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“Zane?”

I still, the familiar voice traveling up the stairs, catching me by surprise. I glance at Raven first, and the small lilt to the corner of her mouth confirms it belongs to who I think it does.

Rushing down the stairs, my heart hammers in my chest as my father comes into view. The peppered hair at his temples looks more gray than usual, and the bags under his eyes weren’t there the last time I saw him.

Fuck.

“Pops,” I breathe, launching myself at him.

He envelops me in his arms and I squeeze him back, thankful to be able to see my father in the flesh again. We rock from side to side for what feels like forever until I finally lean back.

“It’s so good to see you again, son. It’s so good to see all of you,” he breathes, patting my shoulder as he glances at the others too.

Everybody joins us at the bottom of the stairs, where we’re then led into the kitchen and hot cocoa awaits us. My father’s hand remains on my shoulder as we take our seats. His presence makes up for the fact that Creed and Brax bundle Raven between them.

“There’s so much to discuss,” Marieta says, getting comfortable in her chair.

My father nods in agreement. “I’ve missed you both dearly. You’re right. There’s a lot for us to go over, but for now, let’s focus on the main points before I’m called away,” he insists, patting my shoulder one final time before reaching for his mug.

Raven and my father, both with me, completing me in a way I can’t explain. It’s everything.

“What have I missed with you?” I ask, intrigued.

The disappointment flares in his eyes as he turns to me. “We believe Erikel has a connection within The Monarchy. I’m trying to root them out.”

“Burton,” I correct, and his eyes widen.

“It’s confirmed? We know it’s Burton?” he asks, sitting taller.

Burton, Erikel…

Erikel, Burton…

It’s giving me a fucking headache.

“Yes.”

“It’s definitely intertwined,” he insists. “Everyone I’m in close contact with is trying to act on the students’ behalf, desperate to bring them to safety, but something or someone is holding back on pulling the trigger.”

My hands clench in my lap, anger creeping up my spine. Of course there is. Nothing is ever easy or simple in this damn life.

“We need to figure it out. I want nothing more than for this bullshit to be over. I’m done with this war and it hasn’t even started yet,” I grumble, and my father nods knowingly.

“I agree. I did mention my concern about someone to Brax and Raven the other day, but I’m sure you guys have been through a lot. I want you to be cautious of Grave Richardson.”

As we take in the information, my eyes widen along with Creed’s and Eldon’s.

“Sorry,” Raven murmurs, wincing at the fact that she hadn’t passed the information on. But my father was right; we’ve had enough going on already. I’m sure there are other things we haven’t discussed yet.

I shake my head at her, the apology not necessary, as a beeping sound comes from my father’s suit jacket. He frowns as he digs it out, instantly rising to his feet after he’s glanced over the words.

“What’s going on?” I ask, following suit.

My father’s eyes fall to Raven’s instead of mine. “I have to leave. I’ve just received word that your father has managed to break free.”

Raven’s hand falls to her chest as she gapes at him, nodding dumbly while panic dances in her pretty eyes. “Of course,” she murmurs, wiping her hands nervously down her thighs as she stands.

“I’m sorry I can’t stay,” he continues, looking at me. He takes my hand, pulling me in for a half hug as he pats my back, swiftly moving around the table to embrace the others, including Marieta and Peta.