22. Raven

RAVEN

Exhaustion clings to me like an unwanted parasite. Rubbing at my eyes for the hundredth time today does nothing to ease the tiredness, leaving my body depleted. I see the same weight on Creed, Eldon, Brax, and Zane’s shoulders, but Leila seems surprisingly at ease. She’s definitely more used to it than we are. Which leaves me wondering how often they actually go out in the dead of night like that.

I get the feeling it’s going to be too often for my liking when the alternative is being wrapped up in bed fast asleep.

The information we gained last night made it all worthwhile, though.

The Basilica Realm.

I knew places existed beyond our borders, but I didn’t expect them to be so close, so different. It was like looking at the remnants of a battlefield, a layer of fog cast over them as molten lava bubbled around the already burnt lands.

Being a part of the Guild is going to be a huge adjustment, but if it means we get to learn these things, facts that are otherwise concealed from everyone else, then it’ll be worth the strain. I think I’m more disappointed with the fact that I thought I almost had my sleep back to normal, but other adventures await.

My main issue now is the fact that I have no brain power to focus on this class. Even as the professor speaks, I can’t pinpoint which lesson we’re in, never mind the topic. I knew it was all futile the second I stepped foot in here. We have lunch next, so maybe the energy boost will wake me up a little more.

Thankfully, when I took my usual spot beside Leila, I focused on my magic and managed to get the paper and pen working of their own accord. Creed had mentioned how to make it capture the professor’s words so it would take notes for me and I’ve never been more grateful for the new magic running through my body. Except when it came to shaving my legs the other night. That’s high on the list, too.

A knock rattles the classroom door, jolting me from my thoughts, and I’m surprised to find Professor Barton in the doorway.

“I’m sorry to interrupt your class, Professor. I just need Miss Hendrix.” His attention shifts from the professor to me and my chest tightens. “Please, get your belongings. Your presence is required elsewhere.”

My entire body stiffens and I instantly start to shake my head. “Uh, no thanks. The last time someone came to escort me from a class, it didn’t end well for me,” I ramble, unnecessarily oversharing, but I can’t control it.

He frowns down at me as my hands ball into fists. “Well, I can assure you, Raven, I’ll escort you to your parents myself.”

I scoff as my eyes widen. “You see, that’s still not filling me with the confidence you’re hoping for. I’ll stay put, thanks.”

“Is everything okay?” Leila whispers from beside me, but my gaze is locked on Barton’s and I can sense that he’s not going to take no for an answer.

“Unfortunately, it’s not a request,” he replies, unknowingly confirming my thoughts.

Raking my eyes over him in his navy suit, perfectly pressed white shirt, and copper tie, he looks nothing like the man from last night. It’s crazy. Despite the two sides to the coin before me, he still has absolutely no clue what he’s leading me to. It’s his funeral if I get pissy.

My chair scrapes behind me as I stand, reaching for my backpack as the entire class watches me, but as I wrap my hand around the strap, a hand falls over my own.

“There’s no chance in Hell she’s going alone. You heard her. If her safety is a concern, we’ll come too,” Creed states, taking my backpack from my grasp as he stares Barton down.

“That’s not an option. Academy policy states parents can call a meeting with their children whenever they choose. They’ve requested this one to be private. Whether you like it or not, Miss Hendrix will attend. Alone.”

Fuck.

This is escalating quickly.

Taking a deep breath, I turn to face Creed, only to find Zane, Brax, and Eldon on their feet too. Anger dances in each of their eyes, the colors swirling like vortexes. I reach to take my backpack from Creed, gaining his attention.

“It’s fine.”

“No, it’s not,” he grunts, refusing to let go of my bag.

“No, really. I’m good. The quicker I leave, the quicker I’ll be back, right?” I don’t know who I’m trying to convince more, myself or him, but I can tell it isn’t really working. Rolling my shoulders back, irritation burns through me. Before I came here, I was a badass bitch. Now, I’m constantly second-guessing myself and I hate it.

“Raven.” My name feels like a warning on Creed’s tongue but I shake it off, snatching my backpack from his grip.

“Creed,” I hiss, hating the feel of everyone’s eyes on us.

He steps closer, towering over me, so I have to crane my neck back to see him. It feels like he stares deep into my eyes for an eternity before he sighs. “You can’t be a lone ranger forever, you know?”

My heart clenches at the desperation in his tone. “I’m not trying to be, but I’m a big girl.”

“I couldn’t give a shit if you were deemed the golden warrior of Elevin. You’re still mine to protect.” The memory of what he did to Wyatt back in Shadowmoor flashes through my mind.

He means every word.

“Miss Hendrix,” Professor Barton interrupts, and despite wanting to soothe Creed, I step around him and head for the door. Burton steps out into the hall and I glance back over my shoulder to see every student looking at me, but my gaze is locked on the Bishops and the twisted expressions on their faces.

Is that… hurt? Fuck, I don’t know, but I need to deal with one thing at a time. And since this seems to be such a pressing matter with my parents, I’m going to need to tick that off my list first.

Burton keeps one step ahead of me with no interest in inquiring about what I meant earlier, no desire to discuss what we all saw last night. Nothing. It’s this kind of behavior that has left me unable to trust people and now that issue is slowly driving a wedge between the Bishops and me.

I know I’m going to fuck it up if I don’t stop acting like I can face the world on my own, but after doing it all of my life, it’s a hard shift to make. I just have to hope that they can be patient with me and all of the messed up drama I come with.

My footsteps echo off the marble floor as we approach Lyra’s office and I’m at least thankful that we’re not heading anywhere near the medical center this time. He opens the door, not glancing back at me before he leads me to what I can’t help but feel will be my impending doom.

I thought I was prepared, but seeing both Mama and Abel sitting on a cream sofa to the left of the room, which I don’t recall from the last time I was here, makes my spine stiffen and my heart start to race.

A quick peek around confirms that Lyra herself isn’t here, not that I’m sure she would have done anything to interject, but standing in a room with three people who all seem to hold some kind of power over you is intimidating as fuck.

Professor Burton waves me into the room and my gaze instantly latches onto the open gateway in the corner of the room. I hope that’s what they came through and not…

“Mr. and Mrs. Hendrix, thank you for being patient. Please keep your visit as short as possible. We don’t want to interrupt Raven’s education too much now, do we?” The smile on his face seems fake but I can’t say I know him enough to confirm it.

“Of course, Professor. This won’t take long,” Abel states, rising from his seat to shake hands with Burton before he slips from the room, closing the door behind him.

Fucker.

“Raven, how are you?” Mama asks, and I tilt my head at her.

I don’t know what I’m missing between these two, but I’m guessing it’s not simple. Once upon a time, they clearly loved each other. Was it because of me, my magic, that it all fell apart? My brain wants to feel guilt over that, but really, it’s not like I chose any of this. They both made their decisions. But why, after so many years, is Mama suddenly giving in to Abel’s demands? That’s what I’m struggling with.

“I’m doing as well as can be. Why are you here?” I ask, folding my arms over my chest as I remain in place.

“We’ve got to make a little trip, Raven. You’ll be back in no time. Who knows? You might even ignite your magic by then, too,” Abel says with a smile running from ear to ear, and my pulse quickens.

Wetting my lips, I glance between my parents, noting the apprehension on my mother’s face. “Where is it we’re supposedly going?”

“To Haven Court.”

My eyebrows pinch at my father’s excitement. “I’d rather not,” I grumble, shaking my head, but he waves me off, just as I expect.

“Raven,” Mama starts, rising from her seat with concern knitting her eyebrows together tighter than my own. This obviously has something to do with giving me my magic, which she already knows I have, so why the hell is this happening? It surely can’t be something crazy on the other side if, deep down, she knows that… can it? Still, I’d rather stay exactly where I am.

“Raven, that’s unfortunately not a choice you get to make,” Abel announces, pointing to the gateway. Refusal is on the tip of my tongue, but it never comes as I’m cast off my feet and begin drifting through the air.

A little shove from the wind swarming around me has me tumbling backward through the gateway, a scream tearing from my lips before I land with a thud on a white porcelain floor.

“What the fuck?” I mumble in shock, staring down the length of myself as I try to piece together what the hell just happened.

Polished shoes appear next to me and I tilt my head back, ready to give my father a piece of my mind, but the first word is paused on my lips when it’s not Abel I find. Cropped brown hair is styled back from the man’s face, inquisitive eyes peering down at me as he, too, tries to place where we’ve met before.

“Are you okay?” he asks, offering me his hand. I take it, letting him pull me up as my backpack stays on the floor. “Have we met before?”

I run my hands over my skirt, completely overwhelmed, and the reminder triggers that I’ve felt overwhelmed and under pressure in his presence before. “I think… are you Zane’s father?”

A warm smile spreads across his face at the mention of Zane’s name and he eagerly nods. “Raven, correct?”

I nod too, but the smile doesn’t come. I’m too on edge from wondering over where my parents are.

He releases my hand, taking a step back as he frowns. “I must say, Raven, you’re a fair distance away from the academy. What’s going on?”

Looking around at where I am, I try to gather my thoughts. White porcelain tiles cover every inch of the floor as the sun brightly shines down from above, but when I peer up, a glass roof confirms we are, indeed, inside. People move around us, the large open space seemingly like some kind of entryway as gateways open and shut in every direction. The startling confirmation that I am, indeed, in Haven Court is that every piece of furniture in here is gold; the scattered tables and chairs, photos on the wall, physical doorways leading off in different directions, and the grand staircase off to the left are all dripping in it. With the sun glaring through the glass, it only seems to shine brighter.

Turning my attention back to Zane’s father, I gape at him, my mouth opening and closing a few times as I try to explain, but I don’t really know how to answer his question.

“Ah, Monarch Denver, I see you have met our daughter, Raven.” Abel’s voice sends a tremor down my spine.

Zane’s father looks over my shoulder, his frown deepening for a second before easing. “Evangeline, it’s fabulous to see you. Abel.” I take great pleasure in the fact he addresses Mama first, which will surely get under Abel’s skin. “What brings you here today?”

I reluctantly turn to face them, not appreciating my father at my back. He’s clearly even more unpredictable than I expected. To my surprise, Abel doesn’t seem thrown off by Monarch Denver’s tone.

“We’re just here for an assessment of Raven’s magic. We’re all booked to see Monarch Perkins,” he explains, and I take an instinctive step back, unable to stop the panic from building inside of me.

I spot Zane’s father curiously looking at me out of the corner of his eye. “What seems to be the problem? Is everything okay, Raven?” he asks, turning to me for an answer, but once again, I’m standing with a slack jaw and no words for the man. If I somehow manage to get back to the academy after all of this, I’m sure he’ll be kicking me out of his son’s house and banishing me from all of existence.

“We don’t want to bore you with it, Monarch Denver. I’m sure you’re a busy man, and this isn’t anything for you to worry over,” Abel replies, far too smoothly, while Mama continues to stand with her lips tightly sealed shut.

“I can assure you, bored is far from what I’m feeling, Abel,” Zane’s father retorts, straightening the lapels of his suit jacket.

Mama’s eyes widen at Monarch Denver’s reaction and she clears her throat. “Her magic was blocked when I took her to Shadowmoor, Rhys. We recently lifted the barrier and—”

“You lifted the barrier?” he growls, surprise and a hint of anger in his tone. “That would have meant…” His words trail off as he turns back to me, his lips twisting in disgust, and I gulp. Yup. Definitely fucking hates me, and I can’t even pinpoint the reason why. “My apologies. I understand when things must be done; there isn’t always an easier alternative,” he murmurs, frowning at me a moment longer before looking back at my parents. “How does that bring us back to now?”

Abel plants his hands on his hips, glaring in my direction before turning to Rhys with a sigh. As if it’s my fault that he’s having to explain himself. We wouldn't be here right now if he hadn’t thrown me through the damn gateway.

“After she experienced the attack at Shadowmoor, we thought that may have helped trigger its… blossoming, but alas, she still doesn’t show any signs, and for her to excel at Silvercrest and for the betterment of the realm going forward, it’s paramount she’s at her full potential.”

Holy fuck.

What an absolute load of bullshit.

I definitely hate how slimy he is, almost as much as I hate that he’s my goddamn father. How I share DNA with this man, I’ll never know.

“Mr. and Mrs. Hendrix, is that you? I’m ready when you are.” A woman in a brown pantsuit approaches, adjusting her glasses up her nose as she politely smiles at the four of us.

A hand on my back ushers me in her direction and my feet instantly start trying to create some kind of traction beneath me to stop the momentum, but it’s the hand on my wrist that halts me. I look from the white knuckles at my arm up to the face it belongs to, to find Rhys frowning at the person behind me. A glance in the same direction confirms my suspicions when I find Abel doing the pushing.

“I don’t think this is suitable. Does our Silvercrest Academy student consent to this?” Rhys grits out, and my chest clenches so tight I think I’m going to pass out.

Is he… helping me? Or trying to? Fuck, I don’t know.

“It doesn’t matter if she does or doesn’t. She’s my child. I have rights,” Abel snarls, the cover of his high-society mask slipping and allowing his true colors to shine through the cracks as someone pushes back at him.

“You believe your rights outweigh hers?” The hand on my wrist somehow tightens.

“Yes,” my father replies without missing a beat, and I glance to find Mama standing with her head in her hands, allowing it all to unfold while watching someone else put a stop to it.

Turning my attention back to Rhys, hoping for fuck knows what, I watch his nostrils flare as he straightens his spine. “I will do the reading.”

My heart drops to my feet. Fuck. I thought he was going to help me, be on my side, but this… I don’t even know what the hell any of this is.

“What? No!” Monarch Perkins yelps in sync with Abel, but Rhys doesn’t pay either of them any mind.

“Yes, you’re dismissed, Perkins.” She rapidly blinks at him for a solid thirty seconds before nodding once and rushing to get lost in the crowd, which is still moving around us like we’re not causing a scene. “Come,” Rhys orders, yanking on my arm, but once I fall into step with him, his hold loosens.

My parents are right behind us, Abel’s angered breaths burning against my neck as Rhys steps through a door and down a long corridor. Everything passes by in a blur as we take two more turns and two more doors before he finally comes to an abrupt stop.

“The door to the right,” he says, nodding at my parents. Mama moves instantly while Abel stares Rhys down a beat before reluctantly following the order.

Once the door clicks shut behind them, he steps through the door in front of us, and I gape in horror at the glass cage waiting inside. Movement to my right catches my attention and I spot my parents through a pane of glass, watching.

“What is that?” I ask, but Rhys doesn’t bother to answer as he pulls me toward the cage and opens the door. He spins us slightly with his back to my parents, shielding me from their view.

“What don’t I know here, Raven?” Fuck. I gape at him, my heart stammering in my chest. “Whatever it is, it had your mother reaching out to my wife to make sure I was available to intercept you in some way. What’s that about?” I still don’t have a goddamn answer for him. He swipes a hand down his face, his voice getting more urgent. “Whatever it is, does my son know?” Despite the secret that weighs heavy on my shoulders, I nod. “And your father?”

“No,” I whisper with a slight shake of my head.

“Is that on purpose?” he pushes, stress lines forming on his forehead.

“Yes,” I admit, my words barely audible to my own ears over my pulse ringing like crazy.

“Why?” I gulp. I can’t tell him that. I can’t. My gut tells me I can trust him, but I just can’t. “I’m not asking you to tell me the details, Raven. I’m asking for the way it makes you feel inside.”

I pause at that, swallowing down the lump forming in my throat. I can answer that. As much as it pains me, I can give him that. “Fear. I feel raw fear for the safety of my life.”