Teshin put their blade down. “Why weren’t you there, Yiran? Why did you wander off? Ada was alone with Eddy when the two Hybrids snuck up on them.”
Teshin’s bluntness was a cold slap to the face. Their implication was clear.
This was Yiran’s fault.
He remembered Rui’s disdain when she found out he’d driven his car to campus so he could zip in and out whenever he wanted to.
This isn’t fun and games, not when lives are at stake.
She was right.
Liveswereat stake. This wasn’t about him and how he wanted magic for himself. This was bigger than him. He thought of Eddy and how he’d clung on to the stupid sensor, how he’d staked his life for it because he knew the consequences of the enemy getting their hands on it. How he’d sacrificed himself without hesitation.
Exorcists worked in teams. Yiran had abandoned his. He had left Ada to fight alone; he had left Eddy to fend for himself. And yet here he was, taking it out on Ash when the only one to blame was himself.
Ada squeezed his hand. Yiran wondered what his face was telegraphing for her to be looking at him like that.
“It’s not your fault,” she whispered, so soft only he could hear it. Then, louder, for the rest, “You did the best you could in the moment. You saved me. I would’ve died if it wasn’t for your shield.”
But itismy fault, Yiran wanted to say.I was daydreaming about kissing the enemy while you were fighting for your life, while Eddy was dying.Guilt was an iron weight on his chest, something he would bear for the rest of his life.
“It’s been a difficult day,” Ash finally said.
Both of his hands were gripping the steering wheel, knuckles white. He sighed, the sigh of someone who had seen too much but who was forced to keep his eyes open. How many people had died in front of him? How many people had he failed to save? Yiran didn’t know the ghosts that haunted his half brother.
“It’s not what I wanted you to experience on your first mission,” Ash went on, his voice toneless and hollow. “But the sooner you know what itmeans to be out in the field, the faster you’ll learn and adapt.” He glanced briefly at the back seat. “Ada’s right, Yiran. You did what you could. It was an impressive defensive shield. I’ve never seen one so large.”
This wasn’t the praise Yiran wanted. Not like this.
There was a cackle of static.
“Captain Song? Come in, Captain—”
Ash picked up his comms set. “Yeah?”
“The qi sensors in sector twelve have picked up some abnormal activity. A unit is heading that way, but we’d like to send more backup.”
“Sector twelve?” Ash said. “Is that Outram?”
“Affirmative, Captain.”
“I’m with some cadets, but I can be there after I drop them off at HQ. ETA twenty minutes.”
“Very good, Captain.” There was a blip of static, and the comms went silent.
“You have to bring us along,” Yiran ordered.
“Oh I do, do I?” Ash snorted. “Look at Ada, she needs a healer.”
“I see fine with my other eye,” Ada declared.
Yiran said, “You want us to learn and adapt fast? Throw us in the field. This isn’t a choice, Ash, we’re going with you.”
“And you, Cadet Mak? It’s obvious you’re the only rational one in the back seat,” Ash said, shaking his head. “What do you have to say about this?”
Teshin shrugged. “It’s three against one, whether it’s a vote—or a fight. We’ll also get there faster without the detour to the headquarters.”
Ash considered their response. “Fine, but only if the three of you follow everything I say.” He glared. “I should charge the three of you with dissent.”
