Please let this work!
I thought of Gramps sitting at the bistro table in his gardens … his castle in the background.
I felt a tug in my navel, and then the smell of roses perfumed the air. The kiss of a cool breeze tickled the hairs on the back of my neck—or was that someone breathing?
Someone rested their hand on my shoulder, and my eyes flew open as I yelped.
“Nai, it’s just me,” Reyna said, bringing her hands up in surrender.
She stood directly in front of me, her features twisted with worry.
My gaze leapt from her to the chair on the other side of the small wrought-iron table where my grandfather sat.
He offered me a sad smile, but his only question was, “Did you get the title?”
I pushed back from the table, my entire body trembling as I stared at him. He knew … somehow … he knew what I’d just seen. Maybe he was there too, just hiding.
Forcing a swallow, I nodded. “Betrayal of an Empire.”
He sucked in a small breath and then tilted his chin and looked up at the floating orb that hovered in the darkness of the sky. “She’s passed her test for spirit. Let it be recorded for all to see. The initiation is done. Nai Crescent is my rightful heir and will start training at once.”
Lightning crackled across the sky, causing me to jump. The bolt of energy struck the bubble. With a loud rumble of thunder, the orb disappeared.
Grandpa’s gaze returned to mine, and I couldn’t help the tears filling my eyes.
How was it possible that only a few weeks ago, he was robust and full of life, and now … my grandfather’s body appeared frail—and withered? How was it possible that the high mages were so evil—and consumed with power? How long had Gramps known?
“Your classes start in the morning,” he said, offering me a small smile.
There were so many things I wanted to ask him. So many things I needed to say—so many questions I needed him to answer—but first … Ineededto make everything right with Rage.
“I’ll be back,” I managed to choke out, my voice warbling with each word. “I need—” The thought that someone might be eavesdropping stopped me. With a shake of my head, I repeated, “I’ll be back.”
The rush of adrenaline waned, but I didn’t wait for Gramps’ permission.
Right now, the most important thing was my mate.
Chapter Four
I racedback to my grandfather’s office and burst through the door. Honor froze, his muscles bunching as he crouched on the rug where he’d been pacing.
‘I passed,’I told him, slamming the door shut behind me. I strode toward the black wolf, my throat constricting with a flood of emotions. Kneeling, I gave my friend an affectionate hug, resting my head against his.
He nuzzled me.‘Well done.’
I rose, trying to blink away the tears.‘We need to get back before…’
This time, the words stuck as a wave of guilt crashed over me, clogging my throat.I turned away from my friend, wondering how I could ever make this right? What would I say to Rage? How—?
‘Rage turns the entire Island upside down looking for you?’Honor finished.
I nodded, barely hearing his words as I stared at the inside of the office door. Deep gouge marks marred the once smooth surface, and my jaw dropped.
‘You were in danger today. I felt it,’Honor said, letting his tongue loll in a wolfish grin. ‘I tried to get out so I could help you.’
‘You’re the best,’I said, nearly overcome with emotion again. ‘Now, let’s get out of here.’
We raced down the hallway toward the library, my mind still spinning.
