“He wouldn’t betray us,” I say. “If he says his mama’s planning this, she is. If he has a way to prevent it, we should listen.”
Grace presses against Sebastian’s side, her blue eyes widening in horror. Sebastian’s green ones close, briefly, before opening with renewed determination.
“All in favor?” Sebastian asks. He doesn’t look around the table, but he doesn’t need to. Within seconds, everyone has agreed.
My brows lift in surprise, but Amelia only scoffs.
“We’re trusting you, Cora, not him,” she says. Then, sliding her attention toward Elliot, she adds, “Though I do trust you too, Elliot. For the record.”
“I don’t,” Beatrice snarls. “But if your plan includes wreaking havoc over the Day Realm, I obviously want in.”
“It’s settled then,” I say, turning to Elliot. “What exactly is the plan?”
“According to Mama’s assistant, she should be at her office until the meeting tomorrow,” he says. “I’ll stop to see her first thing in the morning. I’ll pretend to feel ill. If we’re lucky, she’ll offer to help me home. If she doesn’t take the bait, Secora should be nearby to help transport her by whatever means necessary.”
I close my eyes. Elliot speaks as if he’s talking about a strange enemy, rather than his own mama. He loves her—I know he loves her—and yet, he’s so ready to go against everything she’s ever wanted. Is it because he knows better? Or is all of this because he thinks I’ll demand it.
And wouldn’t you?I can’t help thinking.Wouldn’t you beg him to save your family?
“Where are the rest of us in this little plan of yours?” Beatrice asks.
“Indoors, seeing as it will be mid-afternoon,” Elliot saysdryly. “A few of you can stand guard at my house. You can help us once we arrive. We’ll need to move locations as soon as it’s dark. If you could have backup ready during nightfall, that would be ideal.”
“And then?” Sebastian asks. “How long do you imagine this hostage scenario can last? How long before the council arrives on our doorstep?”
“We wouldn’t need to keep herhere,” Elliot says, balking.
“Where else are you planning to keep a prisoner?” Sebastian counters. “She’ll come here. Just tell me how long she’ll be here.”
“A few weeks at least,” he says. “That should give us enough time to get the sunwalker spell ready. Even if there’s no curing Mama, that will ensure the safety of your species.”
Sebastian and Elliot regard each other for a long moment, and I hold my breath in the painful silence. I’m desperate for something to say, but I can hardly think straight. Every time I feel the ground solidly beneath my feet, the whole world shifts again.
“Very well,” Sebastian says finally. He rises from the table, offering his hand to Grace. “We’ll leave tomorrow at first light.”
29
MY MIND IS STRONG
CORA
Once the meeting ends, I lead Elliot to my quarters. My heart thrums heavier with each step, propelled by unanswered questions.Are you sure you want to do this? Why didn’t you tell me? How does this all end?
I can feel Elliot’s eyes on me as we walk, but I don’t return his gaze until we’ve reached my door. Only then, once we’re closed inside my quarters, do I turn to face him. My mind stalls on the list of questions, but I can’t bring myself to ask a single one. Still, Elliot waits patiently for me to speak. He must have things he wants to say too. He must be shocked by his own mama’s decisions, afraid of what might happen to her now.
And yet, he’s clearly more worried about what’s going throughmymind. It sends an unexpected rush of emotions through me, and before I waste another second, I surge onto my toes, pulling him into a tight hug. I bury my head against his chest, feeling my own stresses fade as he wraps his arms around me.
I pull back, just enough to kiss him, trying desperately to convey everything I’m too afraid to admit out loud.
Thank you.
I missed you, too.
I love you—so much it terrifies me.
I’m the one to finally break the kiss. If we’d gone any longer, I’m confident we wouldn’t pull apart until we were naked and sated in my bed. As appealing as that sounds, there are too many things to do.
“You should have talked to me first,” I say finally. My voice comes out sharp, reprimanding almost. “This…there will be no coming back from this, Elliot.”
