Another game.
Another way to betray me.
“Like I’d ever trust you to speak on my behalf,” I whispered.
He smiled. “There’s my fiery mate.” His lips went to my ear, his voice dropping to a whisper as he added, “Don’t lose her, Aflora. We have many more trials to dance through together.” His teeth skimmed my throat in a display of Midnight Fae affection before he released me, his eyes glazed with power. “Wish me luck, little rose. I’m about to either exonerate you or ensure your demise. Personally, I hope for the former. It’d be such a loss of talent otherwise.”
He disappeared into a wave of smoke before I could reply, causing me to growl in annoyance at the empty space around me.
Then I focused on the camera. “You’re a bunch of archaic flower petals,” I muttered. “When you’re ready to join me in the present, I’ll give you a statement. Until then, go fluff yourselves.”
I started to pace, my mind rattling with notions of Shade’s intentions. Whatever his goals, they were self-fulfilling at best.
Which meant I needed to be ready for a fight.
Something that would be hard considering my lack of sleep last night—thanks to my jackhole mates.
That was probably why I couldn’t focus enough to unweave the power from my neck. Well, that, and inexperience.
Sighing, I collapsed onto the floor mattress and pounded my fist into the soft material while envisioning three different male faces. They were probably watching me and chuckling, which only made me strike the fabric harder.
They continued to underestimate me.
That would change today.
I lay back on the makeshift bed and closed my eyes.
Time to tackle this collar, I told myself. Once you’re free, they’ll never know what hit them.
Chapter Three
Shade
“Any loss of life is unacceptable. If I can’t be controlled, I should be exterminated.” Aflora’s voice played throughout the Council Chambers, followed by my recorded response.
“That’s a very narrow view, Aflora. What if you could learn control?”
Several snorts replied to that question while I maintained my calm demeanor against the wall, one leg crossed over the other, hands in my pockets. My father wanted me to sit beside him. I’d sooner accept a position in hell.
“I’ve been trying that since I arrived,” Aflora replied, the rest of her sentence altered for the purposes of this meeting. I’d play along only to an extent. Which was why I’d doctored the tape before handing it over.
Convince them you’re playing by the rules, and they’ll give you more freedom.
Not exactly a prophecy, but solid advice. As he had been right about everything thus far, I chose to listen to him. Because now more than ever, I needed the flexibility to blend into the shadows and help Aflora hide the truth.
“Yes, and now you have a support system to rely on.” Another doctored section of the recording, this one easier than the other since it was my response.
“I have no one to rely on.” Aflora sounded so disgruntled. Not that I blamed her. “You never tell me anything of importance. Zeph is the realm’s worst teacher. And Kols hates me. Some support system.”
“Yeah, he’s a shit teacher.” I smirked, just as I had when I originally spoke those words. “But Kols doesn’t hate you, and I tell you important things all the time. You just don’t hear me.”
“Right.”
“Here, I’ll make it better, little rose. Just close your eyes and—” The recording cut off, causing several gazes to swing my way.
I shrugged. “What can I say? She’s a gorgeous woman.” I allowed them to form their own opinions on what had happened next. If they wanted to judge me, I welcomed it. Because that would deflect them all from the truth of what actually occurred after her last word.
When I told her about Kols’s grandfather ordering the slaughter of the Quandary Bloods.