The Guardians' Secret: The Stalwarth Chronicles, #2

By A.M. McPherson

Villains aren't the only ones good at keeping secrets.

 

Months ago, Black Mold and his gang of villains attacked the city of Stalwarth, leaving mass destruction in their wake. Little did Ember and Aiden know it was just the beginning of the villains' plans. 

 

Ember is determined to uncover the truth about her parents' murders. But as she unearths secret after secret, Ember wonders who she can trust. Are the Guardians truly selfless heroes, or are they just as conniving as the villains they fight?

 

Meanwhile, Aiden's dream of becoming a Guardian is turning into a nightmare. His power grows alongside his anger. Is he cracking under the pressure, or is something more nefarious at play?

 

Ember and Aiden promised each other nothing would tear them apart as they try to solve the secrets surrounding them. But to keep that promise, they'll have to risk the lives of those they love the most.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.M. McPherson
• Release date: Apr 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9781736493434

Book preview

PROLOGUE

THE DAY EVERYTHING CHANGED

Julia

Guardian Name: Emerald Blaze

Even with my fire abilities ablaze, I’m frozen in place.

I blink, not believing who I’m seeing is real, but water explodes like rushing rapids from a nearby storm drain. There’s no chance for me to regather my thoughts before I’m caught in the raging waters, extinguishing the flames around my body.

The water blast twists me in the air, and I whip around wildly, like a helicopter plummeting to the earth. My heart beats erratically, willing me to breathe, to live. Flashes of Ember’s contagious smile, rosy cheeks, and joyful laugh are painful memories of who would suffer the most if I died.

I can’t abandon my little girl.

Without any warning, the blast shifts directions and slams me into the ground. The water explodes around me, encasing me in an impenetrable storm until it eventually dissipates into drops that reflect like diamonds in the sunlight.

I stare wide-eyed at the blue sky, darkened by smoke rising from the city.

It takes a moment for my lungs to remember what they need to do, and I choke on water trying to escape my throat. I roll to my side, expelling what shouldn’t be there, and gasp for air, craving the oxygen. My emerald-green suit is ripped across my thigh and darkened with blood. There’s a gash, but thankfully, it doesn’t seem too deep. A sharp pain shoots through my side, and I gasp, as if someone just stabbed me with a dull knife. I’m not sure if it’s my back, hip, or an organ that’s injured, but my entire right side burns. Something is definitely not right.

 Trembling, I stand from the cement rubble that was once the stairs to Stalwarth Town Hall, destroyed by the same water blast that knocked me back. I should’ve expected that attack, but I’d thought I was staring at an apparition—not a real person.

Screams fill my ears as people flee from the attacks erupting across the city. Flames lick hungrily from the windows of an apartment building about a block away. A familiar, tall figure runs in that direction. A dear friend and another Guardian, The Regenerator, will protect the innocent there.

I refocus on the person staring at me from the opposite corner of the intersection—the same person who seems more like a ghost here to haunt me than someone alive. His skin is sickly and grotesque, with a greenish-gray tint to it, and his black hair shimmers like oil in the ocean.

Black Mold’s, Stanley’s, frown morphs into a grin, seemingly pleased that his attack took me so off guard.

An emotional twister of anger and sadness rips through me. Clearly, he has used himself as a test subject for too long. That means my suspicions are right about the students at the University of Stalwarth. Villains need more people to test when the serum is ready. The serum that needs an otherworldly ingredient that only blooms once a year… Possibly even more importantly, it proves villains are getting help from someone else.

With a cold smile that matches his stone-cold stare, Stanley turns the corner, abandoning me, just like he did all those years ago.

My internal flame grows, and my body turns into a raging inferno, drying me instantly. I move to go after him, ignoring the throbbing pain in my side.

Julia! David yells. "Wait!"

I halt, panting hard, and brush my long red hair out of my face. The sight of David’s strong, confident form emerging from the dust does little to dim the fire burning inside me, but I breathe a sigh of relief at seeing he’s okay. His brown shirt, moss-green military vest, and cargo pants are intact. Only his hair shows any signs of dishevelment.

Where’s Iron Forge? I spy behind David. I thought you were going after him?

David shakes some dirt from his brown locks. He took off toward the abandoned part of the city. I’m sure he’s going to meet up with Black Mold. I tried to call for backup, but no one is responding.

The pain in my side grows intense, as if the imaginary knife is now twisting in my liver. I grit my teeth to suppress yelling out in pain.

David sees the blood running down my leg. You’re hurt!

I dismiss him with a wave. I’ll be fine. Besides, we need to go after them. The whole city will be at risk if we don’t!

They’re trying to isolate us. His eyes fill with concern, and deep lines crease his forehead. "Why else would they try to get us away from downtown? They want us dead. They must’ve found out about our request for a meeting with the League. This confirms your suspicions about who’s behind all of this."

My chest grows tight. David’s right. I’d thought I was being discreet about my investigation all these years, but there’ll be time to worry about that later. We have to try! I snap, maybe a little too harshly. We don’t have time to do anything else right now. There are lives at stake!

David pinches the bridge of his nose. Let me take on Stanley, then. His water control is too much for you, especially if you’re injured.

I can do this, I say, firmly. Other than Eliza, I’m probably the only other person he’ll listen to.

But he’s not the Stanley we knew, David’s voice reflects his fear. "He’s been poisoned against us. He’s Black Mold now."

Even knowing what David says is true, I must believe a part of the boy I grew up with is still there. You’re probably right, but I have to try.

David frowns, knowing we’ve failed this city by hiding our ties.

A loud crash echoes around us, and the ground rumbles. Dust escapes the nearby brick buildings in a puff, polluting the air. More screams of fear echo around us, and my eyes lock on debris falling from one of the buildings. It’s about to crush a young boy.

David rushes past me and thrusts out his arms. A wave of dirt erupts from the ground, breaking concrete in its wake, and swoops over the child, protecting him from the debris crushing him.

Thank you, Digger! the little boy shouts. He runs into the arms of a lady with matching short black hair, presumably his mother. She scoops him up, and her crying is uncontrollable as she shouts her countless thanks to David before running off.

My heart stills. The boy has to be around the same age as Ember. He deserves a safe world to grow up in just as much as she does.

We have to stop this. I look in the direction where Black Mold took off. Go after Iron Forge, I direct David. A new determination seeps into my gaze. I’ve got Stanley.

David rushes toward me. We shouldn’t go after them alone! Plus, with your injuries⁠—

It doesn’t matter if I’m hurt! We have a job to do. The longer we talk, the more lives we’re putting at risk!

Like hell it matters! You’re my wife!

I stroke his cheek; his light stubble is like sandpaper against my fingertips. I try not to get lost in his warm brown eyes, speckled with hues of amber. "I know we can’t trust Stanley, but we can stop this. And in the process, maybe get our friend back. Possibly both of them."

David roughly pulls me to him, and his lips are on mine. The kiss is firm, desperate. We break apart, breathing heavily, and he cradles my face. Dammit, woman! I swear, the moment anything goes wrong, give me the signal. I’ll be right there for you.

I nod with a hint of a smile. I’ll make sure fire falls from the sky like hell opened up over the city.

Our hands grip together tighter, and I ignore the excruciating pain extending from my side down my leg.

Talk sense into our friend, David says with a mixture of worry and determination in his stare. I love you.

I love you too.

With a confident nod, I release his hand, but it takes a lot of willpower to leave him. An uneasiness settles over me, but I smother the feeling, determined to fulfill my pledge as a Guardian—that I will protect, serve, and guard the city of Stalwarth until my last breath.

CHAPTER

ONE

Ember

Ican’t take my eyes off the newspaper on the dean’s desk with the headline: THE DAUGHTER OF EMERALD BLAZE AND DIGGER: EMBER VULTERRA - PRESS CONFERENCE THIS SUNDAY. There’s a photo of me from the day of The Regenerator, Erik’s , memorial service about two months ago. I’m dressed in black, my green eyes are bright, and my auburn hair looks like flames fueled by my anger at the photographers.

More photos decorate the front page. One is of a crazed woman with white hair and a man with long, slimy black hair: Mad Marie and Black Mold. The headline above them reads in large, bolded letters: THE REGENERATOR’S MURDERERS STILL AT LARGE. There’s one other small article next to a photo of an elderly man with a long, white, twisted beard—a local clockmaker who has been missing for the last month.

I survey the rest of Dean Warwick’s office, trying to distract myself while I wait for him to finish talking to his secretary. You would think for being Dean of the University of Stalwarth, he’d be neater. Piles of paper, files, and old donut bags clutter his unique mahogany desk. Folders, leather-bound books, newspapers, and random knick-knacks, like a small ceramic phoenix, cram his bookshelves.

I’m sorry about that, Ember, Dean Warwick’s voice causes me to jump. I told Susan to hold the rest of my calls. The door latches closed, and the heels of leather loafers click across the wood floor toward me. He places his hand on my shoulder and peers at the newspaper. I know things haven’t been easy for you since the loss of The Regenerator. You practically considered him an uncle, right?

My eyes and throat burn with the threat of tears. Yeah, I choke on the word. We actually reconnected last semester, so losing him like this… has been hard.

He squeezes my shoulder. "I hope you know the Guardians are doing everything they can to track down Mad Marie and Black Mold. They will pay for what they did to The Regenerator and for the destruction they did to our city."

A lonely tear sneaks down my cheek. "Thank you, Dean Warwick. At least Iron Forge was caught during the attacks, getting one of my parents’ murderers off the street, but it’s still unnerving."

The dean sits behind his desk, and his chair squeaks under his weight. The panoramic window behind him showcases a perfect view of the campus. The glass buildings sparkle, dusted by snow.

"Please, Ember. Call me Stu. I know we’re not too close, but I’ve known your family, including Eliza, for years."

Okay, thank you, Stu. Though I’ve called him Stu plenty of times, for some reason, this time it feels a little more awkward. Maybe because what he says is true. Even though he dated Eliza years ago and knew my parents, it’s not like we’ve ever been that close.

Also, rest assured, we’re increasing security around campus. Stu weaves his fingers together and places them behind his bald head. Eliza reached out to me to make sure we were doing so. She really does care for you like you’re her own daughter. His lips pinch together. It also seems she still has a soft spot for Erik and took his loss exceptionally hard. She felt he was keeping a protective eye out for you here.

I shift in my seat, suddenly feeling awkward about the implication of Eliza harboring some kind of feelings for Erik. Even though I’ve known Eliza my entire life, since she was my mother’s best friend and she stepped in to care for me after my parents’ murders, I’ve never known much about her love life. Though I did pick up on something between her and Erik the last time they were together, it’s really not my place to say anything. We should finish discussing the press conference, I say. I know you’re a busy man, and I have class soon.

Of course. Stu leans forward while eyeing some paperwork on his desk. I think the only thing we need to finalize is what time you want to arrive. He glances at me. The color of his pointed beard and curled mustache remind me of caramel with hints of cream, and they are neatly trimmed, framing his smile. But rest easy. Everything is in place for you this Sunday. If you get to the auditorium about an hour beforehand, you should be fine.

A knot forms in my stomach. Maybe I should arrive a little earlier, just so I get there before any press arrives.

Stu’s face softens. We’ll make sure the press doesn’t see you beforehand. If you truly don’t want to deal with them, we can cancel.

My heart thumps like a game of paddleball. "I promised this press conference at Erik’s service so the press would focus on honoring him, not on spinning another story about me. If I go back on my word, I’m sure they would run headlines that I used his death as a tool to avoid them."

Stu sits back in his chair, and lines crease his forehead. "I think anyone would understand if you wanted to take more time. We can push it back. Plus, we’re only a few weeks into the new semester. I’m sure you have a lot going on with your studies, especially since you’re taking the test for the Defender program. His eyes light up with joy. I’m glad you changed your mind about that. I know you’ll make your parents proud and become a great Guardian, like they were."

A sigh escapes me. Thank you for the offer, but I don’t want to prolong this. I withhold the real reason that cemented my decision about the Defender program—that it’ll be a useful stepping stone to investigating the true motives for my parents’ murders, to find out what secret my parents were killed for. So, how about I show up at nine a.m. at the auditorium? That’ll give me about an hour and a half before it starts.

Stu nods. That’ll be fine.

Excuse me, Dean Warwick? a timid feminine voice asks.

I face the door. Stu’s very tall and skinny secretary, resembling a stick in her brown suit, holds it open. Her hair is neatly up in a high ponytail, and she’s wearing orange-tinted glasses.

Stu sighs. What is it, Susan? I told you to hold my calls.

She adjusts her eyewear. I’m sorry, but there’s a student here to see you. He said you had something for him.

Who is it?

Aiden Stiles.

Aiden? What’s he doing here? Though I’m very happy about a chance to see my boyfriend, he never mentioned anything to me about stopping by last night, even with us discussing my morning meeting with the dean.

Oh! The Stiles boy! Stu beams ear to ear. Have him take a seat, and I’ll be with him shortly.

Susan nods and closes the door behind her.

Well, Ember—Stu clears his throat—if you don’t have any further questions, I think we have everything set for Sunday.

I’m more than happy to put an end to this conversation. I’m good.

If you do think of anything you want to ask, just stop by. Stu focuses on a stack of files and manilla envelopes on the corner of his desk. On your way out, would you let Mr. Stiles know he can come in?

A thought occurs to me. If you would like, I can give whatever it is to Aiden.

Oh? Stu gives me his attention. Are you two friends? I remember you two fought together when the Iron Forge attack happened last semester, but⁠—

He’s actually my boyfriend. I sit up a little straighter. That’s why I don’t think he would mind if I gave it to him, but if it’s something you feel you should give it to him personally, that’s fine. I just figured I would offer.

Stu’s eyes widen. I didn’t realize you two were together. He fidgets nervously with his pen, clears his throat, and says, That… that would be fine, then. It’s just some paperwork. Let him know he can reach out to me if he has any questions.

Sure. I nod. I can do that.

He searches through the small stack of manilla envelopes and hands one of them to me. Here you go.

I stand and take the envelope. No information indicating what it may be graces the outside, only a white label with Aiden’s name. Thanks. I turn to exit.

Ember?

Yeah? I glance over my shoulder to see Stu’s face etched with worry.

His frown intensifies. Be careful. If you see anything strange on campus, please notify me.

Of… of course, I stutter.

He nods and refocuses on some forms. That’s all.

A chill runs up my spine. I’ve always felt like Stu knows more than he lets on, but he wouldn’t tell me anything even if he does. He’s the dean, and I’m just a student; why would he disclose anything to me?

I close the door behind me, leaving the anxiety in Stu’s office, and get a glimpse of the gold plaque on the door that states Stu’s title and full name: DEAN STUARD WARWICK.

I refocus forward, and my cheeks rise with my smile. The sight of Aiden sitting in one of the wooden chairs brings me some needed comfort. He must be the handsomest guy I’ve ever laid eyes on, with the definition of his chiseled jawline and angular features. His white hair lays loose past his shoulders, and his black sweater hugs his athletic torso.

He glances up at me, and his baby-blue eyes seem to sparkle with electricity. Hey there, beautiful, he says, standing. I was hoping I’d get to see you.

I head in his direction. It’s great to see you, but why didn’t you tell me last night you were stopping by?

His smile is mischievous. Well, we did get distracted.

Blush burns my cheeks at the memory of me entwined in his arms. His lips on mine, my hands lost in his hair… Until Billy, Aiden’s best friend and roommate, gave us a heart attack by returning to their dorm earlier than we expected.

Plus, I didn’t know I was going to stop by. I went to class early to work out, but Valentino told me to come here to get a packet from the dean.

Here it is. I hold out the envelope. I will admit, I’m a little interested to know what’s in here.

Aiden drops the envelope on a chair and pulls me against him. It’s just an application for an internship with a league this summer, but before we talk too much about that, I don’t think we’ve properly said good morning to each other.

I raise an eyebrow, feeling playful. Oh?

He lowers his head and lightly brushes his lips against mine. Good morning.

Good morning, I sigh while curving into him. Tingles shoot through me, and goosebumps prick my arms. Aiden’s ability to harness electrical energy always causes his touch to have that extra spark.

A woman clears her throat.

Aiden and I both snap our attention to Susan. Her lips are sternly pressed together, while shaking her head.

Whoops. Aiden chuckles and releases me. I guess she doesn’t appreciate our little show of affection.

We should go. My class starts soon, and you should get back to yours.

He retrieves the envelope. I should, but I’ll walk you to the science building first.

My chest tightens. Since the new semester started a couple weeks ago, it’s been a struggle to go to my class: DNA Exploration of Abilities. Erik would’ve been my professor, like he was for Extreme Chemistry last semester. I gave him such a hard time then. I wrongly blamed him for contributing to my parents’ murders by not helping them, but he saved so many other lives that day, including children. My parents would’ve never forgiven him if he’d abandoned families to save them instead. It’s not the Guardian way.

Aiden and I enter the hallway, and a spark bounces between us when we reach for the other’s hand. Multiple doors of other administrators at the University of Stalwarth line the hallway, but I focus on Aiden’s touch, needing a sense of security. I sniffle, realizing my thoughts about Erik triggered my grief.

Aiden furrows his brows at me. How about you take the morning off? I’m sure talking about the conference was stressful.

I wipe my eyes. It was, but I can’t put my life on hold because I’m nervous. I’ve done that enough already.

His eyes soften. It’s okay, though, to take a little break. It took me a while to realize that.

I laugh. You? Take a break? Aren’t you the top in your Defender class?

He shrugs. Yeah, but it’s important not to wear myself too thin. I almost did that last semester with everything going on, and… His eyes dimmer. With everything that happened between us.

The lump forms back in my stomach, remembering when Aiden told me that he’d witnessed my parents’ murders—that he’d been the only one nearby who could’ve helped them. He hid the secret from me for months and even pushed me away multiple times because of it. When he was honest with me, it was a shock, and we almost broke up. Thankfully, Stella helped me realize he was just a kid then—a kid who was way in over his head.

I know, but that’s behind us now, I say, trying to comfort him.

Aiden avoids my eyes.

Hey, I say, stopping in front of the black iron railing near the top of the stairs, and I squeeze his hand. Let’s keep that in the past where it belongs. We’ve worked through it.

I know. He squeezes my hand back and flashes a look in my direction. But, sometimes I still can’t believe you forgave me.

My shoulders soften. Aiden, you did nothing wrong, and you couldn’t have done anything to save my parents. Black Mold and Iron Forge murdered them. Not you. I know you feel like you should’ve done something, but even if you had tried, you would’ve been killed too. You know that.

He nods but blinks quickly, like he’s holding back tears. Sometimes it’s still hard not to feel guilty. I was the only one there who could’ve aided your parents.

It wasn’t your job to aid them. It was the other Guardians.

I know. Aiden closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. You’re right. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring this up.

Besides, I say, trying to be a little more encouraging, you have to keep your mind clear so you can help me figure out what is really going on with the Guardians. When Johnny and Jill tried to kill us during the attacks, they pretty much confirmed the villains have help on the inside.

Aiden caresses the side of my face, a sudden worry in his piercing blue eyes. Speaking of Jill, are you still having nightmares?

I swallow loudly, trying to ignore the image of Jill dressed in her dirty skull shirt, shrieking while burning into a pile of dust. It’s been better lately, but some images I can’t get out of my head.

Oh, hun. Aiden wraps his arm around me. Don’t feel guilty about what you did. She was going to kill us both.

Let’s talk about something else, okay? I say against his chest and tighten my grip. I know I shouldn’t feel guilty. Jill was going to kill us, but I did take a life that day.

I’m here for you. Aiden kisses the top of my head.

I pull back and force a smile. "I know, but we should get going. We’re both going to be late if we stall any longer."

Yeah. He stares out the wall-length window on the opposite side of us at the fantastic view of the ice-covered lake on campus, surrounded by all the old, snow-frosted oak trees. Valentino would be upset if I missed mock battles.

We head down the stairs. Do you know who you are up against today?

Not yet. We’re being paired together in class. I’ll be fine as long as I’m not put with Jomo.

I snicker. You probably just jinxed yourself.

Aiden grimaces. You’re probably right. He stares out the window again. Snow falls, twinkling in the ray of sunshine breaking through the gray clouds. You know, the snow has been nonstop this winter. He creases his brow at me. It makes me wonder if someone is using their abilities to mess with the weather.

Jill. She’s dead, though. She can’t manipulate the weather any longer.

It’s probably just some kind of freak occurrence, I reply, feeling like I’m trying to convince myself more than Aiden.

He holds my hand a little tighter. You’re probably right.

There’s no denying the dark cloud forming around us, amplifying our uneasiness, but there’s no reason for it.

No one can use their abilities from the grave.

CHAPTER

TWO

Aiden

Lewis Knox’s glass skin is sharp, pointed—ready to strike against Billy. Last semester, he almost impaled us with his flying glass shards, and we’re not risking that again. Everyone in my Developing Your Abilities class, including myself, stands against the white brick wall behind one of my forcefields. The clearish-blue barrier twinkles and moves like a thin veil, only connected to me by thin lines of blue energy.

Professor Biv Valentino stands behind my forcefield as well. Her red eyes are focused like a hawk on the current mock battle between her students. She stands with strong authority and confidence that radiates her Guardian personality: The Prism. Her pixie-cut white-blond hair, pale skin, and bleach-white clothes add to the brilliance of her persona.

Lewis’s coal-like eyes scan the large gymnasium for his opponent. Come out, come out, wherever you are, Billy, he taunts. You can’t camouflage yourself forever.

Lewis, let Billy come to you, Valentino orders. Remember what we discussed during our one-on-one training sessions last semester; use your other senses to find him.

Why is my boyfriend being such a chump? Carly Marzolla whispers next to me, chewing on bubblegum that matches her pink skin. He should just get this over with and stop acting like a scared chameleon.

Carly’s honeyed voice is enough to make my stomach turn, but her attitude makes me sicker. Why don’t you give him some credit? I’m sure he’s trying to figure out a way to attack while staying in one piece.

Too bad he’s not as strong as you, eh? Carly slides her hand up my arm. Lewis wouldn’t be able to lay a hand on you with those forcefields of yours.

My skin crawls, and I jerk away. Don’t touch me.

She crosses her arms and pouts. You’re no fun.

Lewis moves apprehensively in his search for Billy. It’s almost comical to watch this glass beast take such timid steps.

Squeak. The sound is faint, like it could be a mouse or an invisible pair of shoes on the tile floor.

Lewis faces the sound, lunges forward, and collides with an invisible force.

Thud!

Billy’s large, muscular frame appears on the floor, and he grabs his arm. "Ow! Man!" Blood pours from underneath his hand. His training uniform, which normally resembles a black wetsuit, and his skin reflect his camouflage ability, like a living canvas with paint swirling between different hues of cream, tan, and red.

Oh, dude! Lewis eyes the blood pooling on the floor. "I’m so sorry! I didn’t realize you’d be right there!"

I immediately end the forcefield, wanting to help Billy, but Valentino beelines for him in a flash of light to examine his wound.

Billy winces and takes a long breath. Damn. He got me good, didn’t he?

I have something from Nurse Pumpa that will heal this quickly. Valentino faces the class. We’ll be right back. She assists Billy to his feet, and they head out of the room.

Carly snorts and runs her fingers through her magenta spiky hair. That was anticlimactic.

Can you stop being such a snob? I snap my head in her direction. "Maybe be a little more sympathetic for your boyfriend?"

She steps backward, like I just shocked her. Oh, you think I’m a snob? What about your girlfriend? She’s the biggest one I know!

My chest tightens like I’m becoming stone, but my heart thumps harder. "You did not just say that."

Carly purses her lips and places her hand on her hip. Oh, I said it, all right. I don’t know how you can be with someone so pathetic. She’s not even in the Defender program.

If you know what’s good for you, you’ll shut up about Ember. My threat comes out like a growl, and my hands crackle angrily with electricity. Because, unlike you, I do care about the person I’m dating.

She waves her hand in the air, like that’s an unimportant detail. I just don’t understand what you see in her.

You don’t have to! I say a little louder, realizing I’m letting my emotions get the best of me. I take a calming breath and let the electricity dissipate in my hands but keep my stare firm. "Understand this, Carly, Billy may not see what a snake in the grass you are, but I know you’re using him to get closer to me. Whatever game you are trying to play, you will lose."

Whatever. She squares her shoulders and narrows her dark magenta eyes. At least Billy isn’t afraid of being with a real woman, unlike you.

She turns on her heel and walks away.

Even though I should be relieved at Carly leaving, aggravation courses through me with each heartbeat, triggering my anxiety to spike. I feel on edge, and my eyes dart around like a threat is nearby when there are none. The rest of the class are in their own little cliques, talking to one another, oblivious to my inner struggle. I notice Lewis chatting with Sing Lee, a student who can phase through any objects. An explosion that claimed his father’s life and put his mother into a coma when he was younger horribly scarred his face. He lays his hand on Lewis’s shoulder, as if he’s trying to comfort him about what happened to Billy.

It seems like you and Carly have something interesting going on. Scott Rogers walks up behind me and nudges me with his elbow. Does Ember know about you two?

My muscles tense, and I turn to glare at Scott.

His silver eyes are creased with his crooked smile, and his nose resembles a wad of clay smashed on his face with a harsh angle at the end.

I narrow my eyes. You have some nerve to talk to me after what you did.

He raises his hands in surrender. Uh-oh, what did I do?

You know exactly what! I try not to shout. Because of you, Ember has to do this ridiculous press conference. She had to promise the press something after you announced her presence to the world at The Regenerator’s service. If she didn’t, they would’ve never left her alone.

Oh, yeah. That’s right. He shrugs. Well, it was about time the world got to see that face of hers. It’s too pretty to hide. He grins and cocks an eyebrow. Am I right, buddy? I bet she’s great in the sack.

Fury dominates my mind, and a red haze teases my vision. My fist rises, like it has a mind of its own. I punch Scott in his jaw, and his face jerks aside.

Nearby classmates gasp.

My knuckles sting, but it’s a satisfying sensation.

"Mr. Stiles! Valentino shouts. What’s going on here?"

Billy stands behind her, his brown eyes wide and his skin is a tornado of colors attempting to camouflage. A fresh bandage is wrapped around his arm.

Oh, it’s nothing. Scott smirks while rubbing his chin. Just some fun banter, Professor.

It dawns on me. I’ve just punched a guy out of anger—something I’ve never done before. A wave of regret washes over me, extinguishing my fury. Scott may be a jerk, but I am better than this.

Valentino’s stare stays fixated on me.

Yeah. I swallow back the knot in my throat. Just fun banter.

You better watch that anger of yours, Scott whispers as he passes me. You never know where it could lead you.

Before I get a chance to fully process Scott’s words, Valentino says, Maybe you should go next, then, Stiles. She eyes me like she doesn’t believe me or Scott. "Let’s put your energy to good use. You’re up against Mr. Jelani."

I drop my head. This is what I deserve.

Jomo Jelani steps forward. His large frame is intimidating to most people, and I’m not sure who has larger muscles, him or Billy. His long golden dreadlocks are tied back, and his bright yellow, feline-like eyes contrast vibrantly against his dark skin. He inclines his chin, making him seem taller than me, though we’re both around six feet tall. Today is the day! he says like he’s announcing it to the world. The rematch I’ve been waiting for!

It takes everything in me not to roll my eyes. Jomo will never get over the fact that I won the Youth Abilities Competition last year when he failed to use his mind-control ability on me because of my forcefields.

Take your places, Valentino commands.

Jomo and I saunter to the middle of the room. The fluorescent lights hum above us. I take my place about fifteen feet away from him and harness the electrical energy in the air around me. My powers pulsate, tingling my whole body, and my veins light up a bright electric blue, shining through the black training suit.

Valentino walks between us like a drill sergeant. Remember, this is for practice. Not to kill each other. She regards me as she heads toward the wall. I mean it. Play nice.

Jomo grins. It’s time to show everyone who the real champion is here.

I grit my teeth. Don’t worry, I will.

Jomo’s lips curl, and his larger-than-life, yellowish ghostly hands emerge from his back, heading straight for me. If they touch me, that’s it; he’ll use his mind control to turn me into his puppet.

But just like at the YAC, there’s no way he’ll get that chance.

Two streams of energy rush from my hands, creating a wall-size forcefield, blocking Jomo’s attack in the nick of time. His hands hover eerily in front, wanting to possess me. They dart to the side to go around my block, but I expand it to circle me.

Your cheap tricks are just that! Tricks! Jomo shouts. You can’t fight like a man!

And you’re all talk! I see you haven’t improved since we last went toe to toe!

Jomo squints, and his lips press tightly together.

I close my left hand, severing some energy to my forcefield to form a bright blue orb in my hand: an energy blast. Sparks dance inside of it while I manipulate a spot in my forcefield to peel away. A hole opens in front of me—the perfect size to aim my blast at Jomo. I hurl my attack and seal the spot, securing my forcefield again.

Jomo’s creepy ghost hands capture my blast between them, and it extinguishes like a dying flashlight. Your attacks are pathetic! Jomo grins ear to ear. Like you!

I growl under my breath. Electricity snaps from me like lightning and highlights the surprise in Jomo’s eyes as my bolts strike him on his shoulders. He drops to the floor, and his ghostly hands fade.

Now who’s pathetic? I mumble and reform a forcefield around me.

Jomo jumps to his feet. His spectral hands reappear and soar through the air like birds about to pick up their prey. They vigorously scratch and pound on my forcefield.

My breathing becomes ragged, and my muscles twitch, but I harness more energy around me, trying to maintain my defense. As much as I hate to admit it, Jomo’s attacks have strengthened since the last time we battled.

A mischievous smile spreads across Jomo’s face.

In the blink of an eye, one of his ghostly hands swells to the size of a wrecking ball and slams powerfully onto my forcefield. My muscles flex painfully at the impact, and I drop to one knee. Horror fills my eyes. His attack broke through my forcefield, creating a large hole in the barrier.

Before I have the chance to fix the damage, Jomo’s other ghostly hand flies down and punches me in the face. My mind spins, and I fall to the floor, ending my forcefield completely. The taste and scent of iron drowns my senses. I’m blinded by pain, and my nose feels on fire. I adjust my jaw, and it cracks while popping back in place.

"Aiden! Billy shouts. Are you okay?"

A new fear settles over me; I’m in trouble. If I can’t rebuild my forcefield, I’ll lose and never hear the end of it from Jomo. I push through the dizziness and force myself to my feet, letting my power⁠—

CRACK!

Jomo’s ghostly hand hits me again in the same spot, and this time, everything goes black for a second. Blood runs freely from my nose, and I cough, choking on the warm liquid running down my throat. I try to get up again, but the room won’t stop spinning.

The presence of Jomo’s ghostly hands on my shoulders overrides all my physical pain. Pure terror sets in as his voice fills my mind. See? You are all cheap tricks, with no true fighting style. A fog rolls over my brain. There’s no way to stop it, and my sight