We left without another word, the door closing heavily behind us. In the hallway, I walked faster than necessary, my boots echoing on the stone floor.
“My father already called,” Aiden said beside me, keeping pace. “You’re about to get the same speech no doubt. The Reece family is very invested in adding the Ophis to their collection of achievements.”
I didn’t answer him, just walked faster. My phone was already buzzing in my pocket. Aiden shot me a knowing look before breaking off toward the training hall, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the inevitable conversation I was about to have.
Back in our dorm, I slammed the door to my room and finally pulled out my phone. My father’s name glowed on the screen.
“What?” I answered.
“I’m going to pretend you greeted me with respect.” His voice was ice, the same tone he’d used my entire life when I failed to meet his exacting standards.
“I’m busy.”
“Not too busy for this conversation.” I could picture him perfectly, sitting in his leather chair in his study, probably with a glass of scotch. “I’ve just spoken with Assembly Director Orion.”
Of course he had. “And?”
“The 13th zodiac has manifested. This changes everything, Percy.”
“It changes nothing for me.”
“Don’t be naive. Your grandfather served on the Assembly Council. Your position at Dominion was secured through family connections?—“
“My position was secured through combat trials and field performance,” I cut in. “And I don’t need you to remind me of our illustrious family history.”
“Apparently you do, if you’re considering rejecting an Ophis axis.” He paused. “The Assembly has indicated that the Nightfall Shield is being considered as a potential match.”
“The Assembly can respectfully kiss my ass.”
“Your shield exists at the pleasure of the Assembly,” he said coldly. “Don’t forget that. Everything you have—your training, your position, your future—all of it depends on their continued support.”
I felt my magic surge, Ares red crackling along my fingertips. “Is that a threat?”
“It’s reality. One you’d do well to accept. The Ophis designation is the strongest axis possible. With her, the Nightfall Shield could become legendary. Without her, you risk becoming irrelevant.”
“I’m hanging up now.”
“Percival—”
I ended the call before he could finish, throwing the phone onto my bed with enough force that it bounced off and clattered to the floor. I stood there, breathing hard, my magic pulsing beneath my skin, demanding release.
The knock at my door came an hour later. I ignored it, but Aiden came in anyway, a bottle of Jack Daniel’s in one hand.
“That bad?” he asked, noting my scowl.
“Fuck off.”
He laughed humorlessly and threw the bottle at me. “I figured. Mine threatened to pull funding for the shield if we don’t at least ‘consider’ the girl.”
I caught the bottle and unscrewed the cap, taking a long pull. The whiskey burned all the way down.
“What are we going to do?” Aiden asked, leaning against the doorframe.
I took another drink. “What we always do. Whatever the fuck we want.”
His phone buzzed, and the corner of his mouth quirked up as he read the message. “Melissa and Jenna are heading over. You in?”
I wasn’t, not really. But the alternative was sitting here alone with my thoughts, with my father’s voice in my head and Director Waverly’s words echoing on repeat.Some destinies are larger than personal preference.
