Chapter 53: Secrets and Shadows

"What are you saying?" I asked, tears threatening to clog in my throat. "Did the dark mages make you kiss me? Make you pretend you liked me?"

"No." Jasper shook his head, pulling me into his embrace. "That was the only real thing."

My hands flattened against his chest. His legs hung over the bed, but he was still wearing his school uniform even though it was covered in grass stains and dirt. Then he kissed me. Right there in front of Kento and Reed. I was frozen and shocked. Jasper's mouth was soft. It wasn't long before I forgot we weren't alone until Reed let out a growl and marched past us.

"We don't have time for this," Reed said.

I backed away from Jasper, my breaths coming in pants.

"Your life is threatened and the dark mages are coming." Reed swung open the door. "They've been toying with you, Zoey. With all of us."

I dashed after him. "Then teach me how to fight them."

Reed paused in the hallway, his back to me. "Are you sure you want to do this?"