Shyla addressed everyone. “As a member of the Invisible Sword, I swear that I will embrace the beliefs and tenets of the organization and fully support its efforts to help those in need.”

Jayden traced the crossed blades on her shoulder with the stylus. A tingle pricked her skin.

“As a member of the Invisible Sword, I swear I will not betray the location of our headquarters or the identities of our members to our enemies and would give my life to keep its secrets.”

He guided the flattened tip, following the two curved lines of the symbol.

“As a member of the Invisible Sword, I swear not to harm or kill another unless it is absolutely necessary or in self-defense.”

He drew a big circle in the oval shape.

“As a member of the Invisible Sword, I swear allegiance to my fellow Invisible Swords.”

Coloring in the “pupil,” Jayden completed the symbol. An intense heat burned on her skin as if the killing sun shone directly on that small section. No wonder Gurice had thought Shyla stabbed her. Magic snapped and the pain disappeared.

“It worked.” Surprise laced Jayden’s voice. He then stepped back, allowing the other wielders to see the new glyph.

Shyla thought it was unfair that not everyone could see it. Perhaps she could show them. In order not to upset anyone, she explained what she planned to do. Using her magic, Shyla sent the image of her symbol to the others.

Invisible Sword.

A little over half the room gasped. It seemed that over fifty people was too many for her to influence at once. She repeated it for the remaining members.

Invisible Sword.

Unable to hold it long, she stopped the command. After waiting a few moments to allow them to recover—and her as well—she pulled her sleeve down and took the stylus from Jayden. “You’re next.”

He shook his head sadly. “I can’t.”

Confused, she peered at him. “Why not?”

“Sorry,” he said to everyone, but he was staring at Mojag.

Sand exploded from all the buckets. The columns spread out and formed a curtain that swirled in furious circles. Cries pierced the roar of sand. Everyone scrambled to cover their faces, turning their backs to the assault.

Sixteen

It took a moment for Shyla to grasp the significance of the sand attack. Jayden was the traitor! A mix of emotions boiled—surprise, anger, and pain—but she ignored them. For now. Instead, she fought to calm the storm, but Jayden had years of practice in manipulating sand. And all he needed was a fraction of an angle to make his escape. Once he reached the surface, he’d be able to hide. Son of a sand demon!