Page 45 of Fated for Dawn

“Okay, I need everyone’s attention for a minute,” I said, meeting each of their eyes—Chad’s earnest gaze, Lucien’s furrowed brow, Ryker’s intense focus, Rafe’s calm steadiness, and Alister’s solid reliability. And then there was Zade, sprawled out in a chair, looking thoroughly unimpressed.

“I had a vivid vision last night. Based on it, I believe our enemy has taken over the Luminary mansion as their headquarters.”

Chad’s eyebrows shot up. “Not subtle. That’s a bold move.”

“Yeah,” I agreed. “I guess they’re done hiding. Now that magic is back, they probably think they’re unstoppable.”

Lucien nodded, his expression grim. “We checked the mansion while you were away. It was empty—or enchantments that could conceal anyone’s presence. But it sounds like that’s changed.”

“They mentioned the Academy,” I continued, trying to steady my voice despite the urgency clawing at me. “We need to warn the dean and strengthen the defenses—shields, protective spells, anything that can safeguard the students.”

“I’ll notify the Academy Board Members and the dean,” Lucien declared.

“There are a few subterranean passages I can share with the Academy’s representatives,” Alister said.

Lucien’s eyebrow arched. “Secret passages at the Academy?”

Alister’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Of course. I commissioned the construction myself. Did you think I wouldn’t include a few escape routes? I was a vampire lord, after all. Paranoia comes with the job.”

Ryker leaned forward, his jaw tight. “I’ll assign some men to patrol the grounds and watch for anything suspicious.”

Chad nodded. “Smart. We can’t be too careful.”

“So, we’re all in agreement—we need to take action, right?” I asked, glancing around the table.

Lucien arched a brow. “Did you really think we wouldn’t trust your seer powers?”

I shrugged, but doubt still lingered. I knew Eris and her followers weren’t after the Academy—they were after me. So why was I hesitating to tell them everything?

Lucien’s voice dispelled my conflicted thoughts. “Have you seen their intentions with the Academy in your vision? What do they plan to do so that we can prepare properly.”

All eyes were on me, waiting for answers I wasn’t sure I wanted to give. The guys had been through enough over the pastyear. They didn’t need more to worry about this too, but I had to be honest. If I held back, it could cost lives.

I took a deep breath. “In my vision, Eris planned on crushing me publicly. They want to make a spectacle, to show their power. It’s not the Academy they’re targeting—it’s me. Eris wants to display their power by killing Hecate’s champion. They think taking me out will scare everyone into submission.”

“You’re Eris’s biggest threat. It’s natural that she comes for you,” Zade chipped in. “I just didn’t know you were also a seer.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know about Eve, and you don’t need to know,” Chad replied, his possessiveness coming out to play.

Zade waved him in dismissal. “Stop being childish, hellhound. I’ve already said Eve isn’t my type.”

Lucien cleared his throat, drawing their attention. “Focus. Eris is targeting Evelyn. We need a plan.”

“We won’t let Eris hurt Evelyn,” Alister assured.

“Of course not,” Rafe agreed.

“We’ll tear her apart if she dares to show up,” Ryker declared.

Chad opened his mouth, but I raised my hand before he could profess more threats. “Eris is still using Lia’s body. No one is going to dismember her.”

“Slow her down, then?” Chad asked, raising an eyebrow.

I bit my lower lip, thinking. “I was considering a plan to draw Eris’s attention away from the Academy, to make her focus on me alone.”

“You mean us,” Rafe interjected.

“Us,” I whispered, guilt creeping in. I knew I couldn’t face a goddess alone—not yet. But that didn’t stop the fear from twisting inside me, the urge to protect my mates even when I knew they were risking themselves for me.

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