Broken Knights (Gifted Academy #4) - Michelle Hercules Page 0,2
you know why I can’t work for you and risk discovery.”
“You won’t be discovered. No one will know about your association with the Knights besides me, not even the other members.”
“Do you want me to work for you as a spy?”
“Precisely. In exchange, I’ll personally see that your nieces are kept safe.”
Xavier passed a hand over his face, feeling like there wasn’t much he could do. Silverstone had him cornered.
“Jodie Fallon knows about them too. She offered me the same thing you did, to keep Daisy and Rosie safe.”
“I know.”
Xavier wasn’t surprised. He knew Jodie better though, and that didn’t give him comfort. People would say to trust the devil you know, but in his experience, that was a load of crap.
“I don’t trust either of you, but Jodie less so.”
“I take it you refused her offer.”
“I did. I was on my way to rescue the girls myself when you showed up.”
“Do you think now is the right time to bring children into your life?” Silverstone glanced at a promotional poster for Unearthly Desires.
Xavier clenched his jaw while gripping the edge of the desk so tight, his knuckles turned white. He knew he wasn’t in the least prepared. If he brought Daisy and Rosie into his life right now, he might be putting them in even more danger.
He let out a resigned sigh. “No. I need more time.”
“Then let me help you.” Silverstone leaned forward eagerly.
“What do you want with them?”
“I have a theory. It might be nothing, but I believe one of your nieces is destined to save the world.”
“They’re Norms. How could they possibly do that?”
Silverstone pierced Xavier with a hard stare. “You should not underestimate the power of Norms.”
A great sense of shame took over Xavier. He knew better than anyone else what a simple Norm could do. His own adoptive father, with one act of kindness, had made a deep impact in his Xavier’s life. He had saved him.
“I accept your offer, but I’ll give you this warning. If you or any of the Knights harm my nieces in any way, I will come for you.”
The corners of Silverstone’s lips twitched upward. “I expect nothing less from you.”
1
Daisy
Present Day
My body is numb, my mind is whirling, and yet I can sense Rosie’s stare burning a hole through my face as I pack my suitcase.
“What?” I ask without glancing in her direction.
“You haven’t said much since we got back.”
“Perceptive,” I mumble.
She walks over and sits on the edge of my bed. “How are you feeling?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” I shove a piece of clothing in the suitcase without bothering to fold it.
“You can’t blame yourself for what happened to Rufio.”
I whip my face toward her. “Really? I can’t blame myself? I’m the one who took away his powers, Rosie. Who else am I going to blame?”
“His father. The one who forced you to do it.”
Shaking my head, I look away. “He used me, but that doesn’t absolve me. I should have fought harder.”
She lets out a loaded sigh. “Seeing Rufio reduced to a powerless Norm didn’t make me happy like I thought it would. I’ve always wished that fate on every single ruthless Idol I met. But I don’t feel an ounce of satisfaction. Instead, I feel sorry for him.”
Even knowing Rosie’s statement is a breakthrough for her, it makes me mad as hell.
“Don’t ever let him know you pity him,” I warn through clenched teeth.
A pregnant silence descends over us. I shouldn’t have lashed out at her, but I can’t help the anger that’s swirling in my chest. The immense guilt smothering me is wrapped in barbed wire. It cuts deep as it suffocates me. I have to find a way to restore Rufio’s powers, but I don’t know where to begin.
Then a light bulb flashes above my head. The antique book I got from Gifted Academy’s librarian. I never returned it to her. It’s still in my dorm room. I’m not sure if it has the answer I’m looking for, but it’s a start.
My phone rings loudly, making my heart lurch inside of my chest. It must be one of my boyfriends, and right now, I can’t talk to them.
“Are you going to get that?” Rosie asks.
“Nope.” I turn around and head to the bathroom. I’ve already packed everything from there, but I need to hide from Rosie’s prying eyes.
When I’m halfway there, she says, “It’s Andromeda.”
I stop in my tracks, furrowing my eyebrows. Why would she call me now? Did something