“I should say a party, but I guess a night in would suffice.” She grinned.
“That means you’ll stay?”
“I don’t think I should be letting my older sister go alone, and it’s dangerous.” Her expression fell flat. “But I want to respect your wishes and I am thankful you are talking to me instead of just acting.”
I smiled, even though my heart stung. “Thank you.”
“You owe me.” She nudged me, then frowned. “I still don’t want you going alone.”
“If I possibly ask for a guard to join me, would that make you feel better?” After being independent and only relying on two people, it was hard to ask a stranger to watch my back.
“Not really.” She shook her head. “When are you thinking about leaving?”
“Tonight.”
I knew she’d be resentful for leaving the new life she created at the academy, even if it was for a short period of time. I couldn’t take her away from her new friends. There were still questions regarding the security of the academy, specifically how the dark mage andDemonherrats had gotten in. I was hopeful mydeparture would deter any future attacks, and with the majority of our friends together, she would be well-guarded.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Selene
Islippedinsidethedarkdorm room. Sydney’s back was to me as she lay in her bed, her body only moving with her slow breaths. Once the grounds had been cleared after the attack, all students on campus who didn’t actively need medical attention were to remain in their rooms. I didn’t know what time Sydney had made it back to our dorm. She most likely had a quick visit to Nurse Adair.
Sydney didn’t stir as I retrieved my escape pack underneath my bed. Behind the bag was the box safely storing Mom’s ashes. Viv knew where her urn was, and we had decided Mom would stay there until we found a more permanent location for her.
Next to my bed was Mom’s yearbook. As a last-minute decision, I decided to toss the book in my bag. I slung the grey pack over my shoulders and had almost made it to the door when Sydney’s bed creaked and the glow of fire lit the room.
“No goodbye?” She sat straight up in her bed, holding a small ball of fire like it was a candle. Her gaze flitted to my bed. “Not even a note?”
“Sydney.” I faced her, unsure of what to say.
“Is Viv leaving too?” she asked.
“No.” I squeezed the strap on my pack. “The dark mages are after me, not her.”
“Because she isn’t an ether mage.” She stayed where she was, frowning. Everyone who had been in the cafeteria now knew I was an ether mage, and soon, the entire academy would hear about my existence—and then it would spread to the entire elemental world. “You think leaving will keep her safe? Rubbish. This is the best place for her andyouto be! All the guards and teachers will—”
“Will what?” My voice rose and my chest started to heave. “Not let a dark mage hurt any of the students? Just like earlier today? We’re lucky a student wasn’t killed.”
Sydney stared at me, frozen in place. I had known a guard had been killed, but I wasn’t sure if other students had been informed.
“I’m sorry.” I hadn’t intended to lash out at her. I was tired and all my earlier composure I had with Viv slipped. “I need to do what’s best for my sister.”
“Does Viv know?” she asked.
“Yes.”And I should leave before she changes her mind.
“Will you be back?”
“When it’s safe.” I wasn’t sure of my entire game plan besides leaving the academy, hopefully preventing any further dark mage attacks, and finding a sliver of closure.
Sydney sat a moment before giving me a curt nod of understanding.
“Thank you.” I meant it and turned to head out the door.
“Wait!” Sydney hopped off the bed, letting the fire travel to a small wall torch—which was a violation for us to have—and hugged me.
“Keep yourself safe, will you?” Her voice sounded like she was on the verge of tears.
