Chapter 22

Reign

Noxus, that female was persistent, and as stubborn as an ancient oak rooted deep in the mystical earth of Feywood Forest. I was certain I'd lost Aelia in the maze of the library earlier today, and yet, there she was hours later, chasing me across campus in the middle of the night.

She must know more about these blades than she's letting on. Why else would she resort to stalking me?

A ridiculous grin ghosted across my lips as I imagined the obstinate girl braving the Luminoc River to come after me. Aelia was nothing like I'd expected.

A cool breeze rushed through my hair as I flew higher, the full moon shimmering above. I forced back all thoughts of the female Kin I'd been tasked to observe. Already, she had appropriated too much terrain in my mind. Drawing in a breath to clear my thoughts, I scanned the quiet fortress below.

Arcanum Citadel loomed ominously at the edge of the Luminoc River, its presence a whispered legend among the Shadow Fae. Wrapped in the embrace of eternal twilight, the academy was an architectural marvel of obsidian stone and shadowglass; a castle that appeared to drink in the scant moonlight, shimmering with an otherworldly iridescence. Its spires reached toward the dusky sky like the fingers of Noxus himself weaving spells into the heavens and casting silhouettes that danced with the ever-present mists.

Gods, it had been too long since I'd been across the river. My shadows vibrated in delight, coming alive at the buzz of nox that pervaded the atmosphere of the Court of Umbral Shadows. The ancient rune on my chest prickled, calling my attention to the symbol carved just above my heart. The mark of the banished. Running my finger over the crude design beneath my tunic, I began to descend.

And barely in time.

My wings of shadow and smoke began to flicker, disintegrating in the blossoming nightfall. I hissed out a curse, glaring at the silver bangles latched around my wrists. Their blasted rais prevented me from using the full scope of my powers the moment I stepped foot away from the Conservatory borders.

Or, at least, that was their intent.

Fortunately for me, Headmaster Draven had no inkling of the extent of my abilities. It was incredibly draining, but I could overpower the oppressive manacles when absolutely necessary. Angling my faltering wings, I descended the final yards.

My boots touched down on the hardpacked earth on the edge of the Nightbloom Gardens. The labyrinth of flora that thrived in the gloom, emitting a soft luminescence and exuding fragrances that soothed my spirit and chilled my bones, was a favorite refuge of mine when I attended the academy. I breathed in the familiar scents, sparking memories of the past, of youthful trysts, of sprints in the darkness ringed in laughter.

Gods, everything was so much simpler then.

I stood in the shadows of the immense citadel, waiting… And waiting…

My thoughts flickered to Aelia, unbidden. Had she made it across the river? A prickle of unease tightened my chest. I knew she was a strong swimmer after that stunt she pulled in order to beat me to class a few weeks ago, but still… From my current vantage point, the citadel blocked the river's crossing. Maybe, I should check on her. Gideon was certainly taking his sweet time.

Closing my eyes, I focused my energy on the manacles' incessant throbbing. Summoning my own nox, I visualized blanketing its suffocating power. My shadows spilled forth, mist and darkness floating on the faint breeze. Find her.

The midnight tendrils streaked across the gloom, my obedient hunters fixed on their prey. Clearing my mind, I pictured Aelia, that unique raven hair with the streak of pale gold, the fire in her eyes and that constant pucker of her lips, as if everything I did or said was the most irritating thing on this gods' damned earth. That hint of a smile threatened to overtake my mouth again, but I pressed my lips into a hard line.

Where are you, Aelia?

That brilliant aura of hers a deep gold threaded in silver washed over my shadows, invading the black and penetrating all the way to my bone marrow. I could feel her. She was certainly alive, and angry by the sensations swimming through my core.

Recalling my shadows, I drew in a breath of relief. She was safe and not too far away.

Now, where in the realms was Gideon?

Gently, I withdrew the dagger from my waistband and studied the intricate carvings along the hilt. It was unlike any ancient language I was familiar with. More than that, the crystal embedded within the metal was one I'd never encountered. Even in the endless gloom of this court, it radiated an ethereal light, twisting and dancing within the prism.

Soft footfalls lifted my gaze to the male sauntering toward me. I emerged from the shadows and smirked at my friend. "It's about time, Gideon. It wasn't as though I was risking being discovered every second that I waited for you."

My old friend dipped into an elaborate bow, his ebony hair pulled into a high bun and streaks of navy spilling from the nest of wild hair. "My apologies, my?—"

I lifted my hand, cutting him off. "No time for pleasantries, Gid. I must return to the Conservatory before someone discovers I'm gone."

"Well then, let's see the dagger." His lively eyes sparkled with curiosity. I'd sent word of my arrival, along with my little discovery, earlier today. Gideon was a bit of a history buff, and if anyone knew anything about these blades, it would be him. Or, at the least, with the vast wealth of knowledge contained within the Citadel's walls, I hoped he could find it.

I handed over the weapon, my fingers oddly reluctant to release it. "Tell no one, Gideon. I cannot stress this point enough." The existence of this sort of blade was life-altering for the Shadow Fae. It could change the delicate balance upon which the two rival courts had existed for centuries. We were literally perched upon a knife's edge, and this discovery could throw our world into devastation.

"I understand. Your blasted shadows sent your message at least a dozen times." He eyed the dagger, slowly flipping it over in his palm. "It's certainly unique, that's for sure. I've never seen this crystal before."

"Neither had I."

He ran his fingertip across the smooth surface and sparks ignited along the path. "Whoa, did it do that for you?"

"No." I moved closer, and he held out the dagger so it sat flat across his palm. "Let me try." I retrieved the dagger and traced my fingertip over the crystalline surface, the light flickered and hissed, but it clearly did not react to my presence as it had to Gideon.

"Well, that's odd." My friend repeated the procedure where I now held the blade, and again, the spark followed his movements. "It seems to like me." He smirked. "Then again, compared to you, I'm far more likeable."

"Oh, shut it, Gid." I tossed the dagger back at him, and he winced before catching it by the hilt. "Take it, study it, and tell me what you can find. I need it back by tomorrow."

"You cannot be serious? How do you expect me to find anything concrete that quickly?"

"I am completely serious. I made a vow, so there is little room for fenagling."

"You're kidding me? The great Reign has forged a binding vow with a female Kin? You truly must be desperate."

A twinge of irritation furrowed my brow. "You know as well as I how crucial this weapon could be for the sake of peace within the courts."

"I know, I know."

"Speaking of the courts, is Ruhl making friends amongst the first-years?"

"Of course, he is. You know what you lack in personality, he more than abounds in."

"You're such an ass," I grumbled.

"But I'm the only one who puts up with you."

"True enough, my friend. I am truly blessed by Noxus." I flashed him a sarcastic smile.

"From your lips to the gods' ears."

"Very well, I must go." I patted Gideon on the shoulder. "Oh, one more thing. How is Phantom?"

"Miserable without you. She's a moody, terribly insufferable beast. On a good day." He shot me a smirk. "Much like her master."

"You're just full of enlightening quips this evening, Gid. I hope that means all is well within those obsidian walls." I ticked my head at the looming fortress at his back.

"The headmaster is still an ass, but he leaves me be most of the time."

"I'm glad to hear it." Spinning on my heel, I turned toward the river. "Now, I truly must go before the blasted sun rises across the river."

"Ah, to be a slave to the sun." He threw me a wicked grin and pocketed the dagger. "Noxus, be with you, my friend."

A sharp scream echoed across the Nightbloom Gardens, in the direction of the Sombra Forest that surrounded the Citadel. My heart ratcheted up my throat, the pounding vibrating my entire skull. Fuck, Aelia.

"What is that?" Gideon howled.

Reaching for my shadows, I extended their reach until I could sense her aura. "My acquisition."

"You let her follow you across the Luminoc?"

"I didn't let her do anything. She's the most stubborn female I've ever encountered. I assumed she would give up once she reached the Citadel's wards." Instead, the obstinate woman tried to go around them through the forest. "I have to go!"

"I'll go with you." He took off behind me, but I whirled around and shoved him back. "You can't. Your presence would only make this situation more difficult to explain."

His hand wrapped around my upper arm, and my shadows writhed beneath his touch. "But those cuffs…"

"I'll be fine, Gideon. Now let me go to her."