Page 25 of Fated for Dawn

Ryker’s gaze lifted to mine, an intensity there that made my chest tighten. He didn’t say anything, but how he looked at me—like I was the center of his world—said everything.

I felt a flutter of warmth and squeezed his hand again, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. His grip lingered longer before his attention returned to Alister.

“There was plenty of chaos at the Academy while you and Eve were gone,” Rafe said.

“I never imagined an entire year had passed when I returned,” Alister commented.

“Hecate kept us in the Shadow Realm longer than I expected. It stunned me when they told me everything that happened while we were gone.”

“At least we’re alive,” Alister declared. “And before you start lamenting that I lost my immortality, I have to say—being human is quite fun. I’d forgotten how great food tastes.”

“Now that you’re back, maybe Lucien will stop annoying us about the bills,” Chad said.

Alister smiled. “You should have used my money while we were gone. My passwords were in my office. I even wrote a letter in case something happened to me.”

“You did?” I stared at him.

He nodded.

“We never dared to enter your office,” Lucien admitted. “We were already living in your house. We didn’t want to disrespect you any further.”

“Just tell the truth,” Chad whispered. “We were too sad. Going into your office would have meant accepting you were gone. We mourned you and Eve for a week before we learned you were trapped in the Shadow Realm. We thought our lives were over. Lucien nearly lost his mind.”

“Shut it,” Lucien muttered, raising a warning finger.

“I didn’t know you loved me so much, Lucien,” Alister teased.

Lucien rolled his eyes. “I wasn’t mourning you, vampire.”

“Ex-vampire,” Alister reminded him.

Lucien ignored him. “Let’s focus on what matters. How do we prepare to defeat Eris? Was Hecate of any help?”

“Well, Eve is the gods’ champion, and we’re her protectors. We have to figure it out on our own,” Alister said with a wave of his hand. “Typical gods. I’m not even surprised anymore.”

“I’ve created a division focused on healing and have been training others. We’ll need healers when the bloodshed begins,” Rafe informed us.

I smiled at him. “You’re always thinking about others.”

“He’s too kind for his own good,” Zade grumbled, reminding me he was still there.

Seemed like Ryker wasn’t the only quiet one anymore.

“Will the other angels help?” I asked Zade.

He shook his head. “It’s not their problem.”

“And what about the Luminary Coven? What’s become of them?” Alister inquired.

“They’ve disbanded,” Lucien replied. “Some members joined other covens, while others are on the run.”

“Their fault for siding with Morgana,” Alister muttered, sipping his wine.

“I believe they’re hiding Eris,” Rafe said. “We don’t know where, but Morgana had help. The elders and her accomplices are likely in hiding, but I’m sure they’re preparing to carry out their plan. Especially now that magic has been restored.”

The table fell silent as we all contemplated the state of our world.

“The Supernatural Law Enforcement Agency is not convinced of the threat,” Rafe continued. “Despite our testimonies and the aftermath, they don’t have enough evidence to make arrests.”

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