“It’s the most logical thing to do.” I shrugged.
“Why do you say that?” Wells asked, his expression was calculated like he’d actually consider it if I gave a good enough reason.
“If he still believes Scottie and I are the key to the prophecy, it will give you guys the upper hand. He’ll think he won, and in turn, he’ll put his defenses down, giving a clear way for you to attack.”
“That still doesn’t answer whyyouwant to hand yourself in. Last I checked, you didn’t care about what we’re doing here,” the princess challenged.
I gritted my teeth. I wanted my fucking brother back unharmed, but I didn’t feel the need to explain that to everyone. I’d hand myself over as long as he went free. I shrugged, trying to act like I didn’t give a shit, even though I was dying on the inside. “You said it yourself, princess, I’m a dead man the moment I step out of this camp. Everyone is going to try to kill me, so why delay the inevitable?”
“Hewillkill you, though. He won’t put you back into the prison knowing you escaped before. You’ll be dead before you even see your family,” Savannah said, shifting in her chair. I turned to look at her, surprised she knew what I really wanted. “That’s why you want to turn yourself in, right? You want to save your mother and brother.”
“Shit.” Tezya blew out a breath. “Sie, listen to me. Handing yourself over won’t give you what you want. And it won’t stop him from killing them. It was a bluff. He wants you to do just that. And if you do, you’d be playing right into—”
“What do you expect me to do then? Nothing?”
“No,” Tezya said, running his fingers through his hair. “We’ll get your mother and…brotherback.” My eyes narrowed at how he choked over the word.
“If the King has them, they’re already dead,” Dovelyn said, this time her voice was a tad softer. “We need to be realistic about this.”
Tezya ignored her, looking right at me. “After we make the trade in the morning, we’ll question my brother for information. Arcane will know where the King is keeping them, and I’ll help you get them back myself. He won’t kill them right away.”
“Whoa. Hold up. You still want to rescue Scotlind?” Savannah balked.
Tezya curled his fist,encompassing his scar with Scottie. I looked down at my own hand, at my own scar. I tried not to think about her, about how she just stood there and did nothing. My father was a dick to her. I didn’t expect any sympathy from her when he died, but Moli saved her life. She helped Scottie and me after we came back from the warehouse. She risked her life to heal us, and she just watched her die with no emotion on her face.
Deep down, I knew she couldn’t have done anything to stop it. It wouldn’t have made a difference, but fuck, if it didn’t hurt like hell to watch her just stand there and do nothing. She didn’t even flinch as theydrownedMoli. Drowned her—she knew what that felt like. Kole tried to do the same thing to her. I was forced to relive her drowning in that tub every night in my dreams.
As long as Greyland doesn’t die.That’s all that matters now. He can’t be in my nightmares too. He just can’t.
“Why wouldn’t we make the trade, Sav?” Tezya fumed, his voice threatening.
“I’m just questioning if this girl is worth risking my brother’s life. She did absolutely nothing during the broadcast if you hadn’t noticed. And now, Sie’s the most wanted person dead or alive.”
I met her gaze, surprised by her balls to challenge the Fire Prince and surprised that someone else noticed the same thing I did about Scottie.
“She didn’t have a choice. She’s their prisoner—”
“Prisoner? Tezya, she wasn’t chained. Absolutely nothing was forcing her to stand there. She looked like an untouched goddess. She wasn’t injured or harmed or anything. She didn’t even blink when—”
“Athler was controlling her,” he interjected. “The King’s second. He can alter and change someone’s pheromones. He uses it to control people.” Tezya turned from Savannah to face me. “It’s what happened during the annual meeting with Tennebris. It’s why Scottie and I were all over each other the day you came. We didn’t have a choice. We couldn’t help it. He was controlling us, just as he was controlling Scottie during the broadcast. It’s why she wasn’t reacting.”
“Could have fooled me,” Savannah contested as she slumped further into her seat, bringing her left leg up onto the chair and cradling it to her chest.
“It’s true,” Dovelyn said, “about Athler. He most likely was controlling her.”
I hadn’t thought of that. I knew the King had a second in command and that he was powerful, but he rarely made himself seen.
“I’m getting her back,” Tezya said after a moment of silence. “If anyone wants to back out, that’s fine, but tell me now. I won’t force anyone to be there tomorrow. But I’m going.”
Wells spoke first, “Count me in.”
Savannah rolled her eyes but didn’t protest.
“I’ll help,” Dovelyn said. “I think it’s the most logical thing to do. If we can capture Arcane in the process, it’ll stop my father from creating more serums and vapors that’d only be used against us. It’s a strategic move besides your feelings for her.”
“I want Scottie back too,” Peter said. “I’m in.”
Kallon and Rainer both nodded in agreement before Tezya turned to me. I was the only one who didn’t give my answer.
