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“We were, but we’re getting off track,” she whispers back, swiping a hand at her cheeks before turning back to us. “We were trying to gather intel on magical artifacts that we knew other realms were searching for. The emerald gate being one of them.”

“Why would someone be searching for access into the Realm of Shadows?” Creed asks, leaning back in his seat with his arms folded over his chest.

“Imagine being led by darkness, desperate to hold reign over all of the realms, all while desiring the magical abilities of a necromancer without the power to control the shadows yourself.”

Her words hit hard. Not because they don’t make sense, but because they do. It definitely makes sense for someone like Erikel. But why use Raven’s necromancer abilities to bring people back from the dead and not force her to control the shadows? Why continue to search for artifacts?

“Clearly, controlling someone to orchestrate the shadows still isn’t enough. Erikel must want the power for himself,” Zane states, answering my thoughts.

I nod mindlessly. I’m never going to understand Erikel and his thought process.

“That’s what they don’t understand about the emerald gate. If it senses ill intent, it will never appear,” Peta explains, repeating what Marieta said when Brax and Raven were standing on the other side of the gate.

“But it showed itself to you.” I glance between them as they nod in agreement.

“It did, which feels like a cruel joke at this stage. Our intention was to understand it and protect it,” Marieta murmurs with a hollow chuckle.

“That’s exactly what it’s allowed you to do, unfortunately, from in here instead of out there,” Creed says with a shrug, gaining Brax’s parent’s attention as they stare at him in surprise.

“Have you kept track of how you’ve tried to escape?” Zane asks, redirecting the conversation, and they both nod.

“Good. We’re going to need to take a look at that,” I add, and Marieta exhales softly, a smile touching her lips.

“That sounds perfect. We definitely need another set of eyes to take a look over everything. But it’s not just a file or scrap of paper. It’s a whole room. Once you’ve finished with your hot cocoa, we can show you.” I take a deep breath, relief and hope desperate to blossom in my soul. “How is your mother?” she asks, glancing over the top of her mug at me.

“She’s good. I haven’t been able to hear from her in a few weeks with all of the mess at the academy, but she’s as amazing as ever,” I explain. “Although, I definitely use her as a weapon against Brax when he’s being quiet. She always helps bring out his softer side,” I add. I don’t know why until I see the happiness shimmering in her eyes. She needed to hear that.

“Thank you,” Peta mutters, comforting his wife, who clears her throat and turns to look at Zane.

“And how is Rhys?”

Zane scrubs the back of his neck. “He’s keeping his head above water while everything is coming to a head at The Monarchy.”

“And putting you guys first, I assume? His love for you and your sister, as well as your mother, is unparalleled,” she states, making Zane smile as he nods.

“And your father?” Peta asks, turning to look at Creed.

“Mine?” he retorts with a frown, confusing Peta, who nods slowly.

“Yeah, of course. Zeek is my best friend. Always. I’m going to have to have words with him if I ever get to see him again if he hasn’t told you that, too,” Peta insists, leaving Creed to gape at him before he quickly clears his throat and sits up in his seat.

“We believed he was killed in battle in the Basilica Realm,” he breathes, making Peta’s eyes widen in horror.

“No. I’m so sor?—”

“Until he reappeared a few weeks ago under their control,” Creed interjects, and I’m certain Peta is going to pass out with the information.

“Under their control as in…” It’s Marieta’s turn to comfort her husband this time, desperate to clarify what Creed means as she rubs her hand down Peta’s back.

“As in, he’s the leader’s guard. Dressed in golden armor stained with blood and merciless when following his orders.” Creed’s voice grows hoarse as he spits the words out, and Peta’s head falls into his hands.

“I’m so sorry, Creed. I can’t imagine how any of this feels for you, but I can tell you with certainty that your father is one of the best men I know,” Marieta insists. Creed nods, looking away.

I have no clue what time it is right now, but earlier, when we were still at the academy, we learned that Erikel knew The Monarchy was coming to help us because Creed’s father managed to find the information for him. At the same time, he managed to hide other facts from Erikel, so once again, we’re left with a very unclear picture of his intentions.

“So, it’s officially all gone to shit out there then,” Peta states, and I laugh.

“To summarize, yeah.”