Chapter 144

OPHELIA Anikêtos lands on the football field, one of the few places he can do so entirely undetected. While he remains cloaked from the view of others, his vast size makes it difficult for him to be anywhere where there are people. Elpis circles overhead. The campus is eerily quiet for a Friday evening. “Where will you wait for us, old friend?” Alexandros asks. Elpis and I will take shelter on the other side of the mountain, far from Giorgios’s army but where we can keep a close eye on them. Alexandros thanks him, and Anikêtos spreads his huge wings and joins Elpis. The rush of wind almost blows me over, and Xavier wraps his arms around my waist. “Got you, Cupcake.” “Be careful to mask your thoughts and emotions as much as possible at all times,” Alexandros warns. “Do not search for Malachi yet, for it may open you up to Giorgios’s detection. He will be anticipating our arrival, and I would prefer for him to remain unaware of our presence for as long as possible.” Although it hurts not