Page 125 of Academy of the Wicked, Year Two

"Together or not at all," he affirms, a newfound bond apparently already influencing his typically cautious demeanor.

"Now," I state with quiet certainty, "we find our reluctant Fae royal and make history."

Or break it completely.

Moments Stolen From Time

~GWENIVERE~

"We should get moving," Cassius says, shadows already shifting in anticipation of our departure. "Time may be frozen here, but we still have an assignment to complete once we leave."

As everyone begins gathering themselves, Zeke suddenly pauses, his extraordinary eyes widening slightly as if remembering something important.

"Wait," he says, turning toward Atticus with an expression I can't quite decipher. "Didn't you have something to discuss with Gwenivere? Before we proceed?"

I gasp, the reminder striking me with unexpected force.

Between forming new bonds, discussing the throne, and planning our next steps, I'd completely forgotten Atticus had mentioned wanting to speak with me privately.

"Is there time?" I ask, glancing toward the hovering timepiece that indicates our limited protection from temporal consequences.

Mortimer and Cassius exchange a meaningful look before the scholar turns to Zeke.

"If we leave, will time remain suspended for those who stay behind?" he asks, academic precision seeking clarification of magical parameters rather than merely granting privacy.

Zeke nods, those remarkable cat-like eyes shifting to the ornate clockwork mechanism above.

"Technically speaking, yes. When you exit, time will continue normally for you, but in here, it remains suspended for another five minutes. The transition is... complex."

"A bit of mind fuckery," Atticus summarizes with characteristic bluntness that draws a reluctant smile from me despite the tension.

He turns to the others with casual confidence.

"Five minutes is all we need."

Cassius raises an eyebrow, shadows coiling with what might be amusement, but he simply nods in acceptance.

"Five minutes," he confirms before turning toward the door.

"Remember," I call after them, determination replacing momentary awkwardness, "the moment we're all out, stick to the plan. Cassius, head toward Nikolai's general location—I'll send the signal once we've figured out the aerial shot."

I turn to Mortimer and Zeke, ensuring everyone understands their role.

"You two coordinate everything for a smooth launch while Atticus catches up to Cassius. We'll bring Nikolai to the throne, explain quickly, and proceed with the final activation."

My voice takes on additional gravity as I emphasize what's truly at stake.

"We can't mess this up. This could be our last chance to progress together. Everyone needs to be at their best."

The weight of the situation suddenly presses against my chest, the realization that despite all our planning, success remains uncertain. These people have become more thanallies—they've become something like family in this strange, dangerous place.

"This may have been an odd set of circumstances," I admit, vulnerability slipping through my usual determination, "but I'm truly glad to have met and experienced each of you."

Cassius groans dramatically, though his shadows betray the emotion he's trying to conceal.

"If you say it like that, I'll think we're all about to die."

Without warning, he crosses the space between us in two swift strides. His hands capture my face with surprising gentleness, tilting it upward as he lowers his mouth to mine in a kiss that steals my breath completely.

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