Page 129 of A Reign of Chromes & Shadows

He had to trust Henry.

He had to trust the Shadow Guard.

He had to trust that the house would still be standing when he returned; that Scarlet wouldn’t combust, that Briar wouldn’t lash out, that Rose wouldn’t accidentally enthral someone, that Ember wouldn’t swallow a stove flame out of curiosity.

He had to trust.

Because right now, there were others who depended on him just as fiercely.

Jay.

His team.

His friends.

His sister.

Rain exhaled, long and shaky, letting the Red Aether pulse through his veins, sharpening his senses and pushing back the exhaustion threatening to drag him under.

He stepped off the porch, the morning sun warming his bare forearms, and headed toward the waiting vehicle.

He didn’t look back.

If he did, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to leave.

The train doors slid open. Rain glanced at the station clock.

10:20.

Thank fuck.

He signed in with practiced efficiency and sprinted toward the arena, vaulting walls and barriers to bypass the crowds. He didn’t stop until he hit his mark, landing at the arena entrance with a thud. Only then did he pause, brushing dust from his clothes, trying to make himself presentable.

That’s when it hit him.

He was still in his singed uniform, covered in desert grit, soot, and the remnants of a nightmarish forty-eight hours. He hadn’t had a second to think about himself, let alone freshen up. If he had stopped, he wouldn’t have made it in time.

The crowd recoiled from him, parting like he carried the plague. Red civilians eyed him warily, suspicion sharp in their auras. The animosity was stronger than usual; thick, almost tangible. Guards at the gate ushered him through quickly, bowing their heads as if eager to remove him from public view.

“Rain?”

Snow’s voice cut through the noise. She barrelled into him, arms thrown around his neck.

“Oh, thank the Gods you’re okay. I was so worried.”

“I’m good,” he murmured, hugging her back. “Just glad I made it.”

He looked past her, to his team.

To Jay.

Jay’s expression was thunderous. Rain frowned, scanning his energy for clarity, and swallowed hard when he met cold rage.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” Rain said quietly. “I was… a little tied up.”

The team stared at him, taking in his appearance with a mix of horror and confusion.

“Did you come straight from the warzone?” Wren asked, voice tight.