I shake my head, a single tear streaming down my face, and she reaches up to wipe it away before she cups my jaw.
“I don’t hate you at all,” she says, kissing me softly.
I kiss her back, my mouth parting on instinct. “I can’t hate you, despite how much I’ve tried.”
She sits on my lap and holds my head, cradling me in herarms. I know we have so much to figure out, but for a moment, I just want to be held by her. To know that she’s safe and here with me.
“We have to warn everyone,” she says after a few minutes of us just basking in the silence together. “They’re coming tonight.”
We exit through the doorway, yelling for all the carnies to meet us in the hall, and quickly make our way to the large big top tent.
Aida, Taryn, Rowan, and Quinn are already there, and the others trickle in until Raph is the last to arrive. Nervous energy permeates the air. My heart is in my throat, and I force myself to swallow it back down.
“Apologies, I wasn’t aware we were having a big get together,” Raph says with a smile, and it pains me to know how soon that smile will be fading.
Everyone takes their seats at the large table, and I nod for Tempest to begin.
“Pack Escalus will be coming here tonight to perform a mass execution when you’re all asleep,” she says, and all eyes lock directly onto her, everyone’s face portraying some level of shock or confusion.
“What?” Leo looks at us in disbelief.
“I know. It’s a long story that I would love to explain in depth another day, but right now we need a plan.”
“A plan forwhat?” Reina asks.
“A plan to take down Pack Escalus,” I start. “We’re going to overthrow Cain, and help Tempest take her place as the next Alpha. It’s the only way to guarantee a treaty between the felion and lupion.”
Tempest gives us an incredibly succinct summary of what her father said to her, and explains some of her theories for his potential reasoning behind these actions in case it’ll help. Everyone gives their opinions as well, and we start to map out a plan.
“I think that Robyn and Quinn should take Una, Po, andNico out of the carnival tonight. Go somewhere else for safety. Maybe Luc’s office?” I suggest.
Gemma nods. “Yeah, I think they need to be removed from the equation.”
Lilian’s leg is shaking, and I empathize with her anxiety. Something feels off. Lilian is usually logical and calm—more collected than this.
I walk over to where she sits and slide in beside her. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you first, but I think I have to just tell everyone,” she says, and then stands. “I know this isn’t the time for this, and that we’ve got to handle the situation at hand, but it feels important to note… I’m pregnant.”
The air is stolen from my lungs.
Everyone in the room gasps. There are excited cheers from Robyn and Quinn. Una hugs her, and all of the fear and nervousness seems to dissipate, even if just for a moment.
All except mine, and the rest of The Devil’s Masquerade.
I squeeze her hand, wanting desperately to be happy for her, but I have to walk away and let her enjoy this moment. It’s going to be brief. Rowan and Leo pat Baelor on the back, and that’s when I notice the deep purple bruises blossoming on Baelor’s face and arms.
Draven and Absinthe stare at me with wide eyes, and Reina looks completely numb. I know we told Draven we’d give him a day, and I know this only further complicates everything, but in this moment, I want to kill Baelor myself.
“Why does The Masquerade look like you all just saw a ghost?” Tempest whispers, leaning up to my ear.
“I will tell you later, but this isn’t good,” I say through gritted teeth. “Fuck.”
“Because of this, I think I should seek refuge with Robyn and Quinn and the others,” Lilian says, and Baelor nods.
“I agree,” Baelor says, and I genuinely want to drown him. Mymagic hums under my skin, but I ignore the itching feeling. It will have to wait another day.
The small group hugs everyone goodbye before exiting the hall and making their way to the economic district. I don’t know what’s going to happen tonight, but I think we’d all rather they be out of harm’s way.
