She inclines her head in acceptance. “I understand. And I realize you’re already placing your trust in me, just allowing me to exist after witnessing this miracle. Does Theo shift? Wait, don’t tell me. You’re right. The less I know the better.”
She’s correct.
“There is something you can help me with,” I say after we enter the forest path. “I feel there is a hole in the academy's library records. Barely any information on dark energy. Do you know why?”
“Mr. Quilin doesn't have an answer?”
“When he started work here, fifteen years ago, that section had already been pared down to just a few benign tomes.”
Larissa pauses, then draws in a breath. “Alistair Singleton-Smith famously brags of an ancient artifact and document collection. A whole wing of their home is dedicated to it. I wonder…”
So does my gryphon. His interest is definitely piqued.
“Thank you for that information.”
“Have care, Alexis. These are dangerous people.”
“I am very aware.”
We part as she walks to the dean’s cottage, and I make my way back to Electus, mind tumbling over what I’ve just learned.
Maybe I can sleep with Theo tonight. Hold her in my arms while I tell her of her parentage.
It’s not my secret to keep.
First, I send off a text to Drakeward.
ME:Can you find out if S-S has section on dark energy in his personal library?
DRAKEWARD:I’ll try
ME:It’s important
DRAKEWARD:I said I’d try
ME:need info asap
DRAKEWARD:you’re getting repetitive
Dick.
I pause outside Electus and light a cigarette.
Learning the truth about her parents isn’t going to be easy for Theo to hear. Inhaling furiously, I work the smoke down to the butt then grind it out with my heel.
No more stalling.
I’ll go now and tell her.
Then hold her while she sleeps.
If fucking Donovan or Max haven’t gotten there first.
44
There’s a knock on the door and we all freeze.
It’s well past midnight, so who the fuck is this?
