“No, but Oren believes they’ll arrive in a few hours. Likely sooner if he tells Jet about the new information you found." I followed Zane out of the room and up the stairs.
The hallways were busy with everyone dressed in their battle gear. Classes were still taking place, but only for first years. No one had been initiated since the war had resumed. Dean Mathews was now allowing Potentials and their prospective Nexus to perform the ritual.
There had been no shortage mentioned of D’s wine, but I knew it was only a matter of time. For now, we needed strong, trained Factions, and we needed them as soon as possible.
Zane and I left the main building and headed to our house at the edge of the forest. After we returned, we applied for Faction housing, no longer willing to keep our relationship with Reverie a secret.
The details of how it happened were still under wraps, of course.
With Damien’s help, we convinced the dean that we had performed the ritual at our parents’ home before the attack. Damien and Hayes hinted to him that they’d brought a small supply of D’s wine just in case they needed it to reaffirm the bond with their Nexus.
I’m not sure he was thoroughly convinced. And even though forming the bond that way was against our laws without a council witness, he let it go.
Approaching our home, I pictured Reverie lounging in one of the overstuffed chairs surrounding the fireplace, waiting for me to prepare a delicious meal; knowing that wasn’t even a possibility was like a knife to the heart. Every day I spent on this earth without my Treasure made me realize that without her, life was pointless.
The only thing keeping me from total insanity was the knowledge that wewouldget her back—no matter the cost. Our people, this world… nothing mattered but getting her back.
We entered, and Zane went straight to the cabinet, pulling out a bottle of whiskey, pouring a shot, and downing it in one swallow. “Do you want one, brother?”
I shook my head and leaned into the fridge to make some sandwiches for everyone. None of us had been eating enough. I knew we needed to be at full strength to retrieve Reverie, so I tried to fix that when I could.
“I’m going to head upstairs and shower before everyone gets here.” Zane downed another shot.
“Okay, I’ll have food ready when you get back.” He nodded, and reaching the top of the stairs, he didn’t enter his room but headed down the hall to Reverie’s.
All of us spent more time there than we did in our own rooms. As soon as our housing had been approved, we moved Reverie’s things in here with us. Chloe didn’t protest because she knew we were all on the edge of losing ourselves. We needed to feel close to her, even if it was an illusion.
I heard Reverie’s shower start up just as the front door opened.
“Is Nathan here yet?” Oren strode in, carrying multiple scrolls and large codices.
"Nope," I said, finishing the sandwiches and stacking them on a plate in the center of the island.
He dropped everything onto the large table that divided the kitchen and living room, then sat down and grabbed a sandwich.
The housing provided to Factions was more than sufficient. Emberhold designed and modified them as it pleased. Fortunately, the home Emberhold created for our Faction suited us perfectly. It was a completely open-concept space; when you entered through the front door, you had a clear view of the dining and kitchen areas. All the bedrooms were upstairs, with one for each of us.
Reveries was at the end of the long hallway, and it was by far the biggest, with a bathroom that would be any woman’s dream.
I couldn’t wait for the day that I’d be able to run her a bubble bath in the giant tub. My Treasure’s feet probably wouldn’t touch the ground for months after her return. I’d see to it personally.
Oren spoke with his mouth full. “Damn, I knew I should have made him walk over with me.”
I poured him a glass of tea, and he downed it much like Zane had the whiskey earlier.
“Thanks, man. I can’t remember the last time I ate.” He rubbed a hand down his face.
“That needs to change. We’re not going to be able to help Reverie if we’re not at our best.” He nodded in agreement. Then I asked, “What’s going on with Nathan?”
“He’s been torturing anyone who had the smallest relationship with Kristine. I told him I’d already investigated everyone thoroughly, but that hasn’t stopped him.” Oren sighed and poured another glass of tea from the pitcher I’d sat near him.
“Good thing you locked Sophie away where he can’t find her.” I had no sympathy for the little bitch, but we needed to get everything out of her that we could before we disposed of her.
Nathan materialized next to me. “I’ll find her, and when I do, she’ll sing like a canary. You can bet your ass on that.”
I didn’t even startle at his appearance; he popped in and out so much I’d grown used to it.
“The girl is so terrified now that she hardly speaks since Jet got hold of her when we first returned. The last thing we need is you questioning her.” Oren frowned at Nathan. “I’m still hoping that Kristine will contact her. Leave the dead girl walking alone until then.”
