Going home was not the sweet reunion I was hoping for. I left Jace's thinking I could find solace in the familiar. That my own room, bed, soft sheets, and childhood mementos would comfort me. I pictured myself cooking and baking in my kitchen, clearing my head of all the confusion that filled it.

But I was wrong.

The second I walked through the door of my empty house I was struck with a strong sense of loneliness. Everything felt dark and cold. Even after turning on the lights, unpacking, and cooking myself a small meal. I was frozen to the bone with how alone I felt and how much I missed Jace. I didn't realize how much he had embedded himself under my skin until then.

Though despite the tears I've shed at night when hugging myself to sleep, I've managed to hold on to my resolve. For the rest of the week, I avoid Jace as much as possible. Which is difficult considering how close Marcel has gotten with the other guys. He's all I have left so I've had to suffer through a few awkward lunches. Not that the guys make things weird. They still treat me the same even with Jace sitting at the other end of the table. It's just hard to relax when his eyes drill into me the entire time.

He's tried to pull me aside and explain but I tell him the same thing every time, I'll be ready to talk when he does whatever the hell it is he needs to do. That's one of the hardest parts though. I'm dying to know what that is exactly.

When Mom and Carl return on Thursday, I expect to feel some relief from the cold solitude. Her hugs and warm smile melt away some of the ice, but at night I'm alone again. Sleeping is difficult. As much as I try to stay strong, I imagine Jace's arms around me. His warm body against mine. His steady breaths filling the silence. It's sad, but it's the only way I can get any rest.

The weekend takes forever to roll around, but when it does, my nerves ignite with anxiety for whatever plans Jace has. The stressing is enough to drive me up the wall so try to take my mind off of it by baking all evening. Only when that doesn't work, I call on the one person I know I can always count on.

"How's your mom and Carl?" Marcel asks as I carry a fresh batch of cookies over to the kitchen table.

"They're okay." I half-heartedly nod and sit down. "They were both pretty exhausted but I think Carl's a little bummed out about Mila and Kwan."

"His kids?"

"Yeah. The twins wanted to finish their junior year in New York so Carl agreed to let them stay with their aunt. When summer starts he's gonna go back and get them," I explain as my phone buzzes on the table.

Just looking at my phone plays havoc with my mind but I grab it anyway and take a look. It's not Jace, this time. That fact both relieves and worries me though.

"You should talk to him," Marcel says before stuffing a whole cookie in his mouth.

I glance down at my phone and shrug. "I will, as soon as he's done."

"Do you even know if it's happening tonight?" Marcel asks, accidentally spitting cookie crumbs onto the table and wincing at his mess.

I haven't told Marcel everything I know, which isn't much anyway. Yet I've been getting the feeling all week that he knows a lot more than me. Maybe not when Jace's big plan is happening, but I think he knows what the plan is.

"Yeah. Tonight's the night," I answer weakly.

No matter how much I've ignored Jace, he's still been texting me every day.

Jace: Baby, please come back. I'll tell you whatever you wanna know.
Monday 6:03 pm

Jace: So you're not even gonna talk to me at school?
Tuesday 11:50 am

Jace: The silent treatment? Really, Lex?
Tuesday 2:14 pm

Jace: Morning Beautiful.
Wednesday 7:08 am

Jace: Did your Mom make it back safe?
Thursday 4:37 pm

Alexis: Yeah. Safe and sound.
Thursday 4:45 pm

Jace: I miss you.
Thursday 4:46 pm

Jace: Please talk to me, Alexis.
Friday 12:22 am

Jace: Fucking hell, LEx! This is killin me!
Friday 10:18 pm

Jace: Please babby please I miss u so fuckin much. I cant fuking sleep. I need yu
Friday 10:52 pm

Looking over the messages for the millionth time today, I get the strong feeling he was drinking last night. But that doesn't stop the growing pain in my chest. Even through texts, Jace has the power to grip my heart. Each message he's sent has chipped away at me, making me second guess if I made the right decision.

Then there's the one he sent me this morning. The text that's set my nerves on fire ever since and made it impossible to calm the restless feelings deep inside me.

Jace: I'm coming over tonight. Be ready to talk.
Today 10:06 am

"Did he say when tonight?" Marcel asks, catching my attention again.

Sighing, I set my phone back down on the table. "Nope."

It's already after nine. Not knowing what he's doing makes it impossible to estimate when he'll come over. But I refuse to text him and ask. If for some reason he forgets or doesn't show, that's on him.

But oh, will that hurt.

Marcel grabs another cookie and breaks it in half. "I know you're trying to be strong, sis, but sometimes you gotta take shit into your own hands."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Isn't that what I'm doing? Making Jace play by my rules. Taking charge of the situation.

"I don't know." Marcel shrugs. "Just seems like waiting around for him is only putting you on edge."

I'm tempted to ask him what he means by that too. Is he saying I should text him and demand a time? Should I not wait for him at all? Or maybe I should go to him instead of waiting for him to come to me?

"Lex, stop stressing."

"I'm not stressing." I snap. "Just eat your cookie."

With a knowing grin, Marcel shakes his head at me. And even with the livewire of nerves in my system, his smile makes me feel slightly better.

"You eat a cookie, grumpy ass." Marcel lightly chuckles and tosses one of the chocolate chip treats at me.

I catch it and take a big bite before giving him a wide cookie-crumb filled smile. "Happy?"

Laughing louder, he nods. "Yeah, that's better. Now let's see if we can find something on TV to watch and eat the rest of these."

He walks off to the living room with the whole tray of cookies and I'm left wondering what'll happen tonight as I follow him.

Maybe Marcel has a point. I should take things into my own hands.

I glance at the time on my phone again.

9:41 pm

If Jace doesn't come over, I might just have to go to him. One way or another, I'm getting answers tonight. I'm done waiting.

I check my phone for the tenth time in an hour.

Nothing.

I told Lex we were gonna talk tonight but she never answered, as usual. The silent treatment is driving me nuts. I know she needs space but...damn, how much? There's space and then there's completely fucking avoiding me.

I can't take it anymore. I've barely been sleeping. I can't fucking focus in class. It's too much and it all came to a head last night while drinking with the boys.

I cringe at the memory of drunk texting Lex, but the damage has been done and I don't have time to overthink it now. Tonight's important, and need to concentrate. I'll handle Lex afterward, whether she wants to see me or not.

"Aye, Jace." Wild calls letting himself into the apartment. "Time to roll, buddy."

After one last look at my phone, I pocket it and take a deep breath.

It's fucking now or never.

We left our bikes at the barn earlier today like we were instructed, so Wilder and I are left with no other option than to walk our asses there. The treck is dead silent, both of us lost in thought. Everything is gonna change tonight. We'll either walk away Guardians or nothing at all.

I know we don't have much to worry about. We've trained hard, mentored by the best of the best. But there's still that small sliver of doubt. It's a sickening feeling that's hard to shake. Our futures are riding on this and failing is not an option. Not for me. Not for any of us.

I barely register that we've made it to the barn until I feel a hand clap me on the shoulder. Looking up, I meet Kade's serious stare.

"You ready?" He asks, squeezing my shoulder.

I nod, slipping on a mask of confidence even as my stomach rolls. "Yeah. I got this."

Kade nods wordlessly before pulling me in for a brotherly hug. He checks in with Wild too and then slips into the woods surrounding the barn along with several others, the ones who've been recruited to take part in tonight's event.

The Guardians still hanging around and their spouses or partners talk excitedly to each other. Their energy mixed with the night air and flickering torches set up around the front of the barn ignites the atmosphere around us. No matter how serious tonight is, it's also a night for celebration. Once everything is said and done, every person here will party their asses off until the sun comes up. Initiation nights always turn into the wildest parties, drawing in people from all over the West Side. I wouldn't be surprised if some of those people are waiting outside the gates right now.

"Hey," Travis nods as walks over.

Wild and I both nod back, too zoned out for words while the other prospects join us too. There's a total of five of us, all wearing equal looks of anxious concentration until we hear my uncle's voice call over the crowd.

"I need everyone's attention, front and center people," Uncle Rob bellows as he jumps into the bed of his old truck. It's a rusted junker that hasn't run in years which is why we use it as an outside stage of sorts for shit like this.

The crowd settles down, each one facing my uncle with respect. Their silence is unnerving, the only sound left is the crickets chirping away until Uncle Rob clears his throat and begins his speech. "Tonight is a night of rebirth for our prospects. They'll shed their old skin and will either be given a new one or left to fend for themselves."

Uncle Rob's eyes find the five of us and wave us forward. The crowd splits to let us through, making room so we can stand in front of the makeshift stage. My uncle's gaze falls on all of us, willing us to understand how important his next words are.

"I've watched each of you grow over your time training. You've impressed me and this family. I have no doubts that all of you can make it through tonight and joins our ranks as an equal. You're strong, smart, brave..." a small grin pulls from underneath Uncle Rob's thick beard. "And maybe a little crazy."

"Aren't we all?" Someone shouts from behind us, earning a round of cheers that only makes my uncle smile wider.

"My point is," Uncle Rob continues, signaling for everyone to quiet down again. "That I believe in you. I have confidence in you. And I expect each of you to give everything you got...Now, who's ready for the gauntlet?"

The area is filled with another round of cheers and shouts of agreement. As nervous as I am, it's hard not to smile and yell into the night with the others. The energy is fucking infectious, settling into the bones of every person here.

Uncle Rob claps his hands, enjoying the excitement with everyone else. "Alright, time for instructions."

It takes a moment but eventually everyone goes silent.

"One at a time, each prospect will be guided to the starting grounds in the woods by their mentor. Once there, they will have their hands tied behind their backs. When they're ready, their mentor will blow the horn signaling the start of the gauntlet and the prospect will take off into the woods. They have twenty minutes to make it through the woods and reach the front gate where they will find their bike, cut their bindings, and race back to the finish line there." He points to a spray-painted line on the ground where the gravel road meets the parking area a few feet away.

Looking back down at us, Uncle Rob's eyes turn serious. "It might sound easy, but keep in mind that the journey through the woods will be filled with surprise attacks by your future brothers and sisters, as well as traps that could either harm or contain you. Stay on guard, defend yourself, and keep moving."

My uncle pulls an air horn from his pocket. "This horn will only go off for one of two reasons. Either to indicate you've made it in time, or that time is up. If you hear it before you reach the finish line, you know you've lost. Don't embarrass yourself. Just get on your bike and go home because you will not have a place here with us anymore. Now let's get to it." He pockets the horn and nods at the only female prospect, a girl in her mid-twenties named Tasha. "Ladies first."

People settle in to watch the show. They stand around, sit on their bikes, or already have chairs pulled out from the barn. Drinks are passed out while Tasha's mentor, Dolly, breaks from the group to collect her. Dolly spots me and gives me a reassuring nod before taking Tasha into the woods.

Travis, Wild, and I stay near the finish line, zeroed in on watching this go down. It doesn't take long to hear the air horn from the woods, signaling for Uncle Rob to start the timer displayed on a monitor that was set up earlier today.

"Think she'll make it?" the fourth prospect asks, a guy just a year or two older than me named Louie.

Wild looks at me with surprise widening his eyes. I shrug back, already getting what has him so shocked. We've never heard Louie say a word before. He always keeps to himself and has a lot of people betting on whether or not he's mute.

"Tasha's tough," Travis answers like talking to Silent Louie is an everyday thing. "Plus, Dolly's been working with her a lot. She's gonna be fine."

Standing statue-still, I watch the timer countdown. Halfway through, an ear-piercing scream breaks from the thick tree line. It's unsettling but none of us react, opting to stay calm instead of losing our shit. It's not long before the sound of a motorcycle starting comes from the end of the dark road by the gates. But the barn's outside floodlights and the small torches set up around the crowd does little to illuminate the gravel drive, only reaching a quarter of the way down. Though with each passing second the bike's rumbling gets louder.

"Look!" someone shouts.

Sure enough, appearing through the darkness is Tasha and her dark pink Ducati. She's flying towards us but her bike wobbles unsteadily like she's about to crash at any moment. Luckily, at eighteen minutes and five seconds, Tasha crosses the finish line before skidding out and my uncle blows his air horn.

"Get her!" Uncle Rob calls, sending several Guardians over to her.

They help her off the ground and I inwardly cringe at the sight of her. Tasha's tan face is bruised up, her lip's busted, and scrapes cover her arms and legs from the crash. But it's the huge gash on her upper arm that catches my attention, spilling blood down to her fingers like a fountain. I gotta give her credit though. Even fucked up and bleeding, she flashes a smile of accomplishment for all to see.

"Travis!" Uncle Rob calls next.

Travis nods and turns around to face his mentor, Shane, who's setting his beer down as his chick slides off his lap so he can get up. The two of them set off for the woods and disappear. Travis surprises me a little, making it through the gauntlet at sixteen minutes even. He's beat to hell, his nose bent like it might be broken, but at least he doesn't crash, thank god.

Wilder goes next, being guided by our third in command and his mentor, Omar. Watching him go off gives me the same nervous fucking feeling I had watching Kade go through this last year. I know he can do it. Dude's tough as fucking nails. But it's the not knowing of how messed up he'll be afterward.

I cross my arms and take a seat, hoping to relieve some of my nerves. I'd kill for a fucking drink right now but that's not happening till I've had my turn.

At fifteen minutes and twenty-seven seconds, Wild and his bright ass green Yamaha speed through the finish line. He practically jumps off his bike and fist pumps the air.

"That's what I'm talking about motherfuckers!" Wild shouts with blood dripping from his mouth, earning a round of applause and cheers.

I notice a few cuts and bruises on his face and arms before my uncle's voice catches my attention.

"Jace." Uncle Rob calls, his intense gaze lands on me like he's trying to silently encourage me. "You're up, son."

I nod at him before turning to find Colt getting up from his bike. The blonde Viking places a hand on my shoulder and steers me towards the tree line.

"You got this, brother!" Wild's voice calls from behind us.

His words help to boost my confidence but at the same time, my stomach still twists and turns.

I can do this. I got this.

Kade's advice from the night before fills my head.

"Don't get inside your head. You step in those woods and clear your thoughts. Stomp down any nerves and let yourself go numb. Take the hits and keep going. Don't stop for anything...you got Williams blood. You were born for this, little cousin. Don't forget that."

Being a Guardian is in my blood. Just like Kade and Uncle Rob. Just like our grandfather, one of the original Guardians, God bless his soul. We were born for this.

As Colt and I step into the woods, Omar passes us on the way out with a smug smirk. He's proud of Wilder, even if he won't say it, the look on his face is enough.

Colt nods at him, and they fist bump before the trees swallow us up, cutting off the light from the barn. The woods are pitch black but even so, I still know them like the back of my hand. We follow a thin worn path that weaves between the trees, the branches and leaves already crushed from the previous participants.

"You good?" Colt asks, walking beside me.

"Yeah. No worries here," I answer, starting to believe the words as they leave me.

"Good. I'm not worried either. You took on that Paxton prick during the attack all on your own. This test will be nothing compared to that."

My head snaps to look at him but he keeps his attention on the path in front of us.

I never thought about it like that.

As the flickering of a torch appears up ahead, Colt clears his throat. "If it makes you feel any better, you've been trained by one of the best." The fire lights his face, showing his grin as we step into a small clearing. "My gauntlet time was faster than Rob's."

I'm not sure why, but for some reason that doesn't fucking surprise me. My uncle's strong and could wrestle a bear into submission, but Colt's smart and light on his feet. He probably breezed through this thing like it was nothing.

As I strip off my jacket, not wanting it to get snagged on anything, I face Colt in my black wife-beater and jeans. My arms might get fucked up, but my legs should be fine, unlike Travis who wore shorts. Dumbass.

Under the torch in the middle of the clearing is a table with pre-cut pieces of rope and an air horn. Colt grabs the rope and steps behind me, tying my hands behind my back. Not being able to use our hands is a test to force us into being creative and smart to get through to the other side. It also keeps us from fighting our attackers with everything we have, making shit that much harder.

Tugging on my bindings, Colt turns me in the right direction. "Ready?"

Be calm, numb. You were born for this.

Drawing in one more deep breath, I nod.

"You got this, youngblood," Colt says before the air horn blares into the sky and I take off into the pitch-black woods.

My ears ring from the horn as I run through the woods, racing between moss-covered trees. Branches reach out and scrape against my exposed arms but I don't feel any pain. I steady my breaths, drawing in the chilled air to fuel my body. My focus is on moving as fast as possible but I also have to keep a lookout for threats. My eyes dart around, trying to see into the dark for anyone that might come at me or any sign of a trap.

A down tree appears in front of me and I swiftly jump over it but before I can land back on the ground, something grabs my ankle and yanks. I hit the ground hard, landing on something sharp that tears at my arms. The forest around me spins but I quickly shake my head before rolling onto my stomach and getting back to my feet. I don't know if it was a trap that got me or a Guardian, but I don't have time to think about it.

I press forward, building up my speed again. Only I don't make it far before someone jumps out from behind a tree. A young Guardian named Pete catches me in the face with a right hook, sending my stumbling back into a tree. He goes to throw another punch but he's too slow. My foot hits him in the gut and he falls on his ass, giving me enough time to rush off again.

I manage to avoid the next trap, a dugout hole in the ground that looks like it's already done its job once tonight. Getting further along, I smile at myself. So far the few hits I've taken haven't been bad. If I can keep this up, I'll be out of here in no time.

Picking up my speed, I keep a lookout for any sign of light that might indicate how close I am to the gates. I'm so focused on looking for the end that I'm caught by surprise when a large stick as thick as my leg swings out and smashes into my fucking stomach. I'm thrown back. All the air in my lunges is knocked out of me.

Gasping on the cold damp ground, I can barely move as another Guardian creeps from the shadows. I can't make out who it is. They've got a hood up and a bandana covers the bottom half of their face. But they waste no time and quickly kick me in the ribs with their boots. My already ragged breathing only gets worse.

Screwing my eyes shut, I try to focus as I draw in new air. Kade's words hit me once again. "Take the hits and keep going. Don't stop for anything."

Pulling in another deep breath, I open my eyes just as my attacker moves to kick me again. I watch their stance shift, their foot flying back, and as it comes forward, I roll out of the way. They kick at open-air and lose their balance. By the time their body meets the forest floor, I'm already standing. I leave them behind, running through the woods once again. But I'm not as fast as I was. Each labored breath burns my lunges and pain splinters in my ribs.

Focus, Jace. Be fucking numb. There's no pain. No burning. Keep going.

A small glimpse of light shines between the trees up ahead and I breathe a small sigh of relief. I'm almost to my bike. I'm so fucking close.

Picking up my speed as best I can, I shove down my aches and pains. The light ahead grows brighter. I'm almost there. I dart between a few more trees and just as the tree line becomes clear, someone drops down from a tree and lands on me like a fucking boulder. The dark figure gracefully gets to their feet as I struggle just to get on my knees. When I look up, I'm met with my cousin's cold stare.

Kade grabs me by the collar of my shirt and yanks me to my feet before his fist crashes into my jaw. But instead of letting me fall back, he holds tight and hits me again.

"Come on little cousin. Where's your fight?" He hits me again, making my head snap back while also losing his grip on my shirt.

I fall against a tree with a loud thud and another shooting pain in my side. My head rolls back against the dark as I grit my teeth and stare up at the star-covered sky. Wait, is that stars or am I just seeing shit?

"Fucking focus, Jace!" Kade snaps, latching onto my collar again.

Tilting my head down, I watch as he cocks his fist back again. I don't know how I manage it, but somehow I can no longer feel the pain in my body. It just fucking disappears while my eyes lock on Kade. Before he can strike, I use everything I have to swing my head forward and smash into Kade's face. He stumbles back, his eyes blinking repeatedly as blood pours from his nose. He's stunned just long enough for me to brush past him and force myself the rest of the way.

Busting through the tree line, I find my bike and a table with a knife on it. I make quick work of cutting my hands free, thankful my uncle had us practice that a million times over the last two years. Blood rushes back into my fingers as I flex them. But I don't have time to enjoy the feeling of being free. I jump on my bike, start it, and take off down the gravel road. Even with aching ribs, and a pounding headache, I'm able to drive straight. The wind blows past me, soothing some of the tension deep in my muscles. I've always thought there was no feeling than riding around on my Ducati, and that's never been truer than right now.

The lit-up barn comes into view ahead, along with the crowd. Some are already on their feet, cheering and applauding. Uncle Rob, Travis, Wild, and Jo are all standing at the finish line like a fucking welcoming party. I cross the finish line and my uncle blows his air horn. Before I can even shut off my bike, I'm surrounded by my friends...my family, all smiling and clapping me on the back.

"Ah, fuck. Watch the ribs," I groan before smiling wide.

I did it. I'm a fucking Guardian.

As much as I've been dying to rush off and see Lexi, I had to stick around the barn for a little while. After the last prospect, Louie finished his run through the gauntlet, Uncle Rob lined us up on the barn balcony in front of everyone. The five of us took our Guardian oath and were given our official leathers.

When my uncle described getting patched as a rebirth, I didn't realize how right he was. Wilder, Travis, and I haven't been able to wipe the smiles off our faces. It feels like we're walking taller, stronger, and with enough confidence to take on the world. It's one of the most amazing fucking feelings I've ever had, so when the guys ask me to stick around for tradition and have a few drinks, I can't say no.

I've been imagining this night for the last few years, and I'm not about to miss out on everything. I'm a legacy now, following in the footsteps of the Williams men. Skipping tradition just doesn't feel right.

Hopefully, Lex will understand that.

"Dude, you just had to show me up, huh?" Wild asks for the third time. "fifteen minutes and fucking seven seconds. What the fuck?"

"Don't be mad, Wild. It's in my blood," I joke before taking a sip of my beer.

Travis plops himself down on the couch beside me. "At least you two made it out easy. Kade almost broke my fucking nose."

Wild and I both roll our eyes. We got our asses kicked just like he did. We just choose not to complain about it.

"Whatever you say, T." I nod.

"If it makes you feel any better," Kade adds with a grin. "Pretty sure Jace returned the favor."

My cousin tips his drink to me as a sign of respect. That's the thing about initiation night, you can go toe to toe with your brother but afterward, there's nothing but love. It's just part of the gauntlet. No hard feelings.

Walking over with a beer in hand, Josie takes a long look at each of us. "You guys look like shit."

"Thanks," Wild and I say at the same time, chests puffed out.

None of us have bothered to clean up, choosing to wear our wounds and grime with pride. It's an unofficial tradition that even the Guardians who acted as attackers participate in. I haven't checked myself out in the mirror yet but I can feel the dry blood and dirt caked on my face. My aches and pains have dulled some, replaced with excitement and a sense of accomplishment. So I can't use how I feel as a way to determine the fucking damage, but just from looking at the guys, I get a decent enough idea of how bad I must look.

"Aw, Jo, you don't wanna kiss Kade with blood on his face?" Travis teases.

Josie narrows her eyes at him and flips him off.

Kade watches Jo, his smile sobering. "Better get used to it if you're gonna do the gauntlet yourself."

Anger flashes in Josie's eyes before she quickly hides it and shrugs. "Whatever. It'll be worth it."

Tension snaps between the two of them, making Wild and I turn away. Tonight's supposed to be fun. If they wanna fight, they need to take that shit outside.

"Yo, Studmuffin!" Dolly calls from her makeshift tattoo station in the front corner. "Come sit your ass in my chair for some new ink." She points to Wild and Travis. "You too, Jerky and Loony Toon."

I push up from the couch and chuckle. "You heard her guys. Better get that tattoo before she fucking hunts us done."

"Then more drinks," Travis adds.

Wilder claps T on the back. "Hell, yeah! We need shots in this mother fucker." 

I lost track of time. Dolly gave me a custom Guardian's tattoo on the left side of my chest and after Travis and Wild had their turns, we partied like fucking rockstars. It's not like I forgot about Lex but every time I tried to call it a night I got dragged back in for more drinks, another smoke, one more game of pool, and other shit.

By one in the morning, I'm finally stumbling through my apartment door.

I can't drive like this. How the fuck am I gonna get to Lexi?

Throwing myself down on the sofa, I pull out my phone and pull up my messages with Lexi. I'm halfway through typing out an apology and begging her to come over when a knock sounds on the door.

I roll my eyes and laugh in the dark living room. Wouldn't be surprised if it's one of the guys showing up for a place to crash. God fucking knows Wilder and Travis drank a shit ton more than me, and with a party as big as the one back at the barn, finding a spare bed is gonna be a hell of a time.

There's another knock at the door, louder and less patient.

"Calm your dick, I'm coming!" I call to Travis or Wild on my way to the door. Grabbing the handle, I'm ready to give them another smartass jab until I pull the door open and my words get stuck in my throat.

With pissed off narrowed eyes, Lexi pokes out her hip and crosses her arms. "Calm my dick?"

💋____________________________________💋

You all have no idea how happy I am to get to this chapter. It took me a little longer than usual because I changed my original initiation idea for something more unique.

That being said, did you like the gauntlet? Did anything about the Guardian's initiation surprise you? Is there anything you would've liked to see more of? Are you happy for Jace and the other guys? Do you think Lexi did the right thing by taking some time to herself? How mad do you think she is? And what do you think is going to happen next?

Let me know what you think in the comments and if you like what you read, please hit that star button!

P.S. next chapter is going to be HUGE for Jexi!

As usual, the teaser for chapter 36 will be posted on my Instagram and Twitter in a day or two. Keep an eye out for it!