Riley pinched the top of her nose. This was exactly the argument they’d had already. For hours.
She’d held back all afternoon, feeling that she didn’t have the right to speak up when she was so new to the Circle. But she was done with that. James was her future. These people were her future. It was time she stepped up and joined them in the way she always wanted.
She was a Healer. She understood giving difficult news and making tough decisions when all the options looked bad. And she could help.
She stepped forward and leaned her hands on the table. “This is getting us nowhere. We have to make a final decision. David, you’re our Custodian, so you should choose. And you should do it now.” She looked around the room, making sure she had everyone’s attention. “Will you all abide by his decision?”
“Yes” and “Of course,” filled the kitchen as they all turned to David.
If he was shocked by her pronouncement, he gave no sign of it. Instead, he tilted his head toward her as if in thanks. “You’re right, Riley. As your Custodian, in the end, it is up to me.” David cast his gaze slowly around the room. His eyes rested on each of them for long moments, as if he was weighing their opinions and concerns. Or perhaps their skills, their experience, and the value of their judgments.
The room was completely silent when he finally dipped his chin. “And that is why I resign.”
Everyone started shouting and arguing at once. Hell. That was the opposite of what she’d expected, and not at all what she’d intended. She looked over at James, his shocked expression mirroring the confusion she was certain was written all over her face.
David cleared his throat loudly until they settled once more. “We need a leader. Someone who will take responsibility and make a decision. And that person isn’t me.” His expression was determined, but more peaceful than she’d ever seen before. “It’s time for a new Custodian of the London Circle. Time for a fresh vision and bold guidance. We need someone loyal, dedicated, and deeply honorable. Kayleigh Stewart, I nominate you.”
Kay looked stunned. Her fingers twitched, and for a moment, Riley wondered if she was going to pull her Shadow blades into her hands. But then Zach spoke. “I second that.” And James added, “Me too.”
They all turned to look at her, and Riley dipped her chin in agreement. Kay was everything David said and more. She was also kind and thoughtful. A good friend and a skilled Guardian. “Yes, I support Kay’s nomination.”
“Good, we have a quorum,” Bryn said decisively. “Finally, we’re getting somewhere.” He smiled at Kay. “Congratulations. You’ll be an excellent Custodian.”
Kay blinked slowly, looking around at Elizabeth, who grinned delightedly, and then at Ethan, who leaned forward to whisper something in her ear. Riley didn’t catch all the words, but she thought she heard something about how watching Kay fight was fucking hot and he couldn’t wait to see her lead the Circle. Whatever it was, Kay flashed him a quick grin before turning to face them all. “Thank you, I accept.” She looked at David. “But you must know that I’m going to take the fight straight to Gordon.”
“Yes, and I will fight beside you. Whatever you need.”
“Thank you.” Kay swallowed, the depth of her emotion clear. “I’ll work hard to make you proud.”
David stepped over to Kay and pressed a fatherly kiss to her forehead. “I love you, Kayleigh Stewart. You already make me more proud than I could possibly tell you.”
Riley forced the lump in her throat away as Kay hugged David back and whispered, “I love you too.”
Everyone was silent, observing quietly. The hairs rose on the back of Riley’s neck, and her Shadows twisted, unsettled. The moment felt portentous. Like a new beginning. Or perhaps an ending. A farewell.
Eventually, Kay stepped back, her expression firming as she straightened her spine. “Thank you all for your faith in me. We need to act, and we need to act right now. For anyone who would rather not be part of this, there’s no shame. Step away and go with our love.”
No one moved.
“Okay. Good.” Kay’s eyes traveled over her Circle. “I’ve spent the last few hours going over this again and again in my mind. “Our priority has to be taking Gordon into our custody… even if we have to go through the Council to do it. But we need a backup, just in case.” Kay snapped the laptop shut with a click. “As far as we know, at least one person staying there has been Shadow stripped without any kind of trial or proven crime. We can use that to discredit Gordon—and the Council—in front of the entire Order.”
“A coup,” Bryn murmured.
“Yes,” Kay agreed. “It’s the only way.” Her Shadows hovered near her palms as if ready to form daggers at any moment. “We need to take control before Gordon can use Oracle against us. And before he gets anywhere near the Prime Minister. And we can’t allow the Council—or the Order—to continue in this way.”
“I agree,” Bryn stated firmly. “It’s been coming for a long time.”
Kay looked around the table, checking in with each of them. But no one disagreed.
“Ethan and I will take the next shift with the wards and work on the plan,” Kay directed, falling naturally into her role as leader. “Emma and Zach, could you stay with us and talk me through the best way to get into Gordon’s house?”
“Of course.” Emma pulled out a chair and sat, with Zach beside her.
“Thank you. The rest of you should take this time to try to sleep. Especially you two.” Kay looked across at James and Elizabeth, who’d been on the midnight shift. “But make sure you’re back here at 3:00 a.m. to finalize the plan.” Kay smiled viciously. “We leave before four.”
They had two more hours. And then the world would tip on its head once more. And if Riley only had two hours left to live, there was one last thing she had to do.
ChapterThirteen
