Destiny's Fire - By Trisha Wolfe Page 0,74

I rounded the first fall behind him. “The only thing I can think of is the Councils are scared we’re going to run because of the arranged bonding.”

Reese nodded. “Yeah, that’s probably it.” Then he frowned. “But why are humans leaving? Why are some just up and walking away from their lives? It doesn’t make sense.”

I didn’t have an answer. We walked in silence for a few minutes longer before we reached the gate marking the town’s border.

Reese glanced at me. “I’m going to climb the fence.”

I waited for a moment, watching him stare at the wire fencing. “Go ahead,” I said. “I’ll wait here for you.”

“I’m trying.” He raised his hand toward the gate.

“What do you mean you’re trying?” I attempted to take a step forward, but something wouldn’t allow me to move. I couldn’t force my body to approach the gate. It was as if something was mentally holding me back.

Reese grunted and lowered his hand. “It’s no use. Lana was right; the barrier spell is blocking us from crossing.”

I moved farther back. “Reese, we have to figure out what’s happening.”

“All right.” He drove his hand through his dark hair. “Let’s head back to the Academy. Find your friends and see if they’ve discovered anything.” He pulled his communicator from his pocket. “I won’t be able to get in touch with you, so we’ll decide on meeting in the courtyard at a specific time.”

“Where are you going to be?” I asked, following behind him as he started back through the woods.

“I’m going to try and talk with one of the Council members.”

My eyes widened. “You can just go talk to them?”

“No,” he said, laughing a little. “But I’m going to try.”

“Don’t you think that’ll be dangerous?” Reese held a branch back as I passed under it. “I mean, aren’t you supposed to be not drawing attention to yourself?”

“Yup.” He stumbled onto the trail. “That’s normally the plan. But I think desperate times and such. I have to do something.”

I grabbed ahold of his arm, halting his hurried steps. “I don’t want you to risk it. We can figure out some other way.”

Reese glanced at the ground, then looked into my eyes. “Dez, I’ll be fine. I promise. I’ve survived a long time.” He smiled. “Trust me.”

I studied him. His features seemed confident. I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to relent. “Okay, but meet me by nine. That should be plenty of time.” I pressed my lips together, hard. I didn’t like this plan at all.

Reese cupped my cheek, lifting my face. “Nine. Just stay with Lana and”—he paused, his eyes flashing red—“Jace, until then.”

I nodded against his hand, and he leaned into me, brushing his lips across mine.

Once we were back at the Academy, Reese and I split up. I had no way of contacting Lana to find out where they were, so I decided to try the basement first.

As I strode down the cement stairs, my heart quickened at Jace’s deep and angry tone. “I’m telling you, they’re initiating an attack. This is the first step of their plan. They want the humans out so they can bring on a blood bath as they slaughter us.”

I edged around the corner, peeking. Nick threw his hands into the air. “Even so, that doesn’t make sense. Why bother declaring we’re uniting with the Narcos?” He raised his eyebrows. “Why not just throw up the barrier, send all the humans away, then attack the hell out of us? Why go through the charade?”

Jace stood and began pacing. “I don’t know.” He stopped abruptly when his eyes met mine. He turned toward Nick and Lana. “I’ll be back later. You guys keep trying to figure it out. I have something to do.” He rushed past me and stomped up the stairs.

My heart sank, and I bowed my head as I entered the room. “So, I take it you guys don’t know any more, either.” I sat down on Jace’s bucket.

Nick patted my shoulder. “Hey, sorry about you and Jace.” He awkwardly rubbed my shoulder.

I nodded, smiling weakly at him. “Thanks.” Then I glanced at Lana. Her eyes were heavy. “Do we know anything at all?”

Nick shrugged, sinking back onto his bucket.

Lana sighed. “I spoke with Devon. He said he’d noticed the club getting slower this past week.” She wrung her hands. “He thinks it’s best to remain calm, go along with things until the Councils reveal their intentions.”

I bit down on my lip. We really didn’t have any other choice. “Okay.”