Page 23 (1/2)

To hs Her crossbow rests in her lap I watch for any twitch that ht indicate she’s about to use it, but she appears 100 percent relaxed in her position beneath the

"Let theo, Aren," she says with a smile "Your nalkinshom is responsible for what happens to her"

Well, shit If Lena’s willing to letthe truth These hu me But then, I have Tom He’ll tell the

"Shoot the to sit up Naito shoves hi et "If you want your sister to live, you’ll let o"

It’s too quiet while I wait for Sethan’s response, and gravity seeht little by little untilit trained on Lena’s chest

"Very well," Sethan says "Naito"

When Naito moves, my eyes flicker to Tom My mistake The moment I look away from Lena, Aren darts forward He knocks the pistol froisters he’s ainst the wall My arht between my sweat-soaked slip and his silver-dusted chest As his edarratae leap into me, I use my free hand to try to push him away, but rip on ly difficult to keep alive," he says, his voice low, his eyes burning inches from mine "Stay here Do not o He returns to To at me with more than a little disappointment I don’t blame him

"Sorry," I mouth

"Never hesitate," he says "If you have another opportunity, you take it"

Naito retrieves the gun off the floor, flicks the safety back on, then stuffs it deep into the pocket of his jeans "She won’t have another opportunity"

Toood eye

"Kill these demons, Naito Kill them and your father will let you come home"

The corner of Naito’s mouth quirks up into a mirthless smile "I think I’ll pass"

"We outnumber you We can wait you out Your fae can’t fissure away for food or help They’re going to die here Don’t waste your life"

Naito turns his attention to Sethan "You think they’re working with the Court?"

"I think the Court is using them to find McKenzie," Sethan says "Atroth would rather have her killed than risk her helping us"

"Atroth knows I’ll never help you," I say Aren throarning look my way, but I haven’t moved an inch from where he ordered me to stay

"You’re mistaken" Sethan’s words are punctuated by a rumble of thunder His statement is so matter-of-fact I can’t come up with a response A tiny kernel of doubt chips away at my faith

"I’ll make a deal," Tom says I’m relieved when all eyes turn back to hiht let soo The women maybe"

Naito snorts "Clemency from my father? I’m not a child anymore, Tom I knohat kind ofblood from his nose and mouth across his cheek "But what kind of irl and the hu this fight and your father won’t have any choice but to kill all of you"