Clandestine | On Hold

Chapter 10

Dedicated to Burningbrightfire for the amazing cover she made on my request. Thank you so much! Make sure to check out her books as they are awesome, just like her! My favourite book is Artificial Light. And she also has a cover shop where she makes fabulous covers on request. So make sure to check that as well!

Chapter 10

Ryan's POV

A feeling of apprehension fills me as I step inside the study. The loud thud of my feet on the carpet announces my arrival, as the sounds inside the room quieten and everyone turns to look at the source of the noise. Then, seeing who it is, they get back to their conversation. That's when I notice that almost all are present in the room. All but two.

"Where's..." I trail off, still looking around to locate them. When I'm sure they are not in the room, I turn to my dad.

"... Tristan? And Mr LaGray?" Dad had mind-linked me a few minutes ago saying that Tristan's father has arrived. He heaves a sigh before answering my question.

"Tristan wanted to talk to Alby. In private." This time I'm the one who heaves a sigh. 

"Why?" I whisper, confused. 

What could be so wrong in Verba Atramento? What could be so wrong, that Tristan froze at the library with fear and shock? Why can't he tell everything to all of us right now?

Dad just offers a sad smile while shrugging. He opens his mouth to say something but closes it as if unsure of what to say. Or how to say.

He does this a few more times. After a few attempts, he sighs in defeat and turns back. A beeping sound stops him mid-turn. Turning back, he removes his phone from his pocket. His eyes go through something on the screen, like he's reading something.

After some time, he puts the phone back with a sigh and looks at me before looking at everyone.

"Everyone, I just got a text message from Mr Albion LaGray." Dad gives Uncle Seb and Aunt Cora a meaningful look. 

"He has left the palace to take a look at the situation in hand.... in Verba Atramento. And he has taken his son as well. So," He glances my way, "So Tristan would not be going to Ridgeview High today. Inform the others."

• •• • •• •

My mind is still buzzing with several unanswered questions. But I remind myself to stay calm. And wait.

With so much going inside my head, concentrating in the high school is hardly possible. But I give it a try anyway, anything to take my mind off of everything. I'm completely aware of the curious glances that Iris and Caleb keep throwing my way, but choose to ignore their stares.

By the time lunch rolls in, I'm frustrated beyond imagination. I need to talk to Tristan. Now.

But he won't pick up my call. Genius!

"What's up? Where's Tristan?" Is the first thing Iris asks as she takes a seat at our table, also stealing one of the fries from my tray and popping it into her mouth. Shooting a glare at her as she gives me a not-so-apologetic smile, I glance at Bennett and Meredith. An understanding passes between us, as I turn to her to regard her question.