Chapter 28
Seph
I wandered the halls long after everyone else had gone to bed. Sleep had abandoned me hours ago, and the silence in the compound only made Ash’s absence feel louder.
When I ran into Jess, it was almost welcome.
She saw me and stopped short.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
I smiled too quickly. “I’m fine.”
She squinted at me. “Right. Because you look like shit.”
“Thank you for that.”
“I’m serious, Seph. Come crash in my room. I won’t even throw anything at you if you snore.”
“I don’t snore.”
“You breathe aggressively.”
Despite myself, I huffed a laugh.
“I’ll just walk,” I said. “Clear my head.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. But thank you, Jess. How is living with my sister?”
The effect was instantaneous. Jess lit up.
“Sable’s amazing. She’s been showing me everything.”
“Yeah?” I forced a smile.
“Yeah. They have a real sense of community here. She even told me I can train to be one of the Equinox wardens. She thinks I have potential.”
“That’s nice,” I said, forcing the words past the tightness in my throat. “She didn’t mention that to me.”
“I’m sure she meant to. The wardens seem like a real force, you know. They actually use their powers every day. Like… they’re supposed to. Can you imagine? Instead of sneaking out into the woods, I could actually do something worthwhile.”
“Are you sure it’s wise? Releasing powers openly on the world seems a little – “
“Awesome?”
“Dangerous.”
“Sable said you’d probably think like that,” Jess said, almost apologetic. “It’s not your fault, Seph. You grew up… different. Not all powers are bad.”
“You’ve talked to her about me?”
“Well yeah. She’s worried about you, you know.”
I stepped back. “Is she,” I said clipped and cold. “What exactly did she say?”
“That you have a crush on them. On Kieran. Dev. Ash. I mean Ash kind of threw himself at you. But the others - K in particular – you don’t like him do you?”
I tried to smile. “I used to love him actually. But that was a long time ago.”
Jess gave me a sympathetic look. “You know that would get messy, right? Especially… all of you tangled up like that.”
“Why?” I asked softly.
“Because that’s not how this works here. They’re part of something bigger. Kieran especially. Elliot relies on them.”
I stilled my features. “And where do I fit in then? Did she tell you that?”
“She thinks it’s better for you to keep yourself safe. And… I kind of agree.”
“Safe?” I scoffed. “Jess, I’ve been safe most of my life. I wouldn’t mind a little adventure.”
“But what about the cost? Take it from me, Seph. Feelings and powers… they don’t mix well. When they do, people get hurt.”
“It’s not the same thing Jess – “
“But it is.” Her jaw tightened. “Listen. I just want you to know I’m here. As annoying as you are, I don’t want you getting hurt.”
“You and me both, Jess.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“I’m just saying — be careful who you put your trust in. You’re actually pretty awesome. I don’t want anyone taking advantage of you.”
Jess grinned. “No one would dare.”
I forced a laugh. “Right.”
Jess’s face softened and she patted my shoulder. I fought the urge to flinch.
She caught herself and frowned. “Sorry,” she muttered.
I shrugged, struggling to stay casual. “It’s fine.”
“I should get back. If you’re looking for your lizard man, I saw him head toward the baths.”
My heart skipped before I could stop it.
“The baths?”
“The springs. Sable took me earlier. They’re incredible. Apparently, they help with the healing process.”
Healing. Of course he would be there.
“Where are they?”
She rattled off directions and wandered away.
I stood there for a moment.
Then I turned toward the path.
The night air was cool against my skin. The scent of sulphur grew stronger with every step.
The closer I got to the caves, the quieter my thoughts became.
If Sy was there… he would feel me coming.
He always did. By the time the mouth of the cave came into view, something inside me had steadied.
I stepped into the humid cavern and the heat wrapped around me instantly.
And I froze.
Sy was already in the water.
Naked.
Steam curled around him, but not enough to hide much.
“Really, Sy,” I muttered under my breath.
“Hello little one. Are you well?”
I averted my gaze trying to look at anything else as he shifted in the water. “I’m fine, really.”
“Come to swim? The water is soothing.”
“I forgot my swimsuit, sorry.” I blinked rapidly, fighting the blush.
His brow furrowed. “Swimsuit?” he repeated, confused.
I flushed and looked away. “Forget it. How’s the arm? The wing? Are you okay?” I asked him.
“The arm is fine. My shame, however, is eternal.”
“It wasn’t your fault Sy.”
“I let you go,” he frowned.
“Not on purpose. You tried to hold me. Bolts are brutal.”
“I failed as your sentinel.”
“I’m still here. You didn’t fail. Don’t be ridiculous. Dev found me safe and sound.”
“Dev.” He rolled the name once, slow and thoughtful, as if testing the shape of it. “Dev… cares for you.”
I snorted. “Sure he does.”
He watched me closely. “He hurt you?”
I flicked my gaze to him. “No. He didn’t. Don’t worry about it.” I smiled.
“Seph – “
“I need a favour, Sy.”
“Anything.”
“Tomorrow, Elliot plans to meet my mother and deny the deal. He hasn’t said as much, but I know he will. Because Kieran and Ash won’t be enough leverage.”
“And what would you have me do?”
“I want you to deliver me to her if they fail to negotiate.”
“Seph – “
“This is not a debate. It’s a decision. It’s not like they need me here if I won’t play my part. Elliot didn’t have to say it outright. I know Sable wants me gone.”
“Did she say that?”
“She didn’t have to. Apparently my presence is destabilising. I’m distracting. To her and the team. So, I’m going to go.”
“You will not hand yourself over to her.”
“I don’t plan to. That’s another reason I need you. I want you to help me get away from her once we make the exchange. Once Kieran and Ash are safe, I’m gone. You can come with me. If you want.”
Sy frowned again. “This plan is flawed. Too many variables.”
“I don’t see another alternative. Sable was right. I can’t be with the guys the way they want. The risk is too high. And if I stay here, I’m just taking up space.”
“No one thinks that of you.”
“I think it,” I sighed. “Sable will train Jess — but not me. I don’t even get a place.” I swallowed. “Dev won’t talk to me. And Ash—”
My voice fractured.
For a split second I saw him the way he’d looked at me after he kissed me — wild and tender all at once. Those mismatched eyes like I was something worth choosing.
He had chosen me.
And he would burn the world before he let anyone take me.
My chest tightened.
Tears pricked at my eyes.
“I can’t leave him out there,” I whispered. “And I refuse to leave Kieran either.”
Sy tilted his head slightly. “Do you still care for him?”
His voice was steady. Too steady.
I gave a faint, humourless smile. “You don’t stop loving someone just because they can be a jerk.” My throat tightened. “It just… changes shape.”
Sy watched me carefully, weighing something I couldn’t see.
“I told you once you choose the path and I will walk it with you,” he said quietly. “I meant that.”
He stepped closer despite the water lapping at him.
“I am with you, little one. Wherever this leads.”
For a second, the word wherever should have frightened me.
Instead, it steadied me.
“Thank you Sy.”