Page 110 of Destined Dawn

“Prepare?”I say. Have I missed the memo somewhere? What the hell is going on?

York doesn’t answer me though. She addresses Coach. “Hank, you know what to do?”

“All the students?”

“All of them. We’ll be along shortly.”

Coach nods his head curtly and leaves the room.

“Right,” York says, but before she can say any more, a machine crackles and beeps in the corner of her office. She squares her shoulders and glances its way. “That will be the Lord Protector. I advise you to remain quiet.”

Then she stands and walks to the corner, pressing several buttons on the device and watching as the blank screen on the machine flickers to life. Agrainy picture comes into focus, Christopher Kennedy eventually staring right at her with unblinking eyes.

“Principal York,” he says, his voice making my stomach turn and my fists clench.

“Lord Protector,” York replies calmly, “how can I be of assistance?”

“We have received reports of intruders at the academy.”

“You have?” she says innocently.

“Yes, and our guards are unreachable.”

“As you can see,” she says, “I am in my office. No such reports have reached my ears.” She holds his gaze. “But I am aware your reports are always accurate.”

“They are. And the intruders are believed to be wanted fugitives,” he pauses, “highly wanted fugitives. You will apprehend them.”

“Ahhh,” York says slowly, “I’m afraid that won’t be possible.”

“Not possible?! Why not?” Kennedy spits, frowning so sharply it makes his eyes bulge. “Have the fugitives–”

“No, it’s not that. It’s simply that I have decided to no longer follow your orders. I will not be apprehending anyone.”

Kennedy’s entire face reddens with anger. I wait for the explosion.

There is none.

He simply nods his head in understanding. “So be it, Stella. You understand what this means.”

“I am aware.”

Kennedy’s nostrils flare and then the screen goes blank.

“Was that wise?” I ask, unable to help myself.

“You’re here to meet your destiny. Is there any point in delaying it?”

I stand up. “And what is our destiny because I’m still in the fucking dark here?” I snap.

“It’s us or them,” Rhi says.

“Them?”

“The Lord Protector and his followers. They’re coming here. They’re coming for me.”

“Then we should leave,” I say, eyes darting to the window. There’s time. Especially with the help of those dragons.

“No more running. We fight.”