"The girl has spine," an older woman says from the back. "And power. That's a start."
Marius moves to stand beside me. "She's more than you know. More than even she knows."
I'm about to respond when movement in the shadows behind the rebels catches my eye. The darkness seems to separate, revealing a familiar figure. My breath catches as Professor Azareon steps into the light.
Chapter Thirty Seven
Brigid
"Well said, Miss Ryan," he announces, his scholarly voice filling the room.
The rebels part for him respectfully as he walks toward the center of the room. I can't mask my shock.
"Professor? You're with the Shadow Rebels?"
He smiles, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "For years, my dear. Long before you were born, when the Council first began their purge of shadow magic."
Marius doesn't seem surprised. "Professor Azareon has been our most valuable ally within the academy. He's protected countless students with shadow magic tendencies. He’s the one who got me in."
Professor Azareon stops before me, his portly frame surprisingly imposing up close. "I've watched you since the moment you arrived, Brigid. Your potential exceeds anything I've seen in decades of teaching."
"Why didn't you tell me?" I ask. But I know the answer before he gives it.
"Security. Protection. For both of us." He turns to address the rebels. "I've taught generations of magical beings. I've seen powers rise and fall. And I tell you now, this young woman represents our best chance to restore balance to our world."
Kieran frowns. "You're certain, old man?"
"As certain as I've been of anything." Professor Azareon turns back to me. "I am at your disposal, Brigid. My connections among the faculty who secretly oppose the Council are yours to command."
I stare at him, still processing this revelation. "You've been working against the Council all this time? Right under their noses?"
"The best place to hide is often in plain sight." He smiles again, but there's something hard in his eyes. "I've buried my true nature for decades, watching them destroy what they feared. No more."
He takes my hand in his, and I feel a surge of magical energy, not threatening, but reassuring. "My resources, my wisdom, whatever talents I possess… I offer them to you."
The room has grown quiet again, but the quality of the silence has changed. The hostility is gone.
"If Professor Azareon stands with her," the dark-eyed young woman says, "I'm willing to listen further."
Several others murmur agreement. Kieran studies me, his scarred face unreadable.
"We'll need more than words and promises," he finally says.
I squeeze Professor Azareon's hand before releasing it. "Thank you, Professor."
"Don't thank me yet," he replies quietly. "The path ahead is not easy. But if anyone can navigate it, I believe it's you."
Professor Azareon steps closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "But I must warn you, Brigid. The Council may be weakened, but their influence still permeates the academy walls."
I feel Marius shift behind me, his body tensing at the professor's words.
"What do you mean?" I ask, scanning the faces of the rebels around us, their expressions now more curious than hostile.
"There are those who have built their entire lives on the Council's favor." Professor Azareon's white beard catches the dim light as he leans forward. "Faculty members, students, even staff whose loyalties are bought and paid for. They'll be desperate now that their patrons are losing power."
"Who should I watch for?"
"There are rumors of clandestine meetings to discuss the problem of, well, you. Attended by students and faculty alike."
