The trio made their way down the gravel path toward the gates. The forest was unnervingly still, not even the birds daring to make a sound.
A man stood waiting beyond the iron fence, flanked by two soldiers in tactical gear. His posture was relaxed, but there was something predatory in the way he watched them approach.
Lucy stopped a few paces from the gate. “Hello. How can we help you?”
The man smiled politely. “My name is Benedict. I believe a few of your friends were near one of our properties a few nights ago. I just wanted to have a friendly chat and maybe see what exactly it was you were looking for.”
Lucy smiled back, all charm. “You must be mistaken. We haven’t spoken before.” She glanced at Corey and Byron, feigning confusion.
Benedict’s grin widened, the kind that didn’t reach his eyes. “Oh, I don’t think I’m mistaken.”
“How many of you are there in that house?” he asked casually.
Lucy tilted her head. “Just us three. Why?”
Benedict’s smile sharpened. “Interesting. Because I was told there were you three… and about twenty-seven others.”
Lucy’s stomach dropped. She kept her expression neutral but mind-linked immediately.
Byron. Corey. How the hell does he know that?
Byron’s voice came back tight, focused.He’s not here to talk. Get ready to move.
Benedict’s tone changed, too soft, too knowing. “Tell me, Lucy, do you have powers? ItisLucy, isn’t it?”
Byron’s voice came through again.Get back to the house. Now. He’s playing with us. There’s at least two hundred of them surrounding the outer perimeter. They know everything, where the wards are, where the bombs are...
Before he could finish, a thunderous explosion ripped through the air. The ground shook beneath their feet. Smoke rose from the east side of the property, it was the first of Damian’s traps detonated.
Benedict didn’t even flinch. He laughed. “Don’t worry about my men. We knew where your toys were. We simply set them off ourselves.”
He took a step closer to the gate, hands clasped behind his back like a man on a stroll. “Now then, are you going to let me in… or do we have to play this silly game of cat and mouse?”
Lucy straightened, her expression cold. “I’ll never be the mouse.”
Byron grabbed her arm just as Corey barked, “Move!”
They turned and ran, gravel scattering beneath their boots as they sprinted back toward the manor. Behind them, Benedict’s laughter carried through the morning air, it was cruel, and certain.
The front doors slammed open so hard they rattled the frame.
Lucy, Byron, and Corey stumbled inside, breathless. The air in the manor felt heavier than before it was thick with fear and energy.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck!” Lucy screamed, pacing across the floor. “There’s too many! Everyone’s in danger!”
The others had already gathered. They had never seen Lucy like this.
Mary crossed the room, took hold of Lucy’s shoulders, and pulled her still. “You have always been the calm one,” she said firmly. “Today is not the day to get lost in your head. Stop. Think.”
Another explosion rocked the ground beneath them, the sound tearing through the air. Dust drifted from the ceiling.
Mary’s voice rose over the ringing in their ears. “Focus, Lucy!Focus!”
Lucy gathered herself together, even though right now, at this point in time, she also wanted to hide and retreat like she did all those years ago, but too many people relied on her so she couldn't let them down. “Davina!” she barked.
Davina answered instantly. “Yes?”
“Build up the growth at the front gates, and the entire estate. Make it impossible for them to move in easily.”
