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Claire actually doesn’t look intimidated in the slightest, or even nervous. I wonder how much her family was able to find out about the test in order to prepare her for it.
“We should get moving,” Vicky interjects. “We don’t want to be late.”
Ayden’s face changes abruptly. His somber expression disappears and is replaced by a mask of irresistible magnetism, with a radiant smile directed at Claire. It pains me to watch this scene: her running her hand suggestively along his arm and him allowing it.
Where are they going? I guess I already know the answer to that. The raid is tonight. That’s why Vicky’s with him. I haven’t seen them together in a long time.
The three of them move off, but Ayden turns to me again and says, “The raid starts at eleven tonight. I’ll be in touch when it’s over.”
I nod and watch them go until they disappear from view. There’s a reason Ayden told me the exact time. And I don’t hesitate.
Chapter 9
Ipace restlessly back and forth. Yoru is hiding in a shrub, but I can sense him watching me. Naturally, he’s picked up on my tension, which is why he’s keeping such a close eye on me.
I keep reformulating and rehearsing what I want to say. I have no idea how I’m going to face Noah and tell him the truth. But even Ayden seems to think that Noah should be warned about the raid. It’s a small step toward reconciling with his brother.
I check the time again. It’s eight thirty. Normally, I’d still be training, but I faked a serious injury after one of Cesar’s attacks. Generally, he doesn’t care if I’m injured and just keeps chasing me around the room. But this time, I stopped moving and pretended to pass out. I was afraid he might not notice in time, but he did. I was examined and taken to my room. From there, I got changed in record time and climbed through the window to arrive here at the agreed time.
“Come on!” I mutter, glancing up the street again in the hope that Noah will appear.
I see a familiar figure approaching and breathe a sigh of relief.
“There you are, finally,” I say when he reaches me.
He looks tired again, and I’m reminded of the projected image I saw during the soul link. Noah’s father is obviously pretty strict and expects a lot from him. And now I’m about to turn his world upside down.
“Sorry. It was hard to find a moment to step out. I don’t have much time.” He runs his hand through his hair and stares at the ground. I can tell he doesn’t want to be here right now and that his thoughts are elsewhere.
“Sorry. Like I said, it’s urgent.”
He nods and looks at me. This time, I even see a hint of that smile on his face that’s so familiar.
“That’s why I came. So, what is it? Is it about the library, or are you planning to go back and search for Frida in the Odyss?”
I bite my lip. All the words I rehearsed are in a jumble in my head. Where do I start? And how will Noah take it? Is there no other way? Should I really do this to him? He’s been lied to his whole life, just like Ayden. He has a right to know the truth and finally put an end to all that.
“The hunters are on their way to attack your people. They’re planning a raid on several institutions where they suspect Noctu are stationed. It’s revenge for Mr. Brian’s death.”
Noah nods slowly. “That’s no surprise,” he admits. “I figured something like this would happen. We’re prepared for these raids; the Noctu won’t just surrender.”
“I know.” Again, I feel a burning sense of guilt. If Mr. Brian were still alive, it would never have come to this.
He lifts my chin with his finger and forces me to look at him. “Stop beating yourself up,” he says. “It’s pointless, and you’ll just drive yourself crazy. Another clash was inevitable sooner or later.” He lowers his hand and takes a step back. “Do you happen to know any of the actual targets? Then I could try to warn my people.”
I shake my head. “No, sorry.”
“It’s okay,” he says. “Anyway, thanks for letting me know. I should go …”
“There’s more,” I interrupt as he takes his key out of his pocket.
He slowly turns to face me again and raises his eyebrows in surprise. I don’t know how to tell him. I realize what this news will do to him. He’s going to take it hard. How could it not?! It’s unconscionable what was done to them both. I know Noah. He’ll feel guilty about being an unwitting spy for the enemy.
“Tess,” he says, interrupting my train of thought. “You’re starting to scare me. What’s up with you? Did something happen?”
“That time you were injured when the hunters raided the hospital, you figured it was Frances who betrayed you to the Tempes.”
His brow is still creased, but he nods.
