Page 76 of Hero of Havoc

“Again?” I blurt out, and he sighs.

“Unfortunately, but I think it was worth the effort.”

“Did you find something?”

He shrugs. “It’s not much, but…”

“Anything is better than nothing, Baron,” I insist, and he clears his throat.

“Well, I’ve been researching more about Kingdom Champions. I’m beginning to see why the other leaders are so desperate for it.”

My gut twists at his words, but despite the nausea, I push on. “Why?”

The way he drags a hand down his face doesn’t inspire confidence. “When the original leaders fought The Fates, they made a pact. Each could choose a Kingdom Champion and whoever won secured control of their kingdom. It’s an agreement that’s endured for centuries across all lands. Though it didn’t seem to work out for The Fates, since their champion never actually won.”

I grind to a halt, my heart lurching as I gape at him. “If Viola and the others want me to do their bidding, it doesn’t bode well,” I rasp, a sense of impending doom weighing on me heavier than ever.

“I won’t let anything happen to you,” he vows, but I shake my head.

“The risk of me dying again is high, whether we want to admit it or not.”

His face contorts with distaste. “Maybe that’s what makes you so desirable to them,” he grumbles, and my blood turns to ice.

“Because there’s no way to kill me for good.”

The look in his eyes confirms we’re thinking the same thing, which offers no comfort.

Disappointment swallows me as silence falls over us. The only sound is our shoes hitting the path as we cover the distance to the main academy building.

I’m completely lost in my own head as we climb the stairs.

No matter how much my mind spins, the fact remains: extreme measures are coming, yet Viola hasn’t made her next move.

At the classroom door, Baron stops me, his brow furrowed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think about how that would sound. I should have stayed quiet until I knew how it might affect you,” he states, but I shake my head.

“No, you were right to tell me. I’d rather know and process it, even if it hurts; I’m in control of that much, at least.”

He nods, his lips tight with guilt as he gestures for me to enter.

I head to the back where Archer and Sax are already seated. I frown as I get closer, noticing Sax is in Teddy’s usual spot.

“Hey, Sunshine. Why the long face?”

“I’m just confused. Is Teddy not coming?” I ask, cringing at the note of disappointment in my voice, but he doesn't seem to mind as he shakes his head.

“He claimed he had some ‘vital’ business to attend to.”

“Business that includes skipping class?” I clarify, and he shrugs.

“With that guy, who knows?” he mumbles, and I can't help but grin.

“Fair point.”

“Besides, that just means more time for us,” he adds with a wink, and I roll my eyes before taking the seat beside him.

“Fireball.”

I glance left to find Silas watching me. He looks defeated, as if an invisible weight is crushing him. I want to ask what’s wrong, but I remind myself how much I’m already carrying. I don’t have a single bit of room left for anyone else’s problems.