The second he mutters that single word, they set into action.
Ocean.
Rion.
Kael.
The latter remains a step back with Ocean, as though he’s using her as a shield, while Rion bolts toward me with a ferocity I’ve only ever seen from him. My heart pangs at the desperation in his eyes as he charges this way, and I internally berate myself for ever thinking he was in on Kael’s betrayal.
It’s when my heart flutters that I know I’m in serious trouble. I try to tamp down the response as I edge toward the door. I’m certain I hear Thorne snicker under his breath as he steps outside, holding the door open for me, while also giving Rion a clear shot to get to me.
I can’t bring myself to step over the threshold; I’m too locked onto his gaze and the way I feel inside. His smile spreads from ear to ear as he reaches the bottom of the stone steps and I finally remember how to use my feet.
Ready to launch myself into his arms, I let the tension slip from my veins, but before Rion can reach the threshold, the door whips between us, slamming shut with an almighty thud that rocks me to my core. Panic rears its ugly head instinctively, coming in thicker and faster than before. So much so that I sway on my feet, lightheaded and wary.
“What the hell?” I blurt, lifting my hand to push the door back open, but it’s bolted in place.
The rapid thump of Rion’s fist on the other side steals my breath, my pulse quickening in my ears when footsteps echo from behind me. Turning in slow motion, I freeze as the new arrival creeps out of the shadowy hallway.
“Elodie Blackwood, how nice of you to return.”
“Rikard,” I bite, hating the dusty blond hair that frames his face, making him look far less wicked than I know he is. Gulping,I shake my hands out, trying to mentally back myself out of the corner I know he’s attempting to put me in. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I mutter, pressing my hands even more firmly against the door behind me as his grin grows, but the darkness that seeps around him ensures there’s no humor to be found.
“Then you won’t mind meeting with the other members of The Sanctum, will you?” he muses, rocking back on his heels three times before pointing toward the stairs, silently directing me toward the portal I just came through.
Blinking at him, I already know I don’t have a choice. I could try to use my magic on the asshole and make a run for it, but in reality, I need The Sanctum and the guise of protection they offer. Which means I need to suck it up and do as he requires. Besides, I don’t think I’m ever going to catch a break, never mind one right now in the thick of disaster.
“Of course, lead the way,” I breathe, channeling an inner peace despite the rage coming from the other side of the door.
“No, after you, Miss Blackwood. I insist,” he retorts, waving his hand at the stairs this time.
I take the command, physically ascending the steps while my soul remains in that exact spot. My breathing shallows out as we reach the portal once again, and my spine stiffens when his hand clamps on my shoulder as we pass through it. As the magic washes over me, Rikard shoves firmly, knocking me off balance.
A squeak parts my lips as I tumble to the floor, unable to keep myself upright. I grunt as my palms burn against the rough carpet beneath me, my knees not fairing much better as I glare over my shoulder at the man in question. Before I can give him a piece of my mind and wipe that smug grin off his face, the sound of someone clearing their throat cuts through my rage, snapping my attention in the opposite direction.
Four familiar figures are seated behind a long, rectangular desk, a familiar position for The Sanctum. Each one of them looks at me inquisitively, seeking answers I don’t care to give.
Rising to my feet, I dust off my yoga pants, courtesy of Thorne, and straighten the oversized hoodie I’m definitely stealing forever. I take my time, casting my gaze over each of them as Rikard walks around me to take his seat on their side.
In their usual formation, Anya sits on the far left, Toman beside her, and Saken dead center, while Cordelia holds up the far right, allowing Rikard to take his usual spot between her and the man in the middle.
Anya taps a perfectly manicured pink nail against her chin as she assesses me, while Toman looks exhausted. Or is it boredom that makes his eyelids lower? Regardless, he seems about as happy to be here as I am. Saken pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose, his usual peppered hair a little disheveled as his lips pinch together, while Cordelia laces her fingers together on the table as she leans forward, openly raking her eyes over me three times, her eyebrows raising a smidge with each passing. Rikard, on the other hand, leans back in his seat without a care in the world, amusement now dancing in his eyes. The only reason I can imagine for it is that he successfully knocked me over. If he’s enthralled with such menial victories, I can’t wait to watch his final demise when it comes.
“I’d say I’m pleased to see you, Elodie, but I must admit, knowing you’re working with The Obsidian Circle, I can’t offer such pleasantries,” Saken states, his words sharp as he taps the desk.
My eyebrows gather in confusion as I blink at him. “I’m not,” I state bluntly, but if he hears me, he doesn’t acknowledge it as he continues to badger me with questions.
“Are you spying for them? What is your goal here? What secrets have you kept from The Sanctum that put not only us in danger, but your peers, Miss Blackwood?”
I take a deep breath, refusing to rise to the accusation he’s goading me with. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I reply blandly, and Anya snarls, slamming her palms on the table.
“Don’t lie! Only magic can burn your eye like that,” she bites, pointing at my face, and I gulp as panic merges with rage, surging my defenses forward.
“What do you want from me?” I grumble, folding my arms over my chest as I look down the table until my gaze meets Cordelia’s.
“Answers to your betrayal,” she says calmly, tilting her head as she continues to stare into my eyes.
My hands clench into fists as I force them back to my sides, aware my behavior isn’t going to come off in the best light if I keep acting like this. Taking a deep breath, I offer a tight smile. “I didn’t betray anyone. I was taken against my will and unable to defend myself since your daughter decided to attack me.”
