Osiris' eyes flicked to the official recall order laying on his desk, its words burning in his mind like a brand.
Someone was backing the rat?
He'd agreed to release Noah. He had no choice. To resist the Academy now would have been folly.
But that did not mean he had lost.
A slow smile spread across his face, his eyes glittering with something darker than satisfaction. Maybe this was even better.
He tapped his fingers against the edge of his desk, thinking, turning the problem over in his mind.
If Noah returned to the Academy under the illusion of safety, his guard would lower. He would feel saved, even protected. But protection would be a lie.
Osiris leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk, and whispered to himself, "What is a cage worth if the beast willingly leads you to its den?"
