapter Six
