My heart dropped to my stomach. No, no, no. It was not possible. “Cae—”

“How dare you bring the research into my home! It was hidden for a reason, Arwyn. I wanted my ancestry hidden for a reason.” She dropped down to one of the couch cushions on the floor.

“Caesaria, I swear I had no idea this was going to happen.” I knelt by her side.

She shrugged me away. “I trusted you when I showed you that research, trusted you to keep it a secret and hidden in the library. So why did you bring it here?”

I frowned at her. “Cae, someone broke into the library a week ago. When I went to look for the research, I found the library ransacked, much like the cabin now. I brought the research here because I was afraid that whoever destroyed the library was looking for it.” I sighed, realizing how much that did not make my case look any better.“I stupidly hid the research in the cushions without even thinking. I had no idea…I didn’t know anyone would know it was here.”

To my surprise, her expression softened. “If whoever did this turned the library upside down to find that research, they would’ve stopped at nothing to find it. Yes, keeping it here probably wasn’t a smart idea, but keeping it at the library probably wasn’t the best idea either.”

“So…”

“So, I’m saying this isn’t your fault. I’m pissed as hell at whoever destroyed the research which makes me wonder if that’s what they were after.”

“Or maybe they didn’t like what they found,” I mused. I bounced up to my feet, searching through the scattered pages. “That could be why they destroyed the books.”

“Maybe we can salvage a little of what’s left of the research,” Caesaria agreed.

We began to sort through the pages and tried to piece them back together. To our relief, most of the pages were still in the cabin even though they had been ripped out of the books. But we still needed a place to keep the research so that we wouldn’t have a third situation on our hands.

“We need to tell someone about the situation with the library and our cabin,” I said. “It’s not ideal, but I think it’s our best option.”

Caesaria shook her head. “Arwyn, we can’t tell anyone about my connections to the rogue.”

“I didn’t say we should tell anyone more than they need to know. But the whole incident needs to be reported. I’m surprised it hasn’t already been reported.”

“Not a lot of people go to the library.” She blew out a puff of air. “But maybe you’re right. Bennett is meant to protect our borders. Maybe telling him is for the best.”

I laid a hand on her shoulder. “We’ll go together. But hide the research first.”

She nodded, gathering up the scattered pages. She walked over to our room and put them in a fake panel in the desk.

“Are you sure keeping it here is the best idea?” I asked.

“Beats the alternative of hiding it somewhere else to get destroyed. Plus, whoever is after it won’t suspect that we’d keep it in the same place.”

“Good point. Let’s go.”

We hurried out to Bennett’s office in the Grand Cabin, banging on the door. He opened it, frowning at us. His hair was mused and his shirt was rumpled and half-unbuttoned.

“Arwyn, Caesaria. What are you two doing here?” he asked. Dark circles lined his under eyes.

“We need to report an incident,” I said. “The library—”

“We’re already investigating the situation at the library,” Bennett interrupted. “So far it looks like nothing was taken, but we have some of our best combing everywhere for anything they can find.”

I glanced at Caesaria. She nodded.

“It wasn’t just the library. Cae—our cabin was also targeted today.”

Bennett’s eyes widened. “That’s news to me. When did this happen?”

“Just recently. But nothing was taken. Although, if it helps, I did visit the library a week ago when I found it destroyed. I…I found what I needed then left because I was worried and didn’t want to stick around any longer than I had to.”

“Then we need to relocate you both immediately. Your cabin is not safe.”

“I can stay with Darius,” I said. “And Flet—”

“Raydir,” Caesaria quickly interjected, sending me a look. “Ray has an extra room. We can ask him if I can stay there. Otherwise I’ll ask Rosie for other arrangements.”

Bennett nodded. “Good, good. Pack whatever you need, and let me know if anything else happens.” He pinched the bridge of his nose between two fingers.

“Bennett, is there something else?” I asked.

“We…we’ve been investigating since the rogue attack in Gwyniar. It’s not fully clear what went down, and you know I wouldn’t take something like this lightly.”

That was true. If Bennett had suspicions about the rogue attack, it would be in my best interest to follow his lead. Plus I knew more about the rogue than I cared to share.

“Keep us posted,” I said.

“Arwyn, wait up a second,” Bennett tugged me back while Caesaria waited in the hall. “If this has anything to do with the rogue, we have to think that this might be bigger than either of us knows.”

I nodded. The knowing look in his eyes told me he was thinking about the circumstances behind Bella’s death. “I’m prepared for that.”

“Take care of yourself. We’ll figure all of this out.” He gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze then nodded to Caesaria who was standing in the hallway.

Caesaria and I hurried back to our cabin to each pack a small bag then headed to Raydir’s cabin. He opened it a beat after we knocked, standing in the doorway bare-chested.

“Hey,” he greeted us, furrowing his brows as he ushered us inside. “What’s going on?”

“We need a place to stay. Someone broke into our cabin and—”

“What?!” His eyes scanned over us. “Did they take anything? Are there any leads on what happened?”

I locked eyes with Caesaria. “Nothing was taken. Bennett is aware of the situation as it does follow closely on the heels of someone breaking into the library.”

Raydir cleared his throat and nodded. “Cae, if you want to get set up, the second bedroom is down the hall.”

“Thanks.” She gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze, leaving the two of us alone.

Raydir whirled on me. “Okay, Arwyn. What aren’t you telling me? Does this have anything to do with what you were hiding in the couch when we got dinner last week?”

I froze at this comment. “How…what do you mean?”

“I saw something sticking out of the couch cushions when I came to get you for dinner. Figured you had a reason—you used to do the same thing when we were kids, remember? Those letters you used to write to me? Every time I would come into your room, you’d shove the letters under the mattress.”

I blushed at the memory. “Yeah, I remember that.”

“Then you tuned me out during dinner and told me about the rogue situation. I made an educated guess that whatever you were hiding had to do with that, so I let it go. But if someone broke into the cabin to take what you’d hidden…what did you get yourself into, Ar? We were supposed to be safe out here.”

“We are safe out here.” I reached out and covered his hand with mine. He relaxed at the gesture.

“So where are you staying tonight?” he asked.

“With Darius. He…it’s for the best that I stay with him.”

“Ar, you don’t have to justify that. He’s your boyfriend. I wouldn’t expect anything less. Just…” He trailed off, his green eyes scanning over my face. “Stay alert and stay safe, okay?”

I nodded. “Yeah. See you tomorrow?”

He brushed his lips over my cheek, his rough stubble tickling my skin. “See you tomorrow.”

I hurried over to Darius’ cabin and knocked on the door. As was the theme of the evening, Darius opened the door without a shirt. My gaze traveled down his bare torso then snapped back up to his blue eyes.

“Hi,” I leaned up and kissed him. He pulled me close against his body and deepened the kiss causing my knees to nearly give out from under me.

“Hi,” he replied when he finally let me go. “What are you doing here? I thought we were alternating nights?”

“We were—are. I just need a place to stay tonight because there was a situation at my cabin with Caesaria.”

Darius furrowed his brows. “What do you mean?”

I explained the break in and that neither of us was hurt but I just needed a place to stay. Darius led me to the couch and made me a cup of tea.

“How long do you want to stay?” he asked.

“I probably only need to stay for a few days but—”

He cut me off with another kiss, tangling his hands in my hair and pulling me closer. “Not how long you need. How long you want.”

I pulled back, stunned. “Um, I-I don’t know. I just…Dar, are you asking me to move in with you?”

Darius ran a hand through his hair. “I mean, it would make things easier so we didn’t have to go back and forth.”

I cupped his face in my hands. “Darius, you know I love you. But I don’t want us to move too fast.” My mind flashed to a conversation we had the other day: Redecorating for me already?

It was too soon to move in with him.

“No, no. You’re right. But…someday?”

I offered him a small smile. “Someday, yeah. Um, you know it’s been a really long day. Do you mind if I turn in for the night?”

There was a small flash of disappointment in his eyes but he nodded. “Yeah, of course. I’ll be in soon.” He pressed a kiss to my temple.

I wandered over to the bedroom to change into my nightgown then walked to the bathroom to brush out my hair. With a brief glance at myself in the mirror, it became evident just how exhausted I was from everything in the recent months. My fingers lightly palpated my ribs and I winced at the pressure.

Damn, Fletcher really knows what he’s doing during training.

With a final glance, I made my way back into the bedroom and crawled under the covers. A minute later, Darius padded into the room and slid in beside me. I flipped over to face him, running my fingers over his cheek.

“Hi,” I said. “Thanks for letting me stay here tonight.”

Darius leaned forward and kissed me, drawing his fingers in circles over my back. “Of course. You know you’re welcome here any time.”

“Yeah.” I edged my gaze away from him. “You know, I haven’t seen you too much over the past week. Except for when I come over in the evenings and even then it’s just us kissing.”

He laughed. “You want less kissing?”

I swatted lightly at his arm. “No, I like the kissing. I just miss you. Training is different with Fletcher—not that I don’t like it, but you push me in a different way and I miss that.”

“Well, maybe we can modify your training schedule,” Darius suggested. “Part of the time with Fletcher, part of the time with me. Just like before.”

“Hmm…” I trailed off and entwined our fingers together. “It would be nice to spend more time with you.”

“There is plenty more to learn with your powers,” Darius murmured, pressing our fingers against his chest where I could hear his heartbeat. “You’re capable of so much more than you know. Being an acquator is more than just controlling water. It’s one of the four elements.”

I sat up. “What significance does that have?”

“The four elements give off four unique powers. The acquator, the ignitus, the chlorovoltae, and the ventae.”

“How do you know so much about this?” I asked.

He ran a hand through his hair. “I’ve had a lot of time to research. As a guardian, I sort of have to know these things.”

I leaned my head against his chest and closed my eyes. “Well, as a guardian, will you protect me tonight?”

“Always.” Darius leaned down and kissed me before we both drifted off to sleep.

The lake sparkled a dark blue under the glow of the moons and the twinkle of the stars. I sat at the edge with my feet in the water, swaying my legs back and forth.

“Fancy a chat?” Arabella’s voice floated toward me like it always did in my dreams.

I nodded. “Couldn’t sleep.”

She chuckled lightly. “You are asleep, Arwyn. I figured something was on your mind otherwise you wouldn’t have summoned me.”

“I’m worried, Bella. Someone is after the rogue research and they practically destroyed it. We gathered what was left, but I’m afraid of what they found.”

“How much of the research was left?”

“Enough that we can piece things back together but we haven’t exactly had time to go through in a detailed manner.”

“There is more going on here than meets the eye,” Arabella said.

“And you’d know this how exactly?” I asked.

“You’ll just have to trust me on this.” She looked out into the distance then back to me, “I must be going now. A last word of parting wisdom: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. ”

I swallowed hard and nodded. Desperate times…she was right.

Except I had no idea who my enemies truly were.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

The morning came way too soon for my liking, especially after the conversation in my dream with my sister. I slipped out of bed, dressed, then kissed Darius who was still sleeping before sneaking out of the cabin for training.

I met Fletcher by the lake as per usual. He swung his arms wildly, wielding several fireballs at once. Sensing my presence, he spun around and flicked the fire at me. I quickly deflected, calling on the water. It hit the fire in midair with a sizzle.

“Nice deflection,” he commented, flashing me a smile.

“Thanks.”

He set up in a new defensive stance. “Are you here for a lesson or to watch?”

“A lesson. If you don’t mind, that is. And I wanted to ask you a few questions about something that Cae told me.”

Fletcher visibly tensed, but his expression remained neutral. “Ask your questions as we practice.” He instructed me where to stand and I prepped my stance.

“I wanted to ask you about your girlfriend.”

He threw a punch and I ducked. “You know that Cae and I are dating, right?”

“Yeah, I didn’t mean her.” I molded the water into another ball and tossed it towards him. “I meant your previous girlfriend. Caesaria said she went rogue.”

Fletcher deflected the water sending a larger fireball in my direction. “I don’t want to talk about Lacey.”

I rolled out of the way, grunting. “Sorry, I know it’s a sore subject.”

He sighed. “No, it’s fine. Lacey was my girlfriend before her Fate Ceremony just like Raydir was your boyfriend. Unlike you and Ray, Lacey immediately rejected her Chosen during her ceremony. It was a complicated situation.”

“Isn’t it always,” I grumbled in agreement.

“Anyway, we came out here to the valley, and Rosie and Bennett took us in. For two years, we were really happy. And then on the Flower Moon of our second year, Lacey just…disappeared.”

“Disappeared? Like she left you or she vanished?”

“A little bit of both.” Fletcher threw another fireball at me but I evaporated it with a flick of my wrist. “We were together and she just…I don’t really know how to explain it. But because it was an Alignment, she shifted, said ‘I love you’, then ran into the woods. I’ve never understood and never figured it out. But something about that Alignment tore us apart.”

“What’s special about the Flower Moon?” I asked.

“The Flower Moon is a chance for renewal, change. Unlike the Blood Moon where you become more connected to your wolf spirit, the Flower Moon connects you to your mate.”

I frowned and opened my mouth to say something but Fletcher cut me off.

“Consequently you’d think that would mean Lacey and I would be closer than ever, right?”

I nodded. “But clearly, something else was going on.”

Fletcher ran a hand through his hair. “She never said anything. The Alignment is supposed to connect you more with your mate but it tore me from mine.”

So what was it about the Flower Moon that made Lacey leave Fletcher?

Completely lost in my thoughts, I narrowly avoided a fireball and roundhouse kick to the ribs, ducking out of the way just in time.

“Can I ask you something? I promise it doesn’t have to do with Lacey.”

Fletcher nodded, wiping sweat off of his brow. “Shoot.”

“How much do you know about the four elemental powers?”

“Not much. But elemental powers are less common. That’s why we have one of each on the council. The balance of powers allows for a more unified balance of life in the valley. I believe there is a book at the library that talks all about the different powers.”

I stiffened at the mention of the library. Maybe he didn’t know? “The library is off-limits right now.”

Fletcher raised his eyebrows. “Oh?” Then realization hit. “Oh, right. Bennett and Rosie are still trying to figure out who destroyed the library.”

I nodded. “And there’s something else, too. We—Caesaria and I think that whoever was responsible for the library was also responsible for the destruction in our cabin.”

“You and Cae were targeted, too?” Fletcher frowned, concern evident on his face. “Are you both alright?”

“Yes, we’re fine.” I rested a hand on his arm.

“Was anything taken?”

“No, nothing was taken. We’re both a little on edge about the whole situation.”

“I bet.” Fletcher ran a hand through his hair. “Talk to Bennett. See if he’d let you get in the library for the book on our powers.”

“I will.” I glanced out over the water.

Fletcher looked up at the position of the sun in the sky. “Ar, I have to go teach a class. Will you be okay out here?”

“Yeah.” I gave him a smile. “See you later.” Once he was out of view, I kicked off my boots and stood at the edge of the water. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, willing the water to rise up to meet each step. As expected, my feet tread carefully over the water and I made my way toward the middle of the lake. Small bubbles shaped like rocks floated over the lake. I smiled.

Now that is cool.

A sound in the distance caught my attention. I turned around, dropping my focus for a second, and immediately fell into the water. I opened my eyes. The sand settled on the bottom of the lake and I swam toward the other side of the lake, using the momentum of the water to propel me forward.

“Nice power moves,” a voice called out.

I turned and swam back the length of the lake. A girl about my age stood on the bank of the lake with her arms crossed over her chest. Her shoulder-length black hair swayed in the wind.

“Thanks,” I said with a laugh. The momentum of the water lifted me up and my feet hit the ground.

“I’m Izel, by the way,” the girl said, reaching out a hand.

I shook it. “Nice to meet you. I’m Arwyn.”

Izel smiled. “I know. You’re pretty popular out here.”

“Mm, I wouldn’t exactly say that but I appreciate the flattery.”

“I mean it! You were almost Bennett’s sister-in-law. We all know the story about Arabella and by extension, we know about you.”

I coughed. “So, you know about me—or rather, you know specific details about me. What are you doing out here?”

“Same as you. It’s a great place to practice my powers. Speaking of, I’m sorry about dropping you out there in the water.”

I scoffed. “That was you? I have to say, that was pretty impressive.”

“What can I say? Having power over the wind is pretty cool. It’s an easy way to knock others off their feet.”

“Literally.”

She laughed. “C’mon, care to explore with me?”

I shrugged. “Sure.”

Izel pushed herself up into the air. “Let’s check out the top of the waterfall.”

“Wha—Izel, hold up!” The water whirled around me and I rose up to the top of the waterfall. Just like last time, I fell into a somersault. “Izel, it’s dangerous up here.”

Izel crossed her arms over her chest. “What, you’ve been up here before? C’mon, live a little!” She helped me to my feet.

I looked around nervously. Randel’s cave was right along the top of the falls, and we needed to stay far away. As Izel began to walk in the other direction, I quickly drew out a handful of runes on the ground to send a message. If he was lurking around, I needed to make sure we were both safe. I couldn’t take any chances that he was feeling compassionate today.

“Arwyn, are you coming or what?” Izel walked back toward me.

“Yeah, sorry.” I glanced up at the trees. “We should go this way.” I led her far away from the cave.

“So how long have you been in the valley?” I asked.

“A few years. You know, Lacey and I were best friends in Alvenora. Our Fate Ceremonies were the same night because we had the same birthday. The three of us were happy. Me, Lacey, and Fletcher. Lacey rejected her Fated to be with Fletcher; I rejected mine to be with both of them. There was no way I was going to leave my two best friends behind.”

“So the three of you came out here together?”

Izel nodded. “Everything was great until Lacey started having doubts. She wondered if she made the right choice, and began to regret choosing Fletcher.”

“What happened?” I’d heard Fletcher’s version, but now that I knew Izel was his friend, I wanted to hear her side too.

“A whole thing about regret and making different choices—how it would be if Lacey had made different choices. And then the night of our second Flower Moon, she told him it was over.” Izel lifted her hand to the wind and the leaves rustled in the breeze. “Since it was an alignment, she was going to shift soon. So, logically, she came to my cabin, told me she was sorry, then shifted and ran toward the woods. That’s the last I ever saw her.”

“Izel, I’m so sorry. No one deserves to lose a friend like that.”

She offered me a small smile. “Thanks.”

“So how much about the Flower Moon do you know?” I asked.

Izel sighed and her eyes darkened. “Only that it is one of the most deceiving moons we have. If you ever are chosen to get a second chance on the Flower Moon, don’t take it.”