Page 45 of Knox

Evelyn chose that moment to return to the living room, carrying a plate piled high with cookies. "Anyone else want a snack?" she asked brightly. "These are Adrian’s favorites."

Knox accepted a cookie to be polite, but his appetite had vanished.

What was he going to do?

Caelen was out there, gathering energy and twisting the narrative in his favor, turning innocent people into his followers. If Knox didn’t act soon, the balance of power would tip in the Shadow King’s favor.

And if that happened…

Terrible things would happen to this world.

To Adrian’s world.

Could he risk that?

Oblivious to his thoughts, Evelyn settled in an armchair and turned the flickering picture box back on.

An annoyingly chipper brunette woman appeared on the screen.

"—and in other news," she said, "excitement is building for tomorrow’sFantasy and Fiction Festat the convention center in Greenwood. Organizers are expecting record attendance, thanks in part to the recent events on the Bay Bridge."

An image of the bridge, partially shrouded in shadow, filled the screen. Knox clenched his jaw, catching sight of his enemy.

"The mysterious figure who appeared on the bridge," the newscaster said, her voice hushed as if she were sharing a secret, "is rumored to be making an appearance at the convention. Many believe this figure to be connected to the popularMonsters of Veridiawebnovel, which features a strikingly similar character."

The cover of a book flashed on the screen. Knox recognized it instantly: Adrian had a poster of it on his wall.

"Fans of the series," the newscaster said, "have been trying to uncover the identity of the author, who writes under the pseudonym ‘N.N,’ in the hopes that they might shed light on these recent events. So far, however, the author’s identity remains a mystery."

"I never thought so many people would take interest in that story," Evelyn mused. "Maybe I should read it one of these days. I love making Adrian blush by suggesting that. He doesn’t think I know what sex is, bless him."

Lyrian nibbled on a cookie. "How silly," he said. "The older they are, the more experienced, I like to say." He smiled a little too widely for Knox’s liking.

Evelyn smiled back at him. "Too experienced to fall for your charm, young man."

Content that Evelyn could fend for herself, Knox rose from the couch. "Excuse me a moment."

He’d fully intended to give Adrian some space, but now he couldn’t shake the need to take another look. Zev couldn’t be right.

Knox knocked gently on Adrian’s door before pushing it open. He found Adrian sitting at his desk, eyes glued to a device with a screen similar to the picture box called television.

"What are you doing?"

Adrian whirled around to him. "Just… uh… reading."

"Are you reading my story again?" Knox guessed.

Adrian adjusted his glasses nervously, and Knox caught himself thinking that he was adorable like that. So easily flustered.

"It’s alright that you’re reading," Knox said. "I just wonder about the fascination." He closed the door behind himself and stepped into the room.

Adrian looked back at his device. "It used to be a good way to escape."

"Escape from what?"

Adrian hesitated, seemingly struggling to find the right words to describe what he was feeling. "Veridia is such a different world from ours."

"True." Knox could not argue with that.