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“And that’s why Olivia, your best female warrior, isn’t allowed inside your treehouse?” She folded her arms across her chest and narrowed her eyes, the ser and an awareness I couldn’t—wouldn’t—admit It was like the air itself had picked up on the tension and was preparing for fight or flight
“Olivia has always been and will always be Avianna’s bodyguard The position itself is ly to Avi Would she swear into our order, her allegiance would be to Alek first, the race second, and then her friend I wouldn’t expect a witch from a matriarchal power structure to understand” I shook my head “This is e don’t allow cross-species relationships”
“Because vaynists ould rather see their princess tucked safely into bed with a lollipop than let her spy for her people? A war is co, Benny-boo If not from the Sons, then from this new threat You know it I know it”
“So you support her asinine decision to stay in danger?” My jaw ticked and I pushed off the dresser
“I support ht, and I’d support her choice if she wanted to corooht to self-determination and a say in what she does with her life!” The ends of her lavender hair began to rise as though static had filled the room, but I knew better She was pissed
“Sounds like you’re not really talking about Avi anymore, Jocelyn,” I said softly That kind of passion came from another motivation—a more personal one My brow puckered in confusion Was the heir to the witch thronediscontent with her path?
Her eyes widened slightly and her hair rose higher, co level with her chin
A knock sounded at the door
“I’ll get it” I yanked the handle open a little too hard and found Alek on the other side, worry etched into every line of his face “My king”
He looked pastfrom mine to hers “Someone pissed off a witch,” he ht be able to throw purple bolts of die-now-you-scu ere
“Every fucking day,” I mumbled
A quick, sain “May I enter?”
“Sure” She shrugged, her hair still flying on an absent breeze
“I wanted to be sure you’re okay hat I’ve asked of you,” Alek said to Jocelyn as he stepped inside her roo is”
“Weird,” I offered
“Weird,” Alek agreed
“I’ “If one—or ainstho Benny here with me”
“Benny?” Alek mouthed at me