Grave Secrets: A Dementon Academy of Magic Novel (The Everlasting Chronicles Book 3)

by K. G. Reuss

  “How’s training with Ever going?” Jared asked innocently.

  “Good.” I shrugged, biting into my sandwich. “She could use some work on her casting, but it’ll come to her. I think she has more caster in her than we previously thought. She’s blocked though. Has issues with focus.”

  “I bet I know something that’ll help her unblock,” Damien smirked. I let out a soft laugh and shook my head.

  “I could work with her,” Sloane offered, leaning against the counter and taking my sandwich from me again. She took a bite and chewed, talking around it. “I’m a caster through and through.”

  I snatched my sandwich back again. “Can’t have you work with her. Too many rumors of her being the next recruit already. I had to basically swear to her that I wouldn’t induct her if she promised to go with us tomorrow.”

  “But what if—” Jared started, and I shook my head vehemently.

  “No what-ifs. I’m not allowing her in. End of story.”

  Jared rolled his eyes but didn’t push the subject.

  “You think she’ll be good to go?” Damien asked, making his own sandwich.

  “She’s a good fighter. Hell, probably one of the best I’ve sparred with in a long time in regard to training. I think she can fight her way out. It’s the other stuff I’m worried about.”

  “The dead and dark creatures,” Sloane murmured.

  I nodded darkly. “Yeah. Those. I don’t know what to expect. She hasn’t been beyond Dementon’s walls in weeks.”

  “I thought about that too,” Eric commented as he came into the room. “They could be waiting for her just beyond the gates. We’re going to have to be extra vigilant. They won’t be just after her. We’re all a threat. We’re all targets, more so than usual.”

  “Great,” Jared muttered, rubbing his eyes. “In that case, I’m going to be at the training center in case you pick me to go. I need to work on a few things.”

  He left the room without a backward glance.

  “I meant what I said. I want you all to be safe. If that means leaving me to do it, you do it—”

  “You’re nuts!” Sloane protested, shaking her head. “We’re a team—”

  “And I’ll protect my team. You guys keep Ever safe when I can’t. I don’t know what the sacrifice is, but I’m ready for it.”

  “I’ll take care of her,” Eric said fiercely. “She’s special to me.”

  I swallowed thickly and nodded as Sloane squeezed his hand. Even Damien looked sympathetic.

  “We’ll have a meeting before we leave.” I caught Eric’s eye. He didn’t bother to hide the worry in them. Hell, I worried too. If I died, he’d be general. He hadn’t even wanted to be second in command and had fought me on it, but he was a great leader. I didn’t doubt his capabilities for a minute. I knew he’d take care of Ever too. At least I knew those loose ends would be tied up if the worst should happen.

  “I don’t think you’ll die,” Sloane piped up, her brows furrowed. “Ever’s prediction said she had to go or someone would die. She’s going. No one will die. It’s something else. A different sort of sacrifice.”

  Damien nodded thoughtfully. “Agreed.”

  “No prediction is a hundred percent. Best to be prepared,” I grunted. Eric nodded along with me.

  “I’m with Gen. We need to be prepared for anything.”

  “I agree we should be prepared, but I definitely don’t think we’re going to lose anyone. If we do, I’ll kiss Damien, tongue and all.” Sloane snagged Damien’s sandwich from his hand as he raised it to his mouth for a bite and flounced out of the room, her dark ponytail swinging behind her.

  Damien blinked for a moment before looking at me. “No offense man, but maybe let Ever take a walk in the Veil for a few minutes so I can hold Sloane to that.”

  I grinned and clapped him on the back.

  “Not a chance.”

  Forty-Three

  Everly

  I turned on the light in my dorm only to swallow down a surprised yelp at finding Nev lying on my couch, tossing a small ball in the air.

  “Ay! ¡Dios mios! What the hell are you doing?” I hissed, dropping my bookbag and closing the door.

  “You said to meet here—”

  “I didn’t mean to break into my room, you weirdo. Seriously. Did you touch anything?”

  “Ever, please. I have some class. I literally walked in here, drank your soda, ate that weird seed bar you had in your fridge, and laid down. I haven’t moved since.”

  “You ate my damn granola bar? What the hell is the matter with you? I’ve been saving that!”

  “It’s gone now.” He sat up and shrugged. “You weren’t missing much. It tasted like a vegetarian. Not really my cup of tea. You’re not one of those, are you?” His eyes swept over me in distaste.

  “No, but I do like eat to healthy when I can.”

  “I’ll buy you a new one. Vampire’s honor.” He crossed his fingers like a cross and grinned at me.

  “You better,” I grumbled, bummed about my granola bar. I flopped down on the couch next to him. “Tell me about my grandma.”

  “Right to the point,” he muttered. “I thought we could make-out first.”

  “Ew. Why would you think that?”

  “Because that’s what I do on every date I go on. Or more.”

  “You’re a pig, you know that?” I inched away from him. “Consider this not a date then. It’s a business meeting.”

  “Fine. But you still owe me.”

  “Whatever. Tell me about my grandma.”

  “I don’t need to.” He dug into his cloak and pulled out an envelope with a red seal.

  I snatched it from him, my heart pounding. “Is this from her?”

  He nodded solemnly.

  I broke the seal and unfolded the letter inside. Tidy scrawl traveled over the creamy page.

  My dearest Everly

  I’m sorry I was never able to tell you everything. We didn’t want this life for you. We tried to keep everything hidden, which in retrospect, probably wasn’t the best idea. You deserved to know. I know your father wasn’t good to you or your mother. For that, I’m sorry. Had we told him our family history and gotten him the help he needed to hone his ability, then perhaps things would’ve been different. That’s on us. For what it’s worth, I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through. I wish I could take it all away.

  The world isn’t what we thought it would be. We’ve made mistakes in regard to your safety. Even we don’t know what’s true and what’s a lie. Not all visions are accurate. And I’ve always believed we can change our destinies if we so choose.

  That’s something I need you to understand. You are in charge of your future. We’ve had visions told which were astoundingly accurate. We’ve had them sound accurate but be devastatingly incorrect. Follow your heart. It’s the best compass you have. You are the Mancer. You were always a potential one. The Reever marked you when he saved you. We don’t know who he is. The one person who might know won’t speak of it.

  Remember when you were a little girl and you asked me if magic was real? Do you remember what I said to you? Whisper those words, my dearest granddaughter.

  We’ll meet again soon. Be brave. I love you more than you know.

  -Grams

  I wiped at my eyes and handed the letter to Nev who read it. Without a word, he wrapped me in a hug.

  “It doesn’t help,” I sniffled.

  “It doesn’t?”

  “No, I don’t want to be the Mancer.”

  “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry.” He pulled away and stared down at me. “I wish I could take it away. I’d change you into a vampire if that would help.”

  “I appreciate the sentiment, but I don’t think that’s the answer.”

  “Too bad.” He sighed, smiling. “I think you and I would make a good pair.”

  I returned his smile with my own sad version, both of us silent as we sat on the couch.

  “What was Claudia’s
answer when you asked her that question when you were little.”

  I let out a soft chuckle. “She said, ‘It’s real. Everything is real.’ It made me happy to know when I was a little girl. Now? Not so much.”

  “Now you’re in charge of keeping the magic alive,” Nev murmured.

  “I guess so.”

  “Does that mean you’re joining us?” He looked at me hopefully.

  “I-I still need more time. There has to be another way.”

  “We’re running out of time,” Nev interjected. “We need you—”

  “I’m in charge, Nev. I choose. So please, let me.”

  “Right.” He nodded tightly, getting to his feet. “But keep in mind, people are dying while you try to run away.”

  “I’m not running,” I snapped, glaring at him.

  “You’re not standing up to fight either.” He walked to the door and pulled it open.

  “Nev—”

  He shook his head and walked out without a backward glance.

  Forty-Four

  Raiden

  I’d put Ever through her paces at our training session a couple of days ago. Then I’d opted to give her the night before our hunt off so she could recover since she still wasn’t sleeping as well as she should be despite the charm Marcus had put on her.

  She’d seemed so down in the dumps. When I asked her what was wrong, she gave me that fake smile I knew so well and shook her head. I let it go, thinking maybe it was because of the upcoming hunt. She was probably nervous and rightly so.

  The night of the hunt, I sat in my office, rubbing my temples as I tried to calm myself. I never worried the way I was now. Everly joining us was what was getting to me.

  The knock on my office door pulled me from my concerns.

  “Come in,” I grunted.

  Sloane popped her head in and gave me a smile. “Can I please be the one to go get Ever?” She begged as she entered my office. I knew Sloane had been itching to get to know Ever. In a different world, I was sure the two would’ve been great friends.

  “Sure. Bring her back here immediately though. No stopping,” I warned, getting to my feet. “And take Damien with you,” I added as an afterthought. He could toss her over his shoulder if he had to. She grinned and saluted me before flouncing out of the room. Leave it to Sloane to be happy even in the face of danger.

  “Raiden.” Amara came into my office minutes later, her arms folded over her chest.

  “Yes?” I groaned inwardly. I didn’t assign her to go out with us. It pissed her off in the worst way. I figured it had more to do with Ever going and being near me than Amara not getting to go.

  “I really think you need to reconsider my not going,” she started.

  “Amara,” I sighed, going to her and resting my hands on the tops of her shoulders. “Listen to me. I want you here. Please.”

  “It’s so you can be with Ever—”

  I didn’t want to have this fight again. I was reaching for straws. Dangerous ones. OK. So maybe they weren’t straws but sticks of dynamite.

  “Mara,” I said firmly, using the nickname I had for her. She immediately softened beneath my touch, the harsh lines disappearing from her pretty face. “I want you to be safe. I don’t know how I’d ever be able to explain to your father that something happened to you which could’ve been avoided. Please. Stay safe.”

  “Oh, Raiden!” Her arms encircled me, holding me tightly. Sighing, I closed my eyes and gave her a hug. I was still a jerk. But it was for her own good. And my sanity. Keeping track of Ever would be my priority. Having to make sure Amara wasn’t trying to plot something or distract me wasn’t something I needed to add to the night’s activities.

  I’d been lost in my thoughts, holding Amara, when Sloane and Damien came into my office with Ever in tow. Sloane gave me a disapproving look which mirrored the look on Damien’s face. Ever averted her eyes to the floor.

  Damnit.

  I untangled myself from Amara, who glared at Ever, and cleared my throat.

  “Miss Torres, I’m glad you could make it.”

  “Didn’t have much of a choice, did I?” she returned, catching my eye.

  “It’s an honor to be here, you ungrateful little bit—” Amara started.

  “Amara, so help me—”

  “I can’t help it,” she snapped at me in my mind. “You’re insane if you think she’s worth taking instead of me.”

  “You know why I’m doing it, Mara. It’s to save our crew. Don’t be like this. For the love of god, I don’t need the damn stress tonight. Go with Jared. Please. He’s going to be doing early patrols. Just go help him.”

  “Raiden, please—”

  “Mara,” I sighed in my mind. “Go.”

  I ended the conversation.

  Damien shook his head at me as Sloane rolled her eyes. With a dramatic stomp and toss of her red locks, Amara left the room, but not before shooting a nasty glare at Ever. I watched as Ever didn’t flinch. Instead, she raised an eyebrow at her, almost daring her.

  That wasn’t good. If Amara pushed Everly, the peace would crumble at my feet. I dreaded the day it ended.

  “So, sorry about busting in like that,” Damien started.

  I shot him a dirty look as I went back to my desk and rifled around inside of it. I wanted to give Ever my favorite dagger.

  “Ever is concerned she’ll be in the way tonight, Gen. Thoughts on where we’re going to put her?” Damien continued.

  I glanced between Ever and Damien quickly.

  “I’d like for her to stay close to me. However, since either you and Eric can get her out just as quickly as I can, you two are also on duty.” I surveyed Ever. Her hands were twisted in front of her, and she was wearing a scowl. “Is that acceptable?”

  “I could just stay behind too,” Ever shot out, licking her lips.

  I sighed and shook my head. “We’ve already discussed this. You’re coming. We’ll be quick. Efficient. Safe. No worries. No fear.”

  I watched as she swallowed, her hands shaking as she tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. We needed to get this over with. It was stressing us all out.

  “Miss Torres, if you’d like to follow Sloane, she can show you to our weapons room and get you something to wear. I’m afraid your Dementon skirt and shirt won’t do it for tonight.”

  “Didn’t realize it was a black-tie affair,” she muttered, following Sloane out of the room, her shoulders slumping forward.

  “She’s feisty. I love it,” Damien proclaimed after the girls had left.

  “Who’s feisty?” Eric asked, coming into my office, dressed in his hunting attire of all black. His weapons were already strapped to him.

  “Everly,” Damien and I answered in unison.

  “She’s here?” Eric’s eyes widened at the news. The two hadn’t associated since the night I’d had to sleeper charm her.

  “Sure is. Probably naked next door with Sloane right now.” A faraway look crossed Damien’s face, causing me to kick him in the shin. He let out a hiss of pain, rubbing his new bruise.

  “She’s a little touchy about going tonight. She’s worried, as she should be,” I said to Eric, clearing my throat.

  “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t,” he muttered. “This will be a fun adventure.”

  He didn’t get to finish because Sloane came back into the office with Ever in tow. The tight black, partially leather gear on her made my chest constrict.

  “Damn, girl.” Damien grinned at her. “Look at you!”

  Her cheeks flushed. “I look ridiculous.”

  “You look great,” Eric corrected her.

  She gave him a shaky smile which he returned before she glanced over at me, the smile falling away. Turmoil was written all over her face.

  “I’ll see you soon. Everything is going to be OK,” Eric murmured to Ever as he passed by her to go rally everyone together. “I promise.”

  “You’re not that good of a psychic,” she answered back.


  He reached out and squeezed her hand. “But I’m one hell of a fighter. We all are. No worries, OK?”

  She nodded tightly as he released her hand and moved to the door. “Gen, no Amara, right?

  “No,” I answered. “Make sure she goes with Jared.”

  He gave a nod and disappeared into the other room.

  “Uh, Damien,” I said, glancing over at him.

  “Yeah, Gen?” Damien replied, his eyes glued to Ever.

  “Go get ready.”

  “Sure, Gen.”

  “Now,” I commanded. He tore his eyes away from Ever and moved to the door, taking Sloane with him. He shot me a grin and a wink as he left the room. As they moved into the hallway, Sloane reprimanded him for gawking.

  Then it was just us.

  “I, uh, have something for you.” I moved to stand in front of her.

  She looked up at me. “Is it more requests?”

  “In a way.” I gave her a reassuring smile. “Here.” I handed her a dark titanium dagger with my initials embedded in the handle. “I’m asking that you keep this on you at all times and use it if you must.”

  “I shouldn't have to use it though, right?” She fretted, worry painting her features. “You promised you’d keep me safe—”

  “And I will. But I’d feel so much better knowing you’re armed. In fact—” I pulled a sword from the sheath on my desk and handed it to her. “—I want you to take this as well.”

  She looked at it as she took it from me, her full lips tilted down into a pout. I watched her, wondering what she was thinking. It didn't take long to find out.

  “You do realize you can’t kill the dead, right? This sword will do nothing for me if they come. What do we do if they come?” Her eyes wavered as she stared up at me.

  “We have void boxes.” I pulled one of the vorbex lined boxes out of my long leather jacket. “We can trap them in these.”

  “What happens then?”

  “We send them to Xanan. There’s a vorbex lined room. The dead are dealt with there.”