Noah’s mind was on the abyss as he walked through the corridors, Miss Lelie’s office long behind him.
’Just what kind of place is the abyss?’
He knew he’d passed through the abyss with his entire class when they’d been summoned, but he couldn’t remember much. All he could remember was the endless dark. And the presence.
That was something he was sure he could never forget. The presence had touched his soul, and uttered those damned words.
"You are worthy."
He exhaled, trying to put the whole thing out of his mind. After all, he had more important things to focus on. Things like Osiris Lawless.
He looked up as he walked out of the hall and into the library’s reception area, to see Professor Cecilia standing there, looking like she had been waiting for some time.
"Professor."
She looked up, catching sight of him, and a wave of relief spread through her face, before she hid it.
"Noah." She walked towards him, her voice urgent. "Come with me."
Noah blinked, following after her.
"Where are we going?" he asked.
"You’ll see." She glanced at him with a grin, leading him out of the library, and towards the center of the academy.
As they walked, he noticed her glancing behind them, as if worried that someone would appear from there. He frowned, noting her behaviour.
After a few minutes, he slowed down, before finally coming to a stop. She glanced back, a frown appearing on her face when she saw he wasn’t following. "We don’t have time to stop, Noah. Let’s go."
Noah stood there, staring at her for a second, before answering. "No."
"Excuse me?"
"I’m not going anywhere. Not until I know what’s going on."
Cecilia’s face went dark, and she walked to him, her golden eyes burning. "What did you say?" Her voice was low.
"I want to know what’s going on." He said calmly. If this was a plot to get him out of the way during the time the Investigation Authority is present in the academy grounds, it wouldn’t work for him. He had to meet Osiris.
Professor Cecilia stepped closer, and that was when Noah realized he was at least a head taller than her. She’d always seemed like this powerful figure who was larger than life.
The realization also brought a new thought into his mind. He blinked, wondering how he hadn’t realized it.
"What?" Cecilia asked, noticing his change in expression.
"I just realized that I turned 18 two months ago, when I was with the Investigation Authority." He said.
Cecilia leaned back, surprised. "You spent your 18th birthday in jail?"
"Yes." Noah nodded, before focusing back on the subject at hand. "And that is one of the reasons why I think I deserve to know what’s going on. What if I go with you, and still end up behind bars again? I can’t take that chance."
Cecilia stared at him, before her expression softened. "We’re going to the ascension hall." She finally answered. "The researchers have found the ritual for you to ascend to the next rank."
Noah’s eyes widened in surprise. "Then, why didn’t you just tell me that?"
She paused. "It was meant to be a surprise."
"No. That’s not why." Noah said flatly. "You want me out of the way with the Investigation Authority on its way here."
Cecilia stared at him for a second, before exhaling in defeat. "Yes."
"Why?"
"Osiris Lawless has been replaced as the head of the Investigation Authority by Lord Rowe. And Lord Rowe would do anything to get his hands on you."
This time, it was Noah’s turn to be surprised. The first half of the first sentence rattled around in his brain. "Osiris has been replaced?!"
"Yes." Cecilia nodded solemnly. "The king decided he handled the investigation into the death of Juniper Rowe... badly."
But that wasn’t what was on Noah’s mind. ’Does that mean he’s no longer a part of the Investigation Authority? That he wouldn’t be able to come and see the body of his son at the crime scene?’
"I heard that both Rowe and Osiris are on their way, but it’s Rowe we need to be careful around. The principal doesn’t think he’s quite rational at the moment."
Noah thought about it. He needed to meet Osiris today. This was his window to end the man for good. He couldn’t let this chance slip out of his hands.
"I’m sorry, professor, but I can’t ascend today." He said, meeting her eyes. "And I won’t hide either."
"Noah, this is the decision—"
"No, professor." Noah said, standing his ground. "I have done nothing wrong, and I have nothing to hide. If Lord Rowe wants to meet me, let him come. If he touches me, he would have to answer to the king himself."
"I understand what you’re saying, but we can’t take the risk, Noah." Professor Cecilia said.
"How about this?" Noah smiled. "If you lock me up today, then I shall abandon any plan to help Camelot."
Cecilia’s eyes widened. "What?!"
"I am the chosen one the kingdom has been searching for, aren’t I? The one who will help you all defeat the demons. But what if I suddenly decide not to help?"
"But you can’t just—"
"I can." Noah said, his voice cold. "I can and I will."
He took a step closer to her, holding her gaze. "Look me in the eyes professor, and tell me if I won’t."
Silence filled the air around them as they stared at each other, Cecilia searching his eyes.
With a sigh, Noah stepped back.
"If you’re that worried about Lord Rowe why not go meet him then. If you’re with him all the time, then you’ll be able to see what he does and doesn’t do."
Cecilia stood there, staring at him for a few seconds before exhaling in defeat.
"Go," she said. "Get out of my sight before I change my mind."
A small smile appeared on Noah’s face, and he inclined his head. "Thank you."