Page 14 of Midnight Reign
“So, you know.” It’s a statement, not a question.
Blackthorn nods. “That is what the ritual required. The blood of a Vesper. However, it wasn’t foretold that the Vesper in question would rise a full vampire.”
I frown as I take that in. “So, you think Randall Black doesn’t know she’s alive?”
He shakes his head.
“This isn’t good.”
“As you kids would say, no shit.”
We share a smile, but it fades quickly. “I need to know what that portal opened up to.”
“I know you do. But I can’t tell you. Not yet. I need more information. Hearsay and misinformation will only fan the flames. You understand?”
“For now. I won’t be sitting around waiting forever, Prof.”
“Give me two days.”
“That’s a long time.”
“Not in our world, Corvus.”
Well, I can’t argue with that. “She’s in danger.”
“I’m aware.”
“Who is she to you?”
We lock gazes, and he swallows visibly. “Merely a student I’m sworn to protect under my oath as MistHallow’s deputy headmaster.”
“Don’t believe you.”
“That’s not my problem.”
“It better not be.”
I stare at Blackthorn for a long moment, trying to read his impassive expression. There’s more he’s not telling me, but I know pushing him further right now won’t get me anywhere.
“Fine,” I say finally, tucking the flask of blood under my arm. “Two days. But if anything happens to Adelaide in that time?—”
“It won’t,” Blackthorn cuts me off. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an academy to put back together.”
I nod curtly and turn to leave, but Blackthorn’s voice stops me at the door.
“Corvus,” he says, his tone softer now. “Be careful. All of you. The game has changed, and the stakes are higher than you realise.”
It’s only when I reach the door, I remember my other reason for coming. “Where were the senior staff, you excluded, when the Strix attacked?”
His eyes go hard for a second before they flood with anger. “What senior staff?” he asks ominously.
I tilt my head. “What do you mean?”
“Ellis, Jenkins, Tudhope… they’re all gone. I’m all you’ve got along with whoever survived the Strix attack. That needs a headcount.”
My blood runs even colder at that piece of information. “Gone as in dead, or gone as in left without a word?”
“The latter.”
