Page 79 of Hero of Havoc

Chairs scrape and footsteps charge for the door. I stand, Sax lacing our fingers together as he pulls me to his side.

“Archer and Baron have this,” he breathes, but uncertainty gnaws at me. I look at Bonnie’s mate.

He’s defeated, face in his hands, but Archer walks over and rests a hand on his shoulder in comfort.

“It’s okay. You did the right thing. Want help getting her back or⁠—”

“I’ve got it. Sorry for… all of this,” he mumbles, nodding to the panther before whispering to Bonnie once more.

She follows him, and I realize he must be a siren, like Teddy.

Part of me wants to feel bad, but this is gentler than it could have been.

Baron sighs. “Go while we handle this,” he says, nodding at the panther stalking the desks.

“Will you be okay?” I ask, and he offers a tight ghost of a smile.

“Better when we know you’re safe from the chaos,” he mumbles.

I nod and follow Sax out.

The halls are quieter than I expected, but outside, a crowd has gathered, pausing us in our step.

“Why the sudden stop?” I blurt. Sax shrugs, looking through the students. “Well, at least I didn’t spend the morning feeling worse about being behind,” I mutter. “But another event feels ridiculous.” My interest in planning is gone now that it’s for security and not something pretty.

“Are you ready for my help?”

“Huh?” I blink, distracted by whether security needs themed uniforms.

“I’m ready to help, Sunshine. Will you let me?”

My heart flutters as I clear my throat.

I want to say yes, but it feels like admitting failure.

Sax cups my cheek, making me look at him. “You’ve been at a disadvantage since you got here, Ivy. Your struggles aren’t a reflection of you; they’re a reflection of your surroundings and our mistakes. We vowed to make it right, and that includes this.”

I put my palm to his chest. His heartbeat calms me.

I swallow my pride and nod. “I’d appreciate it,” I croak.

Relief wraps around us.

“That’s my Sunshine,” he mumbles, kissing my forehead. “But seriously, what is the holdup?” The guy in front, wearing a matching green tie, looks back.

“We should ask you,” he mutters, glancing at me. “It’s another of her mates.”

18

TEDDY

“You are not going anywhere until I say so,” I repeat, irritation shimmering in everyone’s eyes as I lean against the fold-out table I placed strategically at the exit of the main academy building. “Who is next?” I ask, waving a hand at the plastic chair behind the table, and a surge of uncertainty passes over the crowd. “Don’t mind me, though. I’ve got all day.”

“What is this for?” a girl from the Air Protector’s sodality asks, and I shrug.

“It’s for the safety of our kingdom.”

She rolls her eyes. “Fine, get on with it,” she grumbles, and I wave my hand for her to take a seat.