t tickle on my brain. What is that? What’s happening.
“It’s somewhere dark. Cold. Isolated.” Again, a flutter runs over my mind. A strong feeling of violation runs through me, curdling in my throat. I have no doubt whoever is holding me can infiltrate my mind. No, is infiltrating my mind.
Physical strength is my biggest asset, and I have nothing else to rely on. I focus on the wall in front of me, channeling my energy. Claws pick at my mind, trying to get to my secret.
“No!” I cry, stomping on the nearest foot, crushing the toes. My elbow is freed, and I jab it backwards, smashing into ribs, then a face. The person behind me grunts and moans. I spin, my foot landing hard in one of the attacker’s stomachs. He grunts, and I breathe heavy, back against the wall. They’re all dressed in black, including the masks.
“Kill me if you want, but I’m not telling you where the key is hidden.”
“Killing you would be too easy—”
The voice is cut off by the sound of claws on the stone floor. Fear seizes me. I’m not scared of these attackers—but I am terrified of the shadow at the top of the staircase. A low growl echoes down the stairwell. It’s not human—an animal.
“What the—"
“Go!” one person says, and they take the opportunity to run.
I look up and then down, trapped between following my attackers and facing whatever’s at the top of the stairs.
The animal makes the decision for me, leaping over the railing. In the air, it transforms, morphing from four-legged beast to human.
Stunned, I press my back against the wall and stare at the boy in front of me. “Darius?”
“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” I stand up straight. “That was pretty impressive.”
He shrugs. “You were holding your own. I figured I’d stop it before you kicked their asses.”
“Yeah maybe.” I look in the direction they ran off. “Any idea who that was?”
“No. I was just headed to the library when I heard you.”
The staircase to the library is on the other side of the building, but sure, maybe he’s taking the long way. Darius lying about where he’s going isn’t a huge deal. I’m more focused on the lingering sensation of someone being in my head. I touch my temple, still feeling the violation. Darius’ pale blue eyes watch me closely.
“Hey—how are you by the way? I didn’t get a chance to ask you after the challenge.”
Darkness flickers over his face. “Physically, I’m fine, but that monster was…I don’t know…fucking terrifying. Even knowing the art of conjuring and manipulation, I’ve never been so scared.”
I shudder, remembering the cold. “They’re awful.”
“There’s a rumor going around that you’ve faced them before.”
I’m never sure how much the other students know about that night. If they know the truth about Garland or the key. I doubt Marielle or the twins have kept their mouths shut. I also know not everyone in this place is on the side of the Lowerworld, Elizabeth is a perfect example. Or someone like Luke who feels betrayed. Darius, whose uncle lives in the Upperworld, he may not be so black and white. Especially after the challenge.
“Whoever gets the key and makes it to the temple will have to face not one, but many of those beasts. And they aren’t illusions. They’re real. With very real teeth, and I get the feeling they’re carnivores.”
“Is that why she’s doing this? Putting us up against them as a test?”
“She wants an army. Yes.”
He swears under his breath, then scratches the back of his neck. “You want to know the truth?”
“If you want to tell me.”
“I wasn’t going to the library.”
“I didn’t think so. You’re going in the wrong direction.” My eyes flick to his side. “And you’re not carrying any books.”