And just like that, I’m ranked as a shadow knight. So why don’t I feel better? I always imagined this moment would feel better. It would feel…earned. Leave it to Roth to rob me of an experience. Why does he want the Eurydice anyway? He’s not the kind to concern himself with Influence’s hold over the world unless it affects him. He can’t suddenly care about humans now that he’s becoming luminary.

No, there has to be another reason.

Those unanswered questions gather in my chest like clouds on the horizon.

A storm is brewing.

A battle.

The worst part? I’m not sure whose side I’m on.

Chapter Sixteen

Anora and Influence

The fight song begins, and players burst through the banner. I search for Shy but don’t see him. I’m not the only one: several players and coaches turn to look behind them, as if hoping he will appear at any moment. Even Lily seems concerned, brows knitted together in a tight line.

My excitement quickly turns to unease—a feeling that spreads to the crowd as their volume dies down.

We leave the field and take spots in the stands, front and center, where the cheerleaders are positioned on the track. I don’t miss the way Natalie glares, both at me and Lily, who doesn’t seem fazed by the attention.

Five of our players make their way to the center of the field. Sara leans over. “Looks like Jacobi’s our quarterback tonight!”

“Yeah, but…where is Shy?” Lennon asks, looking at Lily expectantly, but all she does is shrug, frowning.

The knot in my stomach tightens.

“Good evening, Knights!” An announcer comes over the intercom. He has one of those made-for-radio voices, and everything he says is drawn out and punctuated with enthusiasm. “Tonight we have a special guest joining us at the center of the field for the coin toss. Please welcome the one and only, Mr. Malachi Black!”

Lennon elbows me. “That’s Thane’s uncle!”

Malachi strolls onto the turf, smiling and waving at the crowd. He wears a gray business suit, and his long hair is bound at the nape of his neck. The coin toss reminds me of two things—my own coin I’ve lost and Thane’s persistent attention. Self-conscious, I crane my neck, looking for any sign of him.

“Anora?” I turn to find Lily watching me. “Are you looking for someone?”

“No.” I smile and shake my head, eyes settling on the field again. “What’s the coin toss for?”

“It determines who will be on offense or defense first,” Lennon says, leaning toward me.

Once the toss is made, the game begins and spirals out of control within the first fifteen minutes. Jacobi throws two interceptions and fumbles the ball.