Page 47 of Revenant

My eyes bulge, not expecting the confession.

“The others walk free, go where they please. But myself, Koen, Pryce, Elias and Eryx remain cursed, anchored here in punishment.” His gaze hasn’t left mine. “And that is where all of you come in. Here, you will grow your power while you search for answers. For centuries, witches have tried to break our curse, and not one has succeeded.” He lets the failure sit. “In return, we offer you knowledge. Magic beyond what your bloodlines could reach alone. Strength, for you and your covens.”

I feel his attention pin me in place, as though he’s decided I’m the only person in the room worth convincing.

“Lastly, over the last couple decades, the wolves have begun hunting your kind, looking for what, we don’t know. But they sense the magic in your blood. You are our best chance at freedom. We will help protect you if the need arises. An alliance with our kind in exchange for helping us.”

A week ago my worst problem was a broken suitcase. Now I’m learning that I didn’t really know my parents at all, and some ancient ancestor of mine killed a bunch of people in some love scorned revenge ploy.

The thing is, some part of me isn’t all that surprised. The sleepwalking. The nightmares I’ve had on and off since I was a child. It may not fully make sense, but I finally feel like I’m gaining some semblance of clarity at least.

“I’ve been tasked with assisting you all to reach your fullest potential.” Eldritch finally speaks, attempting to command the room. Even though I loathe the guy, I make it apparent to give him my attention. “Here you will learn the basics, while simultaneously working on something much bigger than lighting candles.”

Della, the girl who yelled at me in this very room a week ago, raises her hand. “Why have we not been given any instruction since initiation?” I was thinking the same thing. For some reason, it makes me feel better that I wasn’t the only one they weren’t speaking to. Turns out none of the other recruits had any direction either.

Bastian answers, and something clipped in his voice catches my attention. “There were other pressing matters. That have now been…dealt with.” Short and sweet, two things Bastian is not. My interest has officially been piqued.

“The lesson plan will begin in two days. Today, get to know each other; you’re going to be spending a lot of time together.” Eldritch effectively dismisses himself, exiting up the stairs and leaving us all here with no other direction.

I take that as my cue to leave as well, as I don’t see myself spending much time here. While everyone is preoccupied, I attempt to make an escape through the door hidden in the wall.

I almost get out unscathed, my fingers running down the nearly invisible seam along the wall, but someone grips my arm before I’m successful.

“Where do you think you’re going, spawn?” Bastian’s words hit the shell of my ear, and I hate how my body reacts to him. “Were you wanting round two of our tunnel escapades? If you wanted me to chase you, at least give me the heads-up—”

“No,” I seethe, pulling out of his hold. “I don’t want you anywhere near me at all, actually. So why don’t you make yourself scarce. Didn’t seem to be a problem for you last week.”

“My apologies, did my absence hurt your feelings?” Sarcasm drips from the fangs he no longer cares to conceal. Something has to be wrong with me. The sight of him alone screams danger…but paired with those canines, a small part of me wonders if the danger would be worth it.

“Actually, it seems my life has been much simpler without you and your crew around.”

“Simpler is just another word for boring.”

I roll my eyes, his smirk growing with the action. A hand snakes up Bastian’s shoulder, and those manicured claws could only belong to one vixen.

“Bastian, where have you been?” Naomi’s voice is several octaves too high, and it’s hurting my ears. I can only imagine how they sound in his.

“Avoiding you. Wasn’t it obvious?” he quips. I shove my hand over my mouth, trying to conceal a chuckle.

If looks could kill, Naomi would have me six feet under by now.

Bastian swipes her hand off him as if it’s a piece of lint and swings his gaze back to meet mine.

“I’ll stop by tonight, yeah?” He walks backward, acting as though we had plans.

“I actually have plans. But I’m sure you can find someone to occupy your time.” I look behind me at the door to freedom, but ultimately decide to stay. I tell myself it’s so I don’t give away the entry point, but maybe it’s because I don’t want to quite be out of his orbit.

“Stay away from him,” Naomi remarks, just as Sloane—one of her minions—comes to her aid.

“He’s all yours. Oh wait, last I checked he wasn’t actually interested.”

“You have no idea who you’re messing with. My dad—”

“Desperation is a good look on you. Tell me, do they only sell it in your shade?”

I ask, eliciting a laugh from Bastian across the room, and I can’t contain the slight jolt of pleasure it gives me.

I leave Naomi and Sloane to plot whatever amateur move comes next and drift toward a cluster of girls near the windows—two of their faces I half recognize from the initiation I’d rather forget.