Total pages in book: 214
Estimated words: 195876 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 979(@200wpm)___ 784(@250wpm)___ 653(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 195876 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 979(@200wpm)___ 784(@250wpm)___ 653(@300wpm)
Voss's eyes narrow slightly. "I wasn't aware Miss Thorne required your permission, Mr. Hollow. Just as I wasn't aware I needed the permission of a student to do as I'd like."
"Then consider yourself informed of this new information." Raith's voice cuts like a thin blade, sharp and deadly. "She's not going anywhere when we have a Crucible to prepare for. End of discussion."
Voss's lip turns up at one corner. "Bold. I'll give you that much. But I'm afraid I must insist. This matter is quite time sensitive."
"Raith has a point," I say, careful to keep my tone measured. Raith may not be acting like it, but I'm keenly aware of who we're talking to. The Rector has the power to dismiss any student, effectively having them killed. I'm not eager to die so pointlessly after everything we've been through to make it this far. "Is this really the best time for... whatever this is? If I spend all day with you tomorrow, I'll be giving up my last chance to prepare, like Raith said."
Voss sets down his drink, leaning forward. "Miss Thorne, I have helped you understand and develop your abilities. I have protected you as best I can. I am asking for this one thing in return." Again, I sense the same impatience in his voice.
"Protected her?" Raith scoffs. "You left her to die after the siphon attack. How did you know more of those things weren't coming back? And I didn't see you during the elemental trial bailing her out. I didn't see you stopping people who wanted her dead from challenging her. You weren't in the lake when Malakai or that rogue elemental tried to kill her during the water trial."
"And yet she lives," he says coldly.
"No thanks to you," Raith's hand finds mine, squeezing once in silent support. Through our tether, I feel his anger, his protectiveness, but also his restraint—a willingness to ultimately let me handle this how I see fit. "She's alive because she's a fucking badass who doesn't need your help. So don't try to pretend she owes you this."
I feel a swell of pride to hear Raith talk about me like that, but I do my best to tamp it down and focus on what matters right now. I know Raith doesn't like the idea, but Voss makes it sound like it could be an opportunity to get stronger.
"What exactly would we be looking for at this... place?" I ask, genuinely curious despite my reservations.
Something shifts in Voss's expression—hope? Relief? "A ruin. One that dates back to the time when unbound were... more common. I believe it contains information—perhaps even artifacts—that could help you better understand and control your abilities."
"And what do you get out of this?" I press.
Voss smiles, the expression not quite reaching his eyes. "I’ll be frank, Miss Thorne. I need you to access these ruins. It’s why I would prefer we enter before the Crucible. Waiting could risk…”
Raith scoffs, shaking his head. “Un fucking believable. She’s just a key to you? So if she dies during the Crucible, you’ll be locked out of your precious ruins?”
“Wait…” I say. “Then help me. And I’ll help you. Find a way to make sure we survive the Crucible. If we live, I’ll go with you.”
A slow smile spreads across Voss’ mouth. “Clever, Miss Thorne. Very clever. There is… something I could do to improve the survival rate, perhaps. It will raise suspicions and draw the ire of the council, though. It won’t come without cost.”
I force myself to stay strong, voice firm. “If you want to make sure I’m alive to see those ruins, you’ll make sure everybody gets this protection in two days.
Disappointment flashes across Voss's face before his expression smooths. "Of course. Though I must emphasize how much less scrutiny there would be if we went tomorrow. What you’re asking will make it more difficult for me to travel freely for a time.”
"You have her answer," Raith says, rising from his seat. His hand finds the small of my back again, a gentle pressure guiding me to stand as well. "Is there anything else?"
Voss regards us for a long moment. "I suppose not. You’ve struck your bargain. There is a protective measure usually only granted to legacies… I believe I can extend it to all students this year without too much scrutiny. But remember what you’ve sworn here. Survive the Crucible, and you’ll help me enter the ruins. Yes?”
I nod my head, uneasiness swirling through my body. It feels like a victory, but somehow, I worry I’m not seeing everything.
Voss rises from his chair, moving around the desk to stand before us.
As we turn to leave, he calls after us. "Oh, and Miss Thorne? I wish you luck during the Crucible. I won’t be able to offer you complete safety. Only a slight improvement on your odds. So do prepare with diligence, hm?”