Page 82 of Dark Bonds

Frankie

The day doesn’t just dragon, it creeps, sluggish and slow. For the first time, I wish I owned a phone to pass the time. I’ve seen Leo play those strange games, ones with little shapes, that would help time pass.

I forgot to take notes during my last class. I forgot to even pay attention. All I could think about was Nyx.

Fear churns in my stomach, making it twist and ache. Swallowing bile, I rush from class and burst through the doors. The snow’s coming down hard in big, wet flakes that make the sidewalk slippery. I have to slow down on my way to the shed, which is just great for my nerves.

I keep my head down as I walk. I can’t deal with people staring or whispering about me right now. It’s bad enough in my own head. I know what I did. I don’t know how I did what I did, just that it happened.

I want to say I’ll never try to summon a goddess again, but I don’t even know how I did it in the first place, and yet, like an addiction, the need to know more burns inside me.

The shed’s right there, and I can’t decide if I want to run into it or away from it. I hesitate, my hand on the rough wooden door.

What if I can’t do it?

What if I can, and it changes everything?

I take a deep breath, steeling myself, and push the door open. The familiar scent of earth and old tools washes over me, anchoring me to the present. Leo and Matteo are already here, their expressions a mix of concern and excitement.

Leo’s eyes light up, a crooked smile tugging at his lips. “Well, well, well, look who decided to join the party.”

I nod, not trusting my voice just yet.

Matteo steps forward, his presence solid and reassuring. “Hey,” Matteo says, eyeing me carefully, “we can call this off if you’re not up for it. No pressure.” His eyes search mine, calculating and assessing.

Part of me wants to run and hide from this new reality, but a stronger part—the part that survived Valerie and faced Nyx—stands firm.

“I’m ready,” I say, my voice steadier than the turmoil inside me. The words taste like a lie, but I swallow them down with my fear.

They exchange a glance, a silent conversation passing between them, then Leo reaches out, offering me a steaming cup of coffee.

“Here,” he says with a mischievous grin. “I thought you might need a little pick-me-up. It’s decaf. We don’t want you bouncing off the walls for your first shadow realm experience. Consider it yourbrew-ginningin the world of shadow manipulation.”

A snort of laughter escapes me before I can stop it, some of the tension leaving my body. The warmth of the cup seeps into my hands, anchoring me to the present moment. I take a sip, letting the rich flavor wash over my tongue, steadying my frayed nerves.

“Thanks,” I murmur, genuinely grateful for the thoughtful gesture.

Leo nods, his eyes twinkling with that familiar spark of mischief. “Ready to get started? Don’t worry, we’ll take it nice and easy. No pressure, just your average, everyday journey into a realm of darkness and mystery.”

As we’re about to start, Bishop’s face flashes in my mind. I bite my lip, hesitating. “Hey, um... what about Bishop? He said he wanted to help me with this stuff.” My stomach twists, remembering how excited he seemed about teaching me, but he’s been MIA since... well, everything. I shift uncomfortably, not sure if I’m more annoyed or hurt by his absence.

Matteo and Leo glance at each other before looking back at me. It’s Matteo who replies. “Where is he?”

My mouth drops open. It’s just a simple response, three little words, but he’s right. I haven’t actually seen or heard from Bishop.

I take another sip of coffee, its warmth calming my nerves, and nod. “Let’s do this,” I say, squaring my shoulders.

Matteo moves behind me, his presence a solid wall at my back. I have to shut down the girlie part of my brain, telling me how warm he is and how his closeness lights my body up from the inside out.

“Close your eyes,” he murmurs, his voice low and calming. “Feel the darkness. Let it wrap around you like a second skin.”

I do as he says, letting my eyelids shut. The darkness behind them seems to pulse, alive with possibility. I focus on my breath, in and out, in and out. The air presses against my skin, heavy with unseen potential.

One of them grabs the cup in my hand.

“That’s it,” Leo encourages, his voice uncharacteristically soft. “Now, reach out with your mind. Feel for the edges of this world, the places where shadow meets light. It’s like... I don’tknow, trying to find a light switch in the dark. You know it’s there, but damned if you can find it when you need it.”

I furrow my brow, concentrating. At first, there’s nothing but the darkness of my closed eyes. Then, slowly, I begin to sense something else—a shimmer, a ripple in the fabric of reality.

---