Page 82 of Fated for Dawn

Not an option.

I sighed, snatching the vial from his grasp. It was cold against my palm.

“Fine,” I muttered. “Who am I planting this on?”

An image formed in my mind.

Tall. Dark. Imposing. I remembered seeing him—quiet, observant, always at the edge of every discussion.

I gritted my teeth. “Fine.”

Before I could ask anything else, the darkness lurched, and suddenly, I was back in the bathroom stall, gripping the edge of the sink.

When I returned to the meeting, I grabbed Lucien’s wrist and tugged him into a quiet corridor.

He didn’t resist, but his sharp eyes scanned my face. “What is it?”

I exhaled, rolling up my sleeve to reveal the intricate black markings of my deal with Hades.

“It’s time.”

Lucien’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening. “What does he want?”

I pulled the small vial from my pocket, the silvery mist inside swirling ominously. “He wants me to plant this on someone.”

Lucien’s brow furrowed. “Who?”

I hesitated. “I don’t know much about him, but I’ve seen him before—tall, dark hair, always watching but never participating. He’s a teacher from the reform academy who came to help.”

Lucien’s frown deepened. “Dorian Graves.”

I nodded.

Lucien’s arms crossed over his chest, his posture tense. “I don’t know much about him. Only his name. He keeps to himself, but I’ve meant to talk to him about the reform program and potions.” His gaze flicked to the vial. “What exactly are we planting?”

“A tracking spell. At least, that’s what the Guardian told me. Hades is trying to locate someone, believing they’re connected to Graves.”

Lucien arched an eyebrow. “And you believe that’s all this is?”

I sighed. “I don’t know. But I made a deal. If I don’t do this, they take back Alister.”

Lucien was silent for a moment, then finally nodded. “Alright. Let’s introduce ourselves to him.”

Lucien led me through the academy halls until we spotted Professor Dorian Graves near the back of the meeting room. He stood with an air of quiet authority, his large arms crossed in front of him.

Lucien approached first, offering a polite nod. “Professor Graves.”

Graves turned, his gray eyes landing on Lucien before shifting to me. “I’m Professor Lucien, leading the potion division here at Arcanum Academy.” Lucien gestured toward me. “This is Evelyn Everhart.”

I extended a hand, keeping my smile polite but detached. “Pleasure.”

Graves clasped my hand briefly, his grip firm but unreadable. “Likewise.”

Lucien wasted no time. “I wanted to discuss the reform academy’s structure. Your approach has caught my attention.”

Graves inclined his head. “I’d be happy to elaborate.”

As they launched into a conversation, I let my gaze drift to his belongings. His bag rested beside his chair, slightly open.

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