A Dance Of Crowns & Thrones | Book I

Chapter 162 | Paradox

Timeline | August 24th - Night time

Teshia glanced up at Vause, who had stayed by her side since their return that evening. The conversation they were about to have weighed heavily between them, and postponing it until morning felt impossible. She paused at the door to the office where the others waited, oblivious to the news they carried.

"Vause?" she asked, looking up at him, her voice barely a whisper.

"They need to know," he replied firmly, taking her hand. "This can't wait." With that, they entered the headmaster's office together.

Inside Allegiant, the late hour cast a quiet stillness over the office. The dim lighting hinted at the weariness of the day, and Teshia hadn't anticipated the curious looks from the warriors gathered there. They sat around the long table, trays of food scattered across the surface, as they quietly ate and studied, each holding a tablet.

As Teshia scanned the room, she recognized a few familiar faces. Mya, the doctor, gently cradled a sleeping child in her arms, rocking slightly as she leaned back. Richie sat nearby, a tablet in one hand, reading as he snacked on chips from a bowl at his side.

To his left was a red-haired woman—Jesse, if Teshia remembered correctly from her studies in the infirmary. The academy's commander sat with a straight posture, her foot tapping rhythmically as she scribbled notes on a second tablet beside her.

Across the table sat Toni, his broad shoulders and slicked-back hair giving him a relaxed yet alert presence, he had looked freshly showered compared to the others. He leaned back in his chair, feet propped on the one next to him as he sipped from a beer, his gaze fixed intently on a hologram projecting the latest news.

At the end of the table sat a woman with vibrant pink hair, her head resting on her folded arm. Plates of food and a half-filled glass of wine surrounded her, and from her position, she looked to be dozing off. Teshia recalled from her readings that this was Jasmine.

Two seats remained empty, but in the next moment, the missing figures appeared. A woman with pale skin, brushing strands of hair from her face, walked in beside Matthew, who gently led her forward, his arm steadying her. They both paused at the doorway, their eyes locking onto Teshia and Vause with curiosity and slight wariness.

"Hey?" Eko's voice broke the silence, her tone soft but curious, drawing the attention of the group to the new arrivals.

"Vause? Teshia?" Matthew's surprise was evident as he took in the unexpected late-night visit, his brow furrowing. He hadn't planned on company at this hour; he'd been just about ready to send everyone off so he could settle Eko in for the night. She needed rest, and with early meetings scheduled with the board in Isadora, he had his own preparations to think about.

"I thought we were chatting tomorrow?"

Both Teshia and Vause exchanged a look, then nodded. "It can't wait," Teshia replied, her tone grave. "Not this."

Matthew sighed, then motioned for them to sit. "Alright. Take a seat."

Around the table, Jasmine, now awake, shifted in her chair, making room for the newcomers. The others moved aside, giving space for the extra chairs. Matthew sat down next to Toni while Eko settled herself beside Jasmine, leaning against her as Jasmine handed her some soft crackers to nibble on.

Eko accepted them with a quiet nod, nibbling slowly, her head resting on Jasmine's shoulder.

"The floor's yours," Matthew said, his gaze moving from Teshia to Vause, who both stood rather than sitting, both too tense to relax into their seats.