FIVE
Percy
I was still seethingwhen Director Waverly’s assistant found me after the declaration ceremony. The Nightfall Shield had retreated to our common area, and I’d been pacing like a caged animal while Draco watched me silently from the couch. Eris was trying to lighten the mood by watching shitty TV, and Aiden was on the phone with his father, his voice tight with barely controlled rage from behind his closed bedroom door.
“Director Waverly would like to see you and Mr. Reece immediately,” the assistant said, not quite meeting my eyes.
I didn’t respond, just grabbed my jacket and headed for the door. Aiden emerged from his room, face like thunder, and fell into step beside me. We walked in silence through the corridors, students parting for us automatically.
“This is abouther,” Aiden said finally.
“Of course it is.”
“The 13th fucking zodiac.” He shook his head. “Bullshit.”
I didn’t reply. I’d seen that light from the casting stone. It wasn’t faked. But that didn’t mean shit. Something was wrong with this.
Director Waverly’s office was on the top floor of the east wing, with windows overlooking the training grounds. She was standing behind her desk when we entered, two Assembly representatives flanking her like sentinels. I recognized them from previous gatherings, high-ranking officials who rarely bothered with academy business unless something significant was happening.
“Mr. Whitlock, Mr. Reece, thank you for coming,” Waverly said, gesturing to the chairs across from her desk. Neither of us sat.
“What’s this about?” I asked, though I already knew.
“Jupiter Black,” she said simply. “The Assembly believes she may be the most powerful axis to manifest in centuries. Her Ophis designation gives her unique capabilities that would significantly enhance any shield she bonds with.”
“And?” Aiden crossed his arms.
“And the Nightfall Shield would be the logical match.” She looked between us. “Your combat scores are unmatched, your designations complementary. The Assembly strongly suggests you consider her before another shield claims her.”
I felt my magic flare, heat rushing through my veins. “You’re suggesting? Or ordering?”
“The Assembly doesn’t issue orders regarding shield bonds,” one of the representatives said smoothly. “But we do offer guidance based on compatibility assessments and strategic considerations.”
“And I suppose these ‘compatibility assessments’ just happened to determine that your precious 13th zodiac should bond with the most politically and socially influential shield at Dominion.”
“Your cynicism is noted, Mr. Whitlock,” Director Waverly said coolly. “But the facts remain. The Nightfall Shield has operated without an axis for three years. You’ve compensatedadmirably, but you cannot reach your full potential without one.”
“We’ve managed just fine,” Aiden said. “We’ll choose our own axis when we’re ready.”
“Time is a luxury we may not have.” The female Assembly representative stepped forward. “Bane incursions have increased thirty percent in the last year alone. We need every shield operating at maximum capacity.”
I laughed harshly. “So this isn’t about compatibility at all. It’s about weaponizing us.”
“I won’t lie to you. Yes, it is about that. She is a weapon like it or not. We were running on guns and ammo before, and now we have a nuclear bomb.”
I hated this, hated the idea that the Assembly was engineering my bond, that my future was being decided by committee. The Nightfall Shield was mine. Ours. We’d built it from nothing, fought for every recognition, earned every accolade through blood and sweat. And now they wanted to insert some unknown variable into our perfectly calibrated unit.
“We’re not interested,” I said flatly.
Director Waverly sighed, setting her palms on the desk. “Some destinies are larger than personal preference, Mr. Whitlock. I suggest you consider that before making any final decisions.”
I stared back at her, the words echoing in my head.Some destinies are larger than personal preference.Like I hadn’t heard that my entire life from my father.
“If that’s all,” Aiden said, already turning toward the door.
“Just one more thing,” Director Waverly said. “Ms. Black will begin regular training rotations tomorrow. I expect the Nightfall Shield to extend her every professional courtesy.”
“Of course,” I said, my voice dripping with false sincerity. “We’re nothing if not professional.”
