Page 37 of Awakened Destiny (The Dark Ascendant #3)

Brigid

"Well said, Miss Ryan," he announces, his scholarly voice filling the room.

The rebels part for him respectfully as he walks toward the center of the room. I can't mask my shock.

"Professor? You're with the Shadow Rebels?"

He smiles, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "For years, my dear. Long before you were born, when the Council first began their purge of shadow magic."

Marius doesn't seem surprised. "Professor Azareon has been our most valuable ally within the academy. He's protected countless students with shadow magic tendencies. He ’ s the one who got me in."

Professor Azareon stops before me, his portly frame surprisingly imposing up close. "I've watched you since the moment you arrived, Brigid. Your potential exceeds anything I've seen in decades of teaching."

"Why didn't you tell me?" I ask. But I know the answer before he gives it.

"Security. Protection. For both of us." He turns to address the rebels. "I've taught generations of magical beings. I've seen powers rise and fall. And I tell you now, this young woman represents our best chance to restore balance to our world."

Kieran frowns. "You're certain, old man?"

"As certain as I've been of anything." Professor Azareon turns back to me. "I am at your disposal, Brigid. My connections among the faculty who secretly oppose the Council are yours to command."

I stare at him, still processing this revelation. "You've been working against the Council all this time? Right under their noses?"

"The best place to hide is often in plain sight." He smiles again, but there's something hard in his eyes. "I've buried my true nature for decades, watching them destroy what they feared. No more."

He takes my hand in his, and I feel a surge of magical energy, not threatening, but reassuring. "My resources, my wisdom, whatever talents I possess… I offer them to you."

The room has grown quiet again, but the quality of the silence has changed. The hostility is gone.

"If Professor Azareon stands with her," the dark-eyed young woman says, "I'm willing to listen further."

Several others murmur agreement. Kieran studies me, his scarred face unreadable.

"We'll need more than words and promises," he finally says.

I squeeze Professor Azareon's hand before releasing it. "Thank you, Professor."

"Don't thank me yet," he replies quietly. "The path ahead is not easy. But if anyone can navigate it, I believe it's you."

Professor Azareon steps closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "But I must warn you, Brigid. The Council may be weakened, but their influence still permeates the academy walls."

I feel Marius shift behind me, his body tensing at the professor's words.

"What do you mean?" I ask, scanning the faces of the rebels around us, their expressions now more curious than hostile.

"There are those who have built their entire lives on the Council's favor." Professor Azareon's white beard catches the dim light as he leans forward. "Faculty members, students, even staff whose loyalties are bought and paid for. They'll be desperate now that their patrons are losing power."

"Who should I watch for?"

"There are rumors of clandestine meetings to discuss the problem of, well, you. Attended by students and faculty alike."

Marius places a protective hand on my lower back. "We've dealt with worse."

"Perhaps," Azareon concedes. "But remember, cornered animals are the most dangerous."

I feel a chill despite the warmth of Marius's touch. "Is there anyone else I should know about?"

"Be on guard, Brigid. That's all I can offer." Azareon's eyes flick toward the door.

"Thank you, Professor," I say, truly grateful for this unexpected ally. "For everything."

He nods, then turns to address the rebels. "I must return before my absence is noted. Consider what you've heard today."

Azareon grasps my arm as he ’ s leaving. His voice drops to a whisper only I can hear. “ They executed my wife for practicing shadow magic thirty years ago. The Council claimed it was for the greater good."

His eyes harden and he scoffs. “ The greater good. Never has a motivation been more of a catalyst for evil.”

With that, he slips out the door, leaving the cottage feeling emptier despite the crowd.

Marius leans close, his lips brushing my ear. "We should go too."

I nod to Kieran and the others. "Think about what I've said. I don't ask for anything but a chance."

As we leave, I notice that the clouds have obscured the moon, making the night darker than it was. Marius guides me along a hidden path through the woods, his hand never leaving mine.

"You were amazing in there," he says after we've walked for several minutes.

"I don't know about that. But they listened, at least."

Marius stops abruptly, pulling me against him. "They more than listened. You gave them hope, Brigid." His fingers trace my jawline. "You gave me hope."

I lean into his touch, and the warmth of his hand.

We resume walking, the academy growing larger with each step. Just before we reach the edge of the forest, Marius pulls me behind a large oak tree.

"You know," he says, pressing me gently against the trunk, "I meant what I said. I serve no other but you."

I catch my breath as his body presses against mine. "Is that so?"

"Mmm. And I think you should know—" his lips brush my neck, sending shivers down my spine, "—just how thoroughly I intend to serve my queen when we return to your chambers."

His kiss is hungry, making my knees weak and my thoughts scatter. When he pulls back, his eyes hold that predatory gleam that's both thrilling and terrifying.

"Show me," I whisper against his lips.

A slow, dangerous smile spreads across his face as he takes my hand again. "With pleasure, my queen.

We hurry toward the academy, the shadows no longer feeling quite so threatening, with Marius by my side.