That stops my fury cold. “What?”
I was expecting a fight.
I was preparing to hit below the belt to make sure he knows just how misplaced his judgement was.
I was not expecting…agreement?
“She’s...” Kai runs a hand through his silky black hair in open distress. “Mal is out of control. I remembered her as a child, as one reveres an older sibling, but I see now how she’s lost it.”
“We stayed in town after the wedding,” Cinder says, “to investigate the rise in vampire activity in Boston. She came to the Common World when she was first exiled, but she settled on the East Coast a few years ago. You’re right, she’s been turning people into vampires and thralling them into doing her bidding.”
“Which would be abducting mages and sucking them dry to absorb their magic powers,” I inform them as I cross my arms.
Even the implacable Cinder reacts to that.
“W-we didn’t know,” she says, looking between me and Kai even as his expression hardens. “The power to thrall is a trait of the royals, but absorbing mage powers through blood…”
“Isn’t that what happened with you?” Ariel points out. “You both can walk in the sunlight, but that happened after Kai drank your blood, and you have mage powers.”
The couple studies each other, exchanging some silent communication.
“That is what happened,” Kai says slowly. “I can’t believe she’d do this. She’s turning people, using them, draining mages, cursing babies.” He swings an arm in my direction. “She’s practically become our father.” Something dark flashes in his eyes as his jaw tightens.
Kai turns to me. “I’m sorry about what I said before. I’ll do whatever it takes to help you.”
I step back. “I don’t want your help.”
Cinder encircles Kai’s arm in her hands, leveling me with a look of resolve. “Well, you’ve got it anyway. Mal can thrall others, butIcan break that power."
“Blood magic,” Snow murmurs somewhere behind Cinder with what sounds like new respect.
“I won’t let our kingdoms go to war,” Kai continues. “The Midnight Realm will do everything to aide the Rosari princess and the Realm of Roses.” With that, he bows to me.
I swallow back the myriad of feelings that have stuck in my throat like a toxic lump.
“Thank you,” I say through numb lips. My royal upbringing kicks in, and I know I will do whatever it takes to stop her from hurting the Rosari Kingdom and my parents.
Oh fae lords.I rub my forehead. “My parents, I need to warn them.”
“And tell them what?” Ariel asks. “You don’t know what Mal’s planning.”
My lips thin. “I don’t, but I have to tell them she’s coming for them. And that she’s gorged herself on Talon’s blood.”
“Oh.” Snow perks up. “Are you gonna use that courier system between Realms?”
I sigh, my shoulders sagging. “I was actually hoping you would let me borrow your phone.” I hold out my palm to her.
Snow’s brows scrunch together. “But the Realm of Roses is like Midnight, isn’t it? No tech allowed?”
Kai and I exchange a look.
“Tech was forbidden in Midnight when my father ruled,” Kai clarifies. “That has changed, though I doubt it will become popular anytime soon. But it isverynice that I don’t have to smuggle batteries in using my various cavities anymore.” He grins.
“The Rosari can have tech, they just prefer not to,” I say as Snow puts the cold device in my hand. I’ve rarely used one of these, but I remember my training.
“What does Talon like to eat so I can order food?” Kai asks quietly.
“I’ve got this,” Snow announces, throwing an arm around Kai steering him away. “Have you had the pleasure of frequenting a fine dining establishment called The Salty Bastard?”
