Page 96 of Sky’s Edge

I wasn’t fond of his formal tone, but I sat.

I shifted to my second gambit. “Is there anything new on⁠—?”

“I’ve spoken to your father,” he interrupted me to state. “And your mother. Along with being well aware of your own feelings on the matter, I’ve given it some thought and decided to release you from the contract.”

It felt, excruciatingly, like he’d punched me in the throat.

“Please know you’re free to stay here if you wouldn’t feel safe in Nocturn,” he continued. “However, also know I’ll be happy to provide you with a full detail so you can be safe if you choose to go home. That said, I’ve shared this decision with Aleksei, and he’s informed me he’ll have you covered with RS. My assumption is, once it’s clear to whoever is behind this that you and I do not have a future together, the threat will go away, and you can live your life as you see fit.”

I didn’t speak, nor did I even twitch.

“I apologize for putting you through this,” he said emotionlessly. “But rest assured, it’s over. I expect we’ll see each other at official events, considering your relationship with Laura, and should Gayliliel and Cormac mend their rift. I hope it won’t be awkward. But I can promise to avoid you, if that’s what you need.”

I remained very still and utterly silent.

“Will you be staying?” he queried. “Or would you like me to arrange for your return to Night’s Fall?”

“I’ll be going home,” I said through stiff lips.

“As suspected,” he replied immediately and indifferently. “Would you like to return with your parents or⁠—?”

“No, I’d like to be alone. And I’d prefer Aleksei’s detail.”

Was that a mild tightening of his lips I saw?

I didn’t know.

And at that point, I didn’t care.

“It will take some time to arrange the soni-jet,” he remarked.

“I don’t need the soni-jet.”

He nodded. “So be it.”

I didn’t move.

He softened.

Slightly.

“Again, my apologies for putting you through this,” he said quietly.

“Liar,” I replied.

His oh-so-handsome head ticked. “Pardon?”

“You’re a fucking liar.”

His pupils started dilating.

“You lied just now,” I informed him. “And you lied when you told me you saw me. You never fucking saw me.”

“Catla—”

I stood. “Fuck you, Tanyn Firefierce.”

He stood too. “Cat⁠—”