Silvern (The Gilded Series) Read Online Free PDF

simple gold band. It has the symbol of the Tiger of Shinshi engraved on it. Things have just gone from complicated to impossibly complicated.
    “We’ve got to go,” Marc tells me as he puts his phone away. “They’re already assembling.”
    “Your ring,” I say. “It has a tiger on it now.”
    “They inducted me last night.” Marc stares at the ring and then back at me. He lets out a long breath. “I wanted to tell you in person over dinner, after your belt test.”
    It’s finally happened. He’s now an official Guardian of Shinshi. I should be thrilled for him. This is something he’s wanted for a long time. The truth is I don’t want him a part of any of this. My chest pricks knowing that as one of the Guardians of Shinshi, he’ll be sent on secret missions as a defender and protector of Korea’s heritage. Without me.
    He’ll be putting himself in danger every time. He could get hurt, killed even.
    It’s bad enough that my grandfather is all cloak-and-dagger, since he’s a member of the Council. But to have my boyfriend be a part of it all, too? It’s not settling in so well.
    “Don’t look at me like that,” Marc says, his eyes pleading. “You know what this means to me.”
    “Congratulations.” Guilt tugs at me, and I force a smile. “We’ll have to celebrate.”
    “Yes.” He rolls the ring around his finger. “After we make sure you’re safe.” Worry flicks across his features. He tosses some won on the table. “We should go.”
    I pick up my chopsticks and stuff my mouth with rice. “Not until I eat something. I’m starved.”
    “They don’t like to be kept waiting.” Marc jams his hands into his pockets.
    “And I really don’t like being told what to do.”
    “Leave her alone,” Michelle says. “She should eat. Especially after going through such a traumatic situation.”
    I check the steak, and seeing it’s cooked enough, blow on it and pop it into my mouth. “Listen, I know it’s not your fault that the Council of Shinshi is insanely obsessed with protocol, but they can wait two minutes, so I can shovel some food down my throat.”
    Michelle ticks the ends of her perfectly manicured nails on the table. “These council people need to chill. Personally, I don’t like any of it. Jae, you really should stop and think about this. Do you have to go? Maybe if you just ignore this crazy Kud guy, he’ll leave you alone.”
    Marc snorts and crosses his arms, but he doesn’t say anything, so I’ve got to give him some credit.
    “He’s the one pursuing me,” I say, not caring that my mouth is full. “He seems to think I have some special ability or something that can help him. Which is ridiculous, but whatever.”
    I rip out tiny square napkins from the table dispenser, stacking them into a pile. Then I load them with meat strips. Grease spills onto the table, but it will do.
    “Thanks, girl, for saving me back there,” I say.
    She stands. “I’m coming withyou.”
    My heart twists, seeing her panicked expression.
    “Afraid I can’t let you,” Marc says. “The Council doesn’t allow outsiders. Jae Hwa will be the first exception. Ever.”
    “Well,” Michelle huffs. “Who made you her boss?”
    “Not boss,” Marc says. “Protector. And the Council did.”
    I roll my eyes at Marc’s nonsense. “Just humor him, Michelle,” I say. “We both know I’m the real protector. Besides, I can’t let you get hurt. It’s too dangerous.”
    “I’m not an idiot.” She crosses her arms, glaring. “Sure it’s dangerous, but if I hadn’t been back there, snipping away, who knows what would’ve happened. You need me. Ever think about that?”
    I take her hand. “You have to promise you won’t try to get involved. I could never forgive myself if anything happened to you.”
    “And you don’t think I feel the same way?” she huffs. “Fine. But call me when you get home, so I know you’re okay.” Then to Marc, “And you now have my approval to stalk