Stunned more by the pure rage than anything else, I lifted my head and peered through my hair. What the hell had just happened? The whole pushing me thing had been an accident, but the violence Id felt had not been my own.
It had been Seths. It wasnt like those times Id had those hot flashes. This had been different. Id felt what hed felt, wanted what hed wanted. Had that happened before? I didnt think so. My hands shook.
The Guards had reached Leon. I wasnt sure if they were trying to protect Leon or Seth. Aiden, though, went after the Apollyon, like I shouldve known he would the moment I spied him stalking across the wind-tossed sand.
I was sure Aiden knew what had happened had been an accident, but he looked like he wanted to pummel both guys. By the sounds of their arguing and shoving one another, Leon blamed Seth. Seth blamed everyone but himself. The Guards looked increasingly worried.
Staggering out of the marsh, I headed toward them just as Seth tried to sidestep Aiden.
Eyes flashing, Aiden grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pushed him back several feet. It was like he didnt even see the strongest and deadliest element known to the gods inches away from his bodyor he didnt care.
Thats enough, Aiden said, shoving Seth as he let go. Back off.
You really want to get involved in this? Seth asked. Right now?
More than you would ever know.
Akasha fizzled out and Seth pushed Aiden. Oh, I think I do. And you know what, its something I think about every time . You get what Im saying?
Thats the best you got, Seth? Aiden went toe-to-toe with the Apollyon. And suddenly, I knew this wasnt just about what had just happened. This was more. Because I think you and I both know the truth about that .
Oh, dear gods, this was turning into a boy fight.
Seth moved so fast it was hard to see him. An arm cocked back, aiming right for Aidens jaw. Reacting just as fast, Aiden caught Seths arm and threw him back again.
Try it again, and I wont stop, Aiden warned.
A second later they were crashing into each other. Both hit the ground, rolling and throwing punchesa blur of black garb as each one gained and lost the upper hand. I started forward, but stopped short. They werent even fighting like Sentinels. There was nothing graceful in their punches or blocks. They brawled like two idiots high on testosterone, and I had the strongest urge to walk up and kick them both in the head.
I threw my hands up. Youve got to be kidding me.
The Guards and Leon shot forward, grabbing for the two guys. It took several tries to get Aiden off Seth. A cut marred his right cheek. Blood beaded. There was a split in Seths lip.
Are you done? demanded Leon, shouldering Aiden back a few steps. Aiden, you need to stop.
Aiden wiped the back of his hand over his cheek as he shrugged Leons hand off. Yeah, Im done.
The Guards were saying the same thing to Seth, but when they let go of him, Seth shot around them. You think Im scared that youll turn me in for fighting? Any of you? They cant touch me! Im the fu
Stop it! I screamed. Just stop! Seth froze, and several sets of eyes centered on me. Gods! We were training. Theres no reason to kill each other over this. I glanced at Aiden. No reason to do any of this. Just freaking stop.
Tension still ripened the air, but Seth pulled back and spat out a mouthful of blood. As he straightened his shirt, the marks started to fade. Like Id been saying, but apparently all of you are too stupid to understand,
much did he tell you?
Not much at all.
Aiden nodded curtly. Of course not. Some of the halfs arent responding to the elixir. Thereve been outbreaks of fighting among the servants; theyre refusing Masters orders and disappearing. The Council fears there will be a rebellion, and the New York Covenant has been weakened since the attack. And no one knows exactly how or why the elixir stopped working.
I thought of my father. Was he one of those whod disappeared, or was he fighting back? I knew he had to be one of the ones the elixir had stopped working on. I should be there.
You should be anywhere but there.
Now you sound like Seth.
His eyes narrowed. For once, I have to agree with him.
Thats shocking. My gaze fell on the main academy building, and I knew immediately where we were going. Youre taking me to the library.
The smile returned. Its private. No one is ever in there at this time, and if anyone spots us, youre studying.
I laughed then. And someone is going to believe that?
Stranger things have been known to happen, he replied as we headed up the wide steps.
We passed two Guards posted at the entrance. Ever since the attack here that had taken Calebs life, and the subsequent one in the Catskills, security had gone through the roof. Back in the day I wouldve bitched about this because it made sneaking around so much more difficult. But now, after everything, I was relieved to see the increased numbers.
Toasty air greeted us as we entered. Silently, I followed Aiden down the hall toward the library. Several Instructors still lingered in their offices, and we passed a few students heading out.