When Stars Come Out (When Stars Come Out 1)

“The Hellhounds didn’t react as they do in simulation,” I say.

“Hounds? There was more than one?” Another fact that contradicts my training—we’d been taught Hellhounds don’t travel in packs.

“One attacked and I skewered its head. When it fell dead, I thought my job was done, but it multiplied and then, no matter how many times I took a knife to their brains, they did not die.”

“And where did they go?”

“They disappeared.” Those words are thick on my tongue, like oil, black and sticky. My father and Cain exchange a look and I know what they’re wondering: exactly what I didn’t want to draw attention to before the Order—why would Charon send Hellhounds through the Gates unless the Eurydice had incarnated?

Cain clears his throat. “In your absence, Shadow Knight Rivera reported the soul of Vera Bennet missing. Were you aware?”

I’d say yes, but I’m already in deep. “Only this morning when she wasn’t in her place over Emerson.”

“And neither of you have any idea where she might have gone?”

Just when I am about to say no, Natalie opens her mouth.

“I have suspicions, Elite Cain.”

He raises his brows—most likely because of the use of suspicions and not evidence. “Go on.”

“There is a new girl at school. She’s supposedly from Chicago, but her last school has no record of her attendance.”

“You said she was kicked out of her last school,” I argue, recalling the accusation she’d made at lunch in front of all those students.

“Because that’s what her record says, but she apparently never even started. And before you suggest it, my father called.” Somehow those words seem even more final by the set of her arms, crossed, one over the other.

“You think this girl has something to do with Vera’s disappearance?”

“Within her first day at Nacoma, a soul goes missing. That cannot be coincidence.”

“Perhaps not coincidence, but you have no evidence,” I remind her—also knowing Elite Cain will agree.

“I’d have to observe her longer than two days to be sure,” Natalie says, not taking her eyes off Elite Cain. I know what’s she’s doing—asking for permission.

“See that you do, Shadow Knight,” Elite Cain says. “Why don’t you both work on this assignment together? I’ll count it as part of your training.”

I’m sort of relieved. If Elite Cain thought Anora might be the Eurydice, he’d send his Commanders to deal with her. Still, I’d prefer not having Natalie by my side while I watch her.

“With respect, Elite Cain, I work better alone,” I say.

“With respect, Shadow Knight Savior, you’re lucky I’m not putting you on probation for your actions.”

Elite Cain turns his disfavor to Natalie. “You might think it noble to protect a friend, but you are Shadow Knights first and foremost. You are obligated to report misbehavior.”

“Yes, Elite Cain,” we say in unison.

“Now that we are understood—were either of you aware of Shadow Knight Martin’s relationship?”

It’s the question I’ve been waiting for and it makes my stomach turn, but this is why Lily and I have our rule: we can’t get in trouble for what we don’t know.

“No, Elite Cain,” we say again.

&n

bsp; He watches us intently, like he thinks we might crack under pressure. After what seems like an eternity, he says, “You are both dismissed.”

We salute and turn to leave the room when Elite Cain calls out to me.