Page 46 of Dark Bonds

I open my mouth, ready with a quip to lighten the mood, but the words die on my lips. The gravity of the situation hits me like a sucker punch. This isn’t just some petty drama. Frankie’s life could be at stake, and here I am, feeling more useless than ever.

As everyone scrambles to follow Dorian’s orders, I stay rooted to the spot, my hand never leaving Frankie’s. The air feels charged with an energy I can’t quite name. Something’s coming. I can feel it in my bones.

We all end upon the floor in the weirdly warded room while tension crackles all around us. I lie next to Frankie, one hand resting on her arm, feeling the slow, steady beat of her heart. It’s the only thing keeping me grounded as the others bicker and argue around us.

I close my eyes, breathing in Frankie’s scent and letting it calm me. Whatever comes next, whatever battles we face, I know one thing for certain—I’ll do anything to keep her safe and by my side, even if it means fighting against the very people I’ve come to call friends.

In all this mess of shadows and power plays, one thing’s crystal clear—Frankie matters most. Everything else is just noise.

Chapter 14

Frankie

I jolt awake,phantom images of glowing red eyes fading into the dim morning light. The dream clings to me like a second skin, vivid and unsettling. I was the eredar beast, massive and powerful, drawn inexorably toward… me. The pull was overwhelming, a need I couldn’t explain. As my breathing slows, I can’t shake the feeling that this was more than just a dream. Something is connecting me to that creature, and the thought sends a shiver down my spine.

The first thing I notice is the unfamiliar ceiling above me, with ornate wooden beams crisscrossing in intricate patterns. As my senses slowly return, I become aware of hushed voices and the crackle of a fire. It smells like dusty books in here, mixed with something… weird. I can’t put my finger on it, but it’s definitely not normal.

“Where am I?” I mumble, my voice hoarse. I feel that familiar tingle under my skin—what I now know as my shadow shifter getting antsy. It’s like an itch I can’t scratch.

Instantly, several faces appear in my field of vision—Leo, Tori, Matteo, Bishop, and… is that Dorian? The events of the party come rushing back, and I bolt upright, my head spinningfrom the sudden movement. My mouth’s dry, with that gross, metallic taste you get when you’re scared out of your mind.

“Easy there,” Leo says softly, placing his hand on my shoulder to steady me. His touch is warm and grounding. “You’ve been out for a while. Thought we might have to kiss you awake, Sleeping Beauty style.”

I manage a weak smile at his attempt to lighten the mood. Trust Leo to find humor even now. I’m surprised it had nothing to do with coffee. “I think I’ll pass on that fairy-tale ending,” I quip, my voice still rough.

I look around the room, taking in the bookshelves lining the walls and the strange symbols etched into the heavy wooden door. The fire’s making the shadows jump around. For a second, I swear they look like they are moving on their own. “What happened? The last thing I remember is?—”

“You created a shield,” Tori interrupts, her eyes wide with a mix of awe and concern. “A freaking shadow shield, Frankie, and then you passed out, which is definitely not so good.”

My brow furrows as I try to recall the moment. The memory is hazy, like trying to grasp smoke. “A shield? But how? I’ve never done that before.” I flex my fingers, half expecting to see residual shadows clinging to them.

“That’s what we need to discuss,” Bishop says, his voice calm and measured despite the gravity in his eyes. He exchanges a look with Dorian before continuing. “Your powers are growing, Frankie, and they are manifesting in ways we haven’t seen before.” He turns to look at Dorian, who stands in the corner with his arms crossed, his nostrils flaring every so often.

I begin to rub my temples, trying to chase away the lingering sensation of passing out. The pressure behind my eyes builds, a reminder of the power I apparently wielded. “Spit it out,” I say, my patience wearing thin. I’ve had enough of secrets and half-truths.

“I need to get you to the shadow realm,” Bishop states, his tone leaving no room for argument. “We need to work on your gifts immediately.”

I wave his thoughts away like an annoying fly. “I have class in the shadow realm.” The words come out more flippantly than I intended, but the idea oftrainingwhen I can barely understand what’s happening to me seems absurd.

Bishop stares at me, unblinking. His composure is impressive, but I can see the tension in the set of his shoulders. “Alright, then I’m sure you don’t need me to get you there.”

“What the hell, man?” Tori pipes up, annoyance clear in her tone. She turns to me, her eyes softening. “Frankie, I know this is a lot, but Bishop’s right. This isn’t something you can learn in a regular class.”

I glance between Bishop and Tori, sensing the rising tension. The air feels charged, like the moment before a lightning strike. “Okay, what’s going on here? Why are you all acting so weird?”

Matteo, who’s been quiet until now, steps forward. His intelligent eyes scan the room before settling on me. “We’re at a crossroads, Frankie. Your powers are evolving faster than anticipated. We need to adapt our strategy.”

Bishop nods, his expression serious. “Frankie, your powers are growing at an unprecedented rate. The shield you created… it’s not something we’ve seen before. We need to start your training immediately.”

“Training?” I echo, still trying to shake off the fog in my head. I dig deep within myself, searching for that well of power I apparently tapped into. It’s just out of reach, like a word on the tip of my tongue.

Dorian’s piercing gaze fixes on me, his intensity almost palpable. “The veil between worlds grows thin,” he says cryptically. “Look, something big is waking up out there. Youhave to get a handle on these new powers and fast, and for that, you need to spend more time in the shadow realm.”

I furrow my brow, confused and a little frustrated by his words. “But I already have classes there. Isn’t that enough?”

“No,” Bishop states firmly, his calm authority a stark contrast to the chaos I feel inside. “What you need is focused, intensive training. I can help you understand and control these new manifestations of your power.”

Leo shifts beside me, his hand finding mine. His touch sends a small spark through me, a reminder of simpler times. “Is it safe for Frankie to spend more time in the shadow realm?” he asks, concern evident in his voice.

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