“Leave. Me. Alone.”
But now that my emotions aren’t under a tight hold, my voice wobbles. I internally curse the gods when I realize moisture is threatening to escape my eyes. Seeing that makes Baelfire go perfectly still with horror, and he swears softly.
“Boo…oh gods,pleasedon’t cry or I’ll?—”
As if the gods have finally decided to sprinkle some mercy into my existence, there’s a cheery knock on the front door. I glance down at my incriminatingly bloody ensemble, as do Silas and Baelfire. Without a word, I slip back behind the corner of the hallway. Finally giving in to the lingering weakness from reviving, I brace myself against the wall and listen as they open the now-unlocked door.
I recognize Mr. Gibbons’ voice. “Ah! If it isn’t my two favorites of your most promising quintet?—”
“Are we free to leave now?” Baelfire interrupts impatiently.
“Well, now, not exactly,” the warlock hedges. “Until further notice, students will not be permitted outside the walls of Everbound Castle. There will be some rather heavy supervision and new rules, and some, ah…bold new changes to the school’s schedule going forward…”
He trails off and then clears his throat. “But the wonderful news is that students may now leave their rooms. Classes are on hold for the rest of the day, but at eight o’clock this evening, we will be holding the mandatory Matched Ball—where the Immortal Quintet will honor us with their attendance!”
From his tone, he clearly expects them to squeal and clap at the news.
“Gee whiz, that’s great,” Baelfire drawls, his dry tone going right over Mr. Gibbon’s head. “But what about us shifters? We don’t like being cooped up. It’s the animals inside us. Take it from me—this whole school will become a hunting ground if the House of Shifting gets cabin fever. Wouldn’t want you to be dragon chow.”
The underlying threat in his voice makes me tip my head. Usually, Baelfire is exceptionally charming, but he’s on edge right now. Is he also struggling with his curse in some way I don’t know?
“Well…you’re right,” Mr. Gibbons agrees after swallowing loudly. “I suppose that will only add further excitement into the mix, eh? I shouldn’t be telling you this, gentlemen, but seeing how you’re a Crane and a Decimus…I’ll let you in on a little secret. As of tomorrow morning, the no-killing ban will be officially lifted, and quintet rankings will begin.”
Quintet rankings mean all matched legacies will be at each other’s throats, intent on proving they’re the strongest. It will be an absolute bloodbath.
At least I have that to look forward to.
“Quintet rankings aren’t supposed to start until next semester,” Silas points out. “After the holiday break.”
“By order of the Immortal Quintet, the holiday break has been indefinitely delayed…as has First Placement,” Mr. Gibbons explains, sounding nervous when Baelfire scowls. “You see, we’ll begin next semester effective tomorrow on an expedited timeline. Rather different, but then one is not to argue with the Immortal Quintet. Well then! I have other students to whom I must deliver this news. Here is your official invitation to the Matched Ball—I’m sure your quintet will be the envy of all. Oh, and all food in the dining hall is complimentary for the rest of the day as an apology from our most understanding leaders. Have a good day, gentlemen.”
The door shuts, and Baelfire scowls savagely again. “We’re not allowed to leave for the holidays? My family is going to be pissed when I don’t show up. What the fuck is going on?”
I know what’s going on. The Immortal Quintet is keeping everyone trapped here while they search for the one who killed their mage. They’re going to tear this place apart until they find their culprit…and they might discover me in the process.
Everbound is officially a ticking time bomb.
Pushing myself off the wall, I retreat because I really do need a shower. Then I need to get away from these assholes and start searching.
Please be alive, Kenzie. I’m coming for you.
3
SILAS
I glancedown the hall when I hear Maven shut the door to the bathroom.
What are you hiding, my blood blossom?
My entire life, I've studied magic. When I apprenticed with the Garnet Wizard, I learned more about it than most casters ever do. He was never a fan of how the Legacy Council monitors the craft, censoring certain types of magic and many potion ingredients and grimoires. Instead, he made it a point to teach me more about forbidden magics than the Legacy Council would ever have permitted, had they been aware.
So Iknowmagic. Even the kinds I don't practice.
But my eyes slip back to the withered plants nearby, and I’m…captivated. I'm also in a great deal of pain, thanks to my broken shoulder and the lingering tendrils of pure anguish left behind from Maven's…curse? Hex? Malediction?
What the hellwasthat? And what happened to the poison she was fighting? How could it just vanish from her system?
"Sorry about your shoulder," Baelfire grumbles, drawing his hands through his hair and down his face as he paces like a caged animal.
