I need to think long term. I need to remember my game plan—make him believe I’m falling for him. I need to get him on my side, so I can use whatever power I gain to help myself and the other humans here. To stay alive, and to not get sent to the barns.
None of that will happen if I keep antagonizing him. And sure, maybe he only cares about keeping me alive because I remind him of the mysterious Kallista. But his reasondoesn’t matter. What matters is using every advantage I can to accomplish my goals.
Besides, hedidsave my life. A few times.
“You’re right that I wouldn’t be alive right now if not for you,” I say, softer now, praying this will work. “Cierra would have killed me just now, but you stopped her.”
“I did.” His expression shifts, the frost along the walls receding slightly.
I’m getting through to him. But the tension is still here.
He doubts me—as he should.
“I don’t forgive you for killing Jake.” I meet his eyes, since he’ll never believe me if I give inthateasily. “But because you stepped in with Cierra, I’m still alive. That’s not something I’ll forget.”
He studies me, and I have a feeling that I blew it. He’s seeing through my act.
Why did I think I could trick a fae who’s been alive for far longer than I can likely even process?
“You’re learning,” he says instead, approval creeping into his tone.
Surprise rushes through me. But I can’t let him see it. I can’t let him think he’s shaken me more than he already has.
“I am.” I meet his gaze steadily, even though my heart is racing. “And I don’t want to die here. I want to survive. Tothrive,”I add, reminding myself of Aurora’s words from yesterday.
He nods in approval, the air around us warming. “Your shock this morning was understandable,” he says, and when he steps closer, I don’t back away. “But you’re adapting faster than most.”
The space between us crackles with tension—different from before. Less angry, and morecharged.
This can be a turning point.
And I’m going to use it.
“Does this mean you still want Victoria for breakfast?” I ask, doing everything I can to keep myself from shaking.
His lips curve into that dangerous smirk I’m beginning to know all too well. “No,” he says, and suddenly, I can breathe again. “I think you’ll do just fine.”
