Out of the Shadows by Tessa Van Wade

Author:Tessa Van Wade
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Terah Sandberg
Published: 2023-12-17T01:34:24+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

In the evening we gather. “I’ve doubled the security,” Kenichi tells Mak and Arek as he enters the main room. The Japanese home has been a source of comfort for me, from the sound of the waterfalls and soothing breezes to the rhythm of the jungle leaves. It is here that I have memories. Mak and I were children here and fell in love here. Long walks before dinner have been our normal with long conversations before bed, yet today we were warned. Times are changing. It only reminds everyone, especially me, that I have no business in this world. From the pit of my stomach to the nerve endings on my skin, I am still just the teacher from San Francisco.

I lean against the wall with my hands tucked tightly behind my back, possibly trying to disappear. The moment is heavy as confusion sets in. A couple of wounds on Arek’s hands and face are already healing, yet he seems to drag the world’s chains behind him. Briston stands next to Kenichi studying something on his phone, while Peter sits uncomfortably on the couch beneath a large golden dragon statue that nearly dips down to touch his head. This is new. I have never seen it.

Kenichi shakes his head, “With everything shared now . . . social media and everything . . .”

“So, two men who seem to work here, just happen to have orders for Willow. What did they want? Were they with Navin? I thought this was supposed to be the best place to go?” Peter is still a teenager, inquisitive with little care to the accusations toward Kenichi and Mak.

Briston looks up, his silver hair and low glasses still unable to hide his strong features. “Peter!” Briston says roughly.

Beckah, Geo, and Kilon pour into the room only to immediately notice the tension.

“Might you ask Aita?” Peter says what no one else dares.

Mak’s eyes suddenly drop with concern.

Peter stands up, barely missing the dragon above him. “The first woman Mak takes in front of the Powers and to whom is denied marriage, is now within biting distance of Aita. She’s wanted to sink her teeth in you for years! Now is her chance.”

It all makes sense suddenly and I turn to Mak. “You and Aita . . . that’s why she looks at me like that?” I ask.

Mak doesn’t respond.

“Peter!” Briston yells, forcing Peter to back off, but not without a large sigh.

Mak storms off.

Geo interrupts, “What happened?”

The silence drops like a bomb, leaving many questions in its wake until finally Briston fills his chest with breath. “Somehow someone found out about Willow. They attacked.”

As the room continues to cascade in conversation, my eyes survey everyone until they stop on Arek. His concern as he looks at me makes me stand upright. For a moment, just like before when he has been on my street corner, he watches me. My stomach tumbles with the nerves that only Arek seems to activate.

“But who—” Geo is interrupted when the large glass door from the garden opens, letting the last of the falling sun fill the tiled hall.

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