Page 10 of Tempest Blazing (The Dragonne Library #3)

Tess

I knocked on Theron's office door at exactly eleven o'clock, my usual Tuesday tutoring time. The familiar routine had become something I actually looked forward to—despite his gruff exterior, Theron pushed me in ways that made my magic stronger.

"Come in," his voice called from inside.

I pushed open the door and froze. Mason sat in one of the chairs facing Theron's desk, his massive frame making the furniture look delicate.

Kane occupied another chair, his white hair catching the afternoon light streaming through the windows.

And Anya—petite, mysterious Anya—perched on the edge of a third chair, her violet eyes meeting mine with a small smile.

"Tess." Theron gestured to the remaining empty chair. "Sit."

I remained standing, my chest tightening. "I thought this was our private session?"

"It was." Theron leaned back in his chair, his emerald eyes studying me with that calculating look I'd grown to recognize. "I've decided to change that approach."

Mason shifted in his seat, and I caught the subtle tension in his shoulders. Kane's expression remained neutral, but his fingers drummed once against his thigh—a tell I'd learned meant he was processing something he didn't entirely like.

"Why?" I asked, finally moving to take the empty chair between Mason and Anya.

Theron was quiet for a moment, his gaze moving between each of us. "Because none of you can afford to prepare for the Final Guild Trials alone. Not anymore."

The words hit like a punch to the gut. The Final Guild Trials—the ultimate test that would determine if we'd become full Dragon Riders or wash out completely. They were still weeks away, but the pressure had been building steadily.

"What exactly are you proposing?" Kane's voice carried that crisp, analytical tone he used when he was working through a problem.

"A schedule." Theron pulled out a piece of parchment covered in his precise handwriting. "Extra training sessions. Each of you has strengths the others need."

I leaned forward, trying to read the schedule upside down. "What kind of strengths?"

"Mason." Theron's gaze moved to my bonded mate. "Your physical conditioning is exceptional. Your combat training, your understanding of defensive positioning—all of you could benefit from that knowledge."

Mason nodded slowly, his dark eyes thoughtful. "I can do that."

"Anya." Theron turned to the necromancer. "Your academic knowledge is extensive. History, magical theory, Guild protocols—you've studied them all."

"I have," Anya agreed, her voice soft but confident. "I'd be happy to help with studying."

Then Theron's attention shifted to Kane, and I saw something flicker across the High Fae's face—resistance, maybe even irritation.

"Kane," Theron said carefully. "Your magical abilities are... unique. Your understanding of elemental manipulation could be invaluable."

Kane was quiet for a long moment, his blue-violet eyes fixed on something beyond the window. My own magic stirred restlessly beneath my skin, responding to his presence in a way I couldn't understand or explain. When he finally spoke, his voice was tight. "Fine. I'll help with magic training."

The reluctance in his voice stung more than I wanted to admit.

"Excellent." Theron made a note on his parchment. "We'll start tomorrow. Mason, I want you to work with all of them on combat readiness. Anya, begin with Guild history and protocol review. Kane—"

"I know what you want," Kane interrupted, his tone sharper than necessary.

The tension in the room thickened, and I found myself caught between wanting to smooth things over and respecting Kane's obvious boundaries.

"Well," I said, trying to inject some confidence into my voice. "I guess we should get going—"

"Actually," Theron continued, his gaze settling on me, "I'd like to speak with Tess privately."

Mason's eyes found mine, a question in their depths. Through our bond, I felt his protective instincts stirring, but I gave him a small nod. It's okay.

Kane stood first. "I'll see you later, then."

Anya rose gracefully, her dark robes rustling softly. "I'll prepare some study materials. There are several areas where additional focus would be beneficial."

Mason was the last to stand. He paused beside me, his hand brushing mine briefly—contact that sent warmth racing up my arm despite how fleeting it was.

"See you later," he said quietly, his voice carrying promises of conversations to come.

Then it was just Theron and me, the office suddenly feeling both larger and more intimate. He moved to close the door, the soft click of the latch somehow ominous.

"Sit," he said, returning to his desk.

I settled back into my chair, hyperaware of the way his emerald eyes seemed to see straight through me. "If this is about my performance in the trials—"

"It's not." He leaned forward, elbows on his desk, fingers steepled. "It's about your work in the Library."

My stomach dropped. "What about it?"

"You spend a lot of time there alone." Not a question.

"It's my job," I said carefully. "The Librarian position requires—"

"I know what it requires." His voice carried a sharp edge. "I also know that someone broke into the Library two nights ago. Someone who knew enough about the wards to get past the initial defenses."

The memory of that hooded figure made my skin crawl. "Security has been increased. Moriyana said—"

"Moriyana said a lot of things." Theron's interruption was gentle but firm. "But increased security doesn't mean you're safe, especially when you're working alone in sections of the Library that are isolated from the main areas."

I shifted in my seat, torn between defensiveness and unexpected relief that someone was actually looking out for me.

"What are you saying?" I asked.

Theron was quiet for a moment, his gaze fixed on something beyond my shoulder. When he spoke, his voice was carefully measured. "You need to be extra careful about when and where you work. Even with heightened security, there are... vulnerabilities."

The way he said it—the careful selection of words—told me he knew more than he was saying. But he wasn't going to elaborate.

The fact that he was warning me at all meant something. Maybe not full trust, not yet, but it was a start.

"Okay," I said finally. "What do you suggest?"

"Don't work alone." Simple words with unmistakable weight. "When you need to be in the Library, make sure other people are around. Better yet, invite someone to join you."

"That's going to make some of my research more difficult," I pointed out. "There are areas of the Library that most people can't access, and some of the materials I'm working with are... sensitive."

"Then you'll have to get creative." His expression softened slightly. "I'm not trying to make your job impossible, Tess. I'm trying to keep you alive."

The blunt honesty actually made me relax slightly. This wasn't political maneuvering—this was genuine concern. The knot of tension I'd been carrying since the attack loosened just a fraction.

"I understand," I said, and meant it. "I'll be more careful."

"Good." He stood, signaling that our conversation was over. "And Tess? Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, don't ignore it."

I nodded, rising from my chair. As I reached the door, his voice stopped me.

"The people in this room today—they're willing to help you. Don't be too proud to let them."

I turned back to look at him, surprised by the gentleness in his tone. "I won't be. And... thank you. For looking out for me."

Something flickered across his face—surprise, maybe, or approval. "Just doing my job."

I was halfway down the Guild corridor when the realization hit me like a physical blow. The interview with Garanth Kreel. Friday evening, for the Oral History project.

My chest tightened. I'd just promised Theron I wouldn't work alone, Kane had warned me about this exact meeting, and the timing couldn't be worse with the trials moved up. The cafe in Drakehaven suddenly felt like walking into a trap, but canceling now would mean losing the opportunity entirely.

For a split second, I considered asking Kane to come with me. His strategic mind would be invaluable, and he already knew about Garanth's reputation. But the thought of spending an evening with Kane's calculating stare and careful distance made my stomach twist.

No—I'd ask Mason to come with me. His steady presence would be reassuring, and his experience with dangerous people would be invaluable if things went sideways. Plus, our bond meant he'd understand the situation without needing extensive explanation.

The Library doors opened ahead of me, but the familiar warmth and golden light no longer felt like a sanctuary. Now, I saw the shadows. The potential hiding places in the beautiful, dangerous maze.