Releasing the fabric of my t-shirt, I glance at the time, and I know I need to move.
Quickly slipping back into the lounge, I glance at the pull-out sofabed. Elodie lies in the center; the spot I occupied moments ago remains empty, while Rion lies on her other side, arm flung around her waist. Thorne got the short straw and is lying on the other side of Rion, arms folded over his chest as he sleeps.
They're going to wake up soon, and I'm going to be gone.
Guilt threatens to rise inside of me, but I can't face the emotions swirling or acknowledge the worry I know will be in Elodie's eyes.
It's definitely a good thing we didn't have a heart to heart.
Making for the door, my fingers curl around the handle and I offer myself one last glance over myshoulder just as Rion blinks up at me. I shake my head and his brows furrow with concern, but thankfully, instead of causing a commotion, he holds Elodie close to his chest.
My gut aches, but it’s with jealousy this time, wishing it were me in that position. Instead of drowning in it, I suck it up and slip into the hallway. Quietly closing the door behind me, I stare at the door ahead, which is supposed to be Elodie's room.
I know Ocean is on the other side.
A little after Elodie used the Veilstone, she mumbled about too much testosterone and needing a break. She refused to let Elodie join her, and as irritating as she is, I know she's a good friend. Elodie will need her to get through this. I should say thanks, but that’s not really in my nature.
Heading for the stairs, I let my thoughts and emotions overwhelm me, allowing myself to feel everything before I’m in my brother’s presence, where it would only prove to be a weakness.
My mind swirls with thoughts of Elodie and how much we’ve been through in such a short amount of time. It taunts me, and not even the brisk, cool morning air rouses me from the darkness as I trudge toward The Vale.
When Elodie saw the message from Judeconfirming a ten o’clock meet-up, I knew I had to make it earlier.
So here I am, a little before six, stepping inside the Academy halls, but instead of making my way to the portal room, I head for the men’s bathroom at the back of the building.
It’s no surprise to find myself alone. No one else would choose to be here at this time. I’m grateful for it.
Standing on the outside of the bathroom in question, I take a deep breath, sweeping my mind clear of anything and everything but rage and anger, just how my brother likes it.
With one final deep breath, I step inside to find I’m still alone. My brother loves to keep me waiting, so it’s no surprise that when six o’clock rolls around, he’s not here. But with every passing minute, doubt starts to creep up on me.
As if sensing my uncertainty, a rush of movement finally comes, and I turn toward the far stall, expecting my brother, only to come face to face with Walker.
Anger vibrates inside of me, a feeling that seems mutual by the glare in his eyes as we stare off with one another.
My fingers curl at my sides, my instinctsbeckoning me to beat the fuck out of him, but I manage to keep myself together, refraining for the sake of the bigger picture. I’m going to have to play nice with this fucker, despite my desire to rip his throat out.
I make a silent vow to do it soon enough. It’s the only thing that calms my mind enough to speak.
“Where's my brother?” I ask, and he shrugs.
“He was too busy.” He stuffs his hands into his pockets, a sneer on his lips, and I huff, unsurprised.
“Let's go then.” I start moving toward him and the portal that stands behind him, but he blocks my path as he folds his arms over his chest, trying to appear bigger before me as he tilts his head.
“Go where?”
Great. It looks like someone's on a power trip.
Cocking my brow at him, I remain as unfazed as possible. “Are you here to take me to him or not?” I grunt, and he shrugs again.
“I’m still deciding.”
I scoff. “Ah, I didn't realize my brother gave you power. What's your official title?” I ask in a knowing, teasing tone. It’s undeniable in my voice, and my assumptions are confirmed by the tick to his jaw and the way his nose flares in frustration. “Ordo you not have one?” I add, stamping home that I know exactly what my brother is like.
Instead of giving me a response, he rolls his shoulders back, cracking his neck from side to side, like I'm going to be scared of him.
Foolish fucker.
