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A snarl trembled in the distance, resounding steps trailing. Tristan turned in the direction Ms. Hoko pointed and sprinted through the space until he vanished.

Be brave.

Ms. Hoko huffed, “All will be fine. If balance is restored, then we shall all meet once more.”

“What balance? Why are you speaking such things as if you were to d—”

Growls throbbed along the softly lit hallway, deep, forest eyes glinting as a shadow grew closer. Clashing scents immersed the air, and my throat swelled at the rampant aroma, an uneasiness rumbling deep within my bones.

“Leave and meet those who are awaiting your arrival!” She said as she pushed onto the steps that led through the corridor. “Go, my boy!”

“I—”

A gust of air tore past me as Ms. Hoko brought the door and shut it with full force, sealing her away into her own demise. Caving feelings resonated in my stomach, yet, I scurried through the same path Tristan took.

Light outlined a frame at the end, and I pushed forward and through, stumbling from the steps onto a distinct surrounding. A long podium rested in the middle, sunflowers that I had placed earlier in the day, a silhouette outlined by the night. Once I stepped outside and into the cemetery, I observed the mausoleum that I had long believed was our mother’s grave.

Now, it stood foreign in my eyes.

Leaves crunched behind me, yet I didn’t turn. Tristan met my side, his shoulders slouching. Lorenzo was gone, but I could still make a trace of his coppery blood in the wind.

“Where is he?” I asked, my voice harsh as a spark electrified my veins.

“Christopher took him, but Alek, I need to take Kaleb. He needs immediate—”

I couldn’t bear listening to any of this. To him. All that entranced my focus was what was right before me.

“How long have you known, Tristan?” My tone grew louder through gritted teeth. “How long have youknownthat our mother’s resting place was never simply that?”

“Always,” he murmured as his head lowered. “Your father had been against it, but your mother pushed me to persuade him.”

I turned to him and neared, fists fastening underneath Kaleb’s body. The fire couldn’t be contained any longer. “What?”

“Alek, I must take Kaleb,” he said as he carefully stepped forward, “We will talk about this later.”

I bore no words, allowing him to take Kaleb away and leave me alone— until a sudden sob behind me stilled my motions.

Katerina stumbled through the mausoleum, stepping through the cemetery. My feet sprinted to her as her arms wrapped around her bare chest. She had reverted back to her natural state.

Long strands of hair cascaded over her shoulders to the ground, aged scars embellishing her skin. Wide, doe eyes spoke words she couldn’t compose. She tumbled into my arms with a frenzied tremble.

“I killed them. I killed them all.”

Her mouth remained open, yet all that escaped her were silent cries and rose-red tears down her cheeks. Fingers clenched against my suit while a scorching heat radiated from her skin. Her hold dwindled the further she burrowed her face into my collarbone. Her pain seeped through fabric and skin, melding into a tight knot in my chest.

My arms parted from Katerina and moved swiftly as I removed my blazer. Once it rested upon her and concealed the bones that hinted through her sparse hair, she settled deeper into my build.

Footsteps drew close, my head whipping to see Tristan returning. My gaze was enough warning to stop him.

“They’re waiting for you.” He froze as he studied Katerina in my hold. “I can take her to the infirmary and tend to her.”

I shook my head as Katerina tensed underneath my embrace. “Katerina, what do you want to do?” Her response was a vibration against my chest. “Stay by her side until I get back. Don’t take her anywhere she doesn’t consent to go.”

Tristan bowed and straightened, his expression harsh with lines within his cheeks. I motioned closer to Katerina and whispered, “Will you be well while I’m gone?” Her slight nod was a tremble, and I wrapped the blazer closer to her chest, where her arms shook before parting.

Tristan’s head remained peering forward. Although a clenching ache overtook my chest at leaving Katerina momentarily, I forced my eyes ahead until I reached the vault.

Presences arose as I walked toward the infirmary door but halted as a new presence loomed from the edge of the corridor, a shadow standing beside the swimming pool.