A weird, twisty feeling took over my stomach. Whatd just happened in there? Wed gone from talking to full-on making out when nothing like that had occurred since the Catskills. I glanced down at my hands.
The super-special cord had happened.
I felt sort of sick when I looked up and watched Seth swagger down the hall. Cheeks glowing, he looked like he could barely contain the energy rushing through him. Confusion swept through me. The whole energy transfer thing had actually felt good, and so had the stuff afterward, but Aidens face haunted me.
Seth glanced over his shoulder at me as Leon opened the door. Darkness had already started to fall, but the shadow that crept over Seths face was no product of the night.
I tried to build up the wall around me.
And I failed.
CHAPTER 4
I WAS EXHAUSTED BY THE TIME I DROPPED INTO THE seat furthest from Marcus desk. Those stairs had been a bitch, but I was grateful that I hadnt been expected to walk to the adjoining island where Lucian lived. I didnt believe Id have made it. All I wanted to do was curl up and go to bedgo anywhere other than this brightly-lit room.
Where is everyone? Seth asked, standing behind me. His hands rested on the back of the chair, but his fingers, shielded by my hair, were pressed into my back. I thought time was of the essence.
Leon looked smug. I must have mistaken the time.
A tired smile tugged at my lips as I pulled my legs up, tucking them under me. Like I said, Leon was the King of Impeccable Timing. Maybe Id get a nap before everyone showed up. I closed my eyes, scarcely paying attention to Leon and Seth trying to outsnark one another.
Most training doesnt occur in a dorm room, Leon said. Or have they drastically changed methods?
Snark point two to Leon.
The kind of training that we have to do is unconventional. Seth paused and I knew he had that horrible smile on his face. The one Id wanted to drop-kick off so many times. Not that a Sentinel would fully understand the amount of effort that goes into preparing an Apollyon.
Snark point three to Seth.
I yawned as I scooted down in the chair, resting my cheek on the back of the chair.
Is something wrong, Alexandria? Leon asked. You look awfully pale.
Shes fine, Seth answered. Our training was rather exhausting. You know, theres a lot of moving around. Sweating, thrus
Seth, I snapped, reluctantly handing over snark points four, five, and six to him.
Thankfully, the doors to Marcus office opened and an entourage of people entered. First was my pure-blood uncle, the Dean of the Covenant in North Carolina. Behind him was my pure-blood stepfather Lucian, the Minister of the North Carolina Covenant. He was in his ridiculous white robes, his stark black hair hanging down his back, secured in a leather thong. He was a handsome man, but there was always a level of coldness and fakeness to him no matter how warm his words might be. He was flanked by four of his Guards, as if he expected a fleet of daimons to jump on him and suck out all his aether. I suppose, given the recent events, he couldnt be too careful. And behind them were Guard Linard and Aiden.
I averted my eyes and prayed Seth actually kept his mouth shut.
Marcus glanced at me as he sat behind his desk, brows rising curiously. Are we keeping you from a nap, Alexandria?
No, how are you? or good to see you alive . Yeah, he loved me lots.
Leon retreated to the corner, folding his arms. They were training, he paused, in her room.
I wanted to die.
Marcus frowned, but Lucianoh, dear Lucianhad a typical response. Sitting down in one of the chairs across from Marcus, he spread out his robes and laughed. It is expected. They are young and drawn to one another. You cannot fault them for seeking privacy.
I couldnt help it. My eyes found Aiden. He stood beside Leon and Linard, his gaze flitting over the room, stopping and lingering on me before passing on. I let go of the breath Id been holding and focused on my uncle.
Marcus eyes were like emerald jewels, just like my mothers, but harder. Fated or not, the rules of the Covenant still apply to them, Minister. And from what Ive heard, Seth has a hard time remaining in his own room at your house during the night.
This seriously couldnt get any more embarrassing.
Seth leaned over the back of my chair and lowering his head. He whispered in my ear. I think weve been found out.
There was no way Aiden couldve heard Seth, but anger rolled off him in waves, so much so that Seth tipped his head up, met Aidens stare,
and smiled.
Id had it. Sitting up straight, I knocked Seths arm off the back of my chair. Is this why were having a meeting? Because, seriously, I could really use a nap instead.
Marcus eyed me coolly. Actually, we are here to discuss the events at the Council.
Ice drenched my stomach. I tried to keep my face blank, but my eyes darted to Aiden. He didnt look too concerned. In fact, he was still eyeballing Seth.
There are several things that we have discovered regarding our trip, Lucian said.