What time was it?
Fatigue pulled at my limbs, but I gave it no heed; I needed to get to Rage.
My poor mate. How had nearly two days passed since I’d walked out of his coronation?
Now … the high mages wanted me dead, but since that didn’t happen, they’d settle for ruining my mate bond to Rage. I wouldn’t let that happen. Ineededto seal it. Now.
Honor and I started toward the entrance to the library, both of us pivoting when we heard someone approaching from behind.
“School starts in the morning; you’re already behind,” Reyna commented as she slowed her pace.
I didn’t want to take the time to explain, but at least, here it was safe from prying eyes.
“I can’t start anything without telling him what’s going on. I’ll be back by morning, I promise.” Blinking through tears, I held up my left hand. “I won’t stay away from him any longer. He deserves to know what’s happening, and—” My voice cracked, and I forced a swallow. “I need to make things right—if I can.”
Her gaze fell to the silver mate marks on my finger before returning to my eyes. “Alright then.” She gave me a tight smile like she didn’t do it enough. “Let me help you through the library in case Kian is waiting. Then I’ll see you first thing in the morning.”
I nodded. “Thanks … for everything today.”
Leaning forward, I pulled her into a hug, only mildly surprised when her body went rigid.
“Not a hugger,” she croaked.
I just grinned and squeezed a little harder.
When I let go, she glared at me, but there was no sharpness to her expression.
“Come on,” she said, tilting her head down the hall. “Let’s get you back to lover boy.”
My eyes widened, and I snickered. “I can’t believe you just called the alpha king that.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Do you want to stand here and have me tell you all the other names I could’ve chosen, or are you ready to go?”
Good point.
“Let’s go,” I said.
Sneaking out into the library, we stilled, all three of us listening for any sounds that might indicate the three high mage d-bags were still there.
It was quiet and dark.
Reyna and I stepped out with Honor trailing behind as we tiptoed through the aisles until she waved me toward the secret corridor that led to the portal to Alpha Academy library. “I’ll meet you back here first thing in the morning.” She gave me a flat look. “Donotmake me come fetch you.”
I waved goodbye and then ran all the way to the back side of the onyx door.
After a deep breath, I opened the black stone door and slipped out into the Alpha Academy library, nearly tripping over…
Mother Mage.
I wanted to cry at the sight of Noble asleep on the floor directly in front of the portal door. If not for the bright red blanket draped over him, I would’ve stepped on him. I sniffed back my tears, and his eyes sprang open as he scrambled to his feet. Blinking, he took me and Honor in.
“Oh, thank the mage, Nai!” He pulled me in for a tight hug. “You had us worried to death.”
My throat tightened, and tears welled in my eyes.
“I’m so sorry!” I croaked, throwing my arms around him.
Under his breath, he muttered, “I thought you might come back through here.” He released his hold on me and then pulled back to assess me. “Are you hurt?”
