Immortal Consequences(114)

“He’s here.” Catherine slammed the spear against the ground, thrusting it in front of her like a shield.

Masika’s chest shuddered as she drew in a ragged breath. “Who?”

Birdie and Russo moved with a swiftness that startled her, darting in front of Masika, shielding her with their arms.

“He’ll try to distract her,” Birdie whispered, daggers in hand. They shimmered with the same magic as Catherine’s spear as she twirled them between her fingers. “I know the situation is complicated, but we also know what he’s capable of.”

Russo nodded and unsheathed her saber. It glowed with silver light. “He can’t be trusted.”

Masika felt like she was going mad. Nothing made sense.

“Can someone please explain what’s going on?!” she shouted.

And then someone walked into the room.

He emerged from the darkness of the corridor, a bewildered look in his ashen eyes. Dark hair disheveled. Lips parted. His white shirt slightly unbuttoned and untucked. His gaze fell on Masika, his eyes locking with hers in a moment of disbelief.

She broke the silence.

“August?”

He took a step forward, but Catherine jabbed the spear toward his face. He staggered to an abrupt halt, hands raised.

“Let me talk to her.”

“Haven’t you done enough?” Catherine spat.

Masika tried to step toward him, but Birdie blocked her path. “Don’t. You don’t want to get near him.”

“But I know him,” Masika whispered, her gaze landing on August. Desperation clouded his eyes. There was something he wanted to tell her. Needed to. She could see it written across his face. “He’s my…my…”

“What?” Catherine barked, the muscles on her jaw tensing. “Friend? Is that what you think? Is that what he’s made you believe?”

“Masika—” August started to approach her but stopped short when Birdie hurled a dagger at his face. He stepped to the side, dodging it at the last second. The dagger exploded in shards of brilliant silver light, cracking the wall of ice behind him, and flew straight back toward Birdie’s hand. His face twisted in frustration. “Just give me a second to explain it to her. You know there are things I can’t—”

“Explain what?” Masika interjected, voice wavering. “August. What…what is going on?”

August’s eyes darted among the four of them. Masika had never seen him look so haggard, so torn. Something was plaguing him, tormenting him, his mouth opening and closing as he hesitated to speak.

“Tell her.” Catherine’s words dripped with a hatred Masika couldn’t understand. “Or I will.”

And then August spoke six words that changed everything.

“I’m part of the Demien Order.”

Masika blinked once. Twice. Her mouth ran dry, something inside her shattering.

“I’ve been undercover for the Order for a long time. But it’s complicated.” His eyes landed on Catherine, his gaze narrowed. “And she knows that. They all do. Which is why I just need a few seconds to explain why I can’t just—”

“Yes, we’re well aware of your little situation,” Russo seethed. “But that doesn’t change the fact that we gave you an out. An opportunity to leave and join us. But you said no. You continued to work for them.”

August shook his head, face contorted in anguish. “But only because I had to—”

“He’s been helping the Demien Order infiltrate Blackwood,” Catherine shot back, each word harsh and hurried. Her eyes darted between August and Masika. “Just like Birdie and Russo, he didn’t have to give up his humanity so that he could remain undercover at Blackwood. But unlike them, he refused to leave the Order when he was given an out. He refused to join us.”

Masika took a cautious step back, doubt and betrayal clashing in her mind. “Is that…is that true?”

August didn’t hesitate.

“Yes.”

One word. That was all it took for the sense of betrayal to take over.

The first spell came hurtling out of Masika’s palm without warning, a crackle of silver light flying right over Catherine’s head and hitting August square on the shoulder. He let out a hoarse scream, staggering backward, a combination of pain and disbelief passing over his eyes that made her falter, but only for a moment.

“Please,” he whispered, hand raised. “Don’t do this.”

“You lied to me,” Masika choked out. “To all of us.”

August gripped his shoulder, brows furrowed in pain. “I had to.”

“Because you were given orders?” Masika asked, hoping and praying she was wrong.

“Yes, but—” August winced, cursing under his breath. “Masika, please. I can explain myself, but you have to come with me. Just give me a chance.”

Masika wanted to listen. She wanted to believe that his words held any truth. But the betrayal had hit her deep within the core of her soul, and all she could focus on was the fury building in her chest.

Catherine stepped aside. She watched Masika with a look bordering on triumph, eyes wild and lips curved into a smile. Birdie and Russo watched in silence. She knew what they were giving her.

Permission.