Page 144 of Wings of Destruction

“I was searching you out, cousin,” Tristan says with sincerity. “I thought you should be the first to know that General Ryson is planning on setting siege to Northshore.”

I say nothing.

Without warning, Tristan smiles and to my credit, I don’t falter.

“You look unsurprised.”

I’m tired. Too tired to allow this conversation to go on for much longer. Tristan will burrow under my skin the way he always does and rattle me to the point where I let something slip.

For half a heartbeat, I marvel at the differences in my cousin. We’d been boys together but he’d grown into the type of man who felt comfortable murdering innocent people because his uncle gave him the go ahead. What kind of person would he have become if things were different?

We’re close enough in looks and attitude for us to have been closer than any true siblings.

As it is, I’m in for a brutal death at his hands if he catches a whiff of my plans.

“Why Northshore?” I ask.

“There’s been rumors that a resistance is banding together in an attempt to overthrow the King. We’re merely investigating.”

“With an entire contingent? Surely that’s not necessary.” My eyes widen.

Tristan meets them with the sharp edge of his anger deepening the shade of blue we both share. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to anything violent but you never know. Anyone who is serious enough about their endeavor won’t hesitate to attack us even when we talk about peace.”

Peace is a joke coming from Tristan, or my father.

My lips thin into a stern line. “When do we leave?”

“It could take weeks to rally the troops but we’re hoping to leave within a few days. You’ll be staying here, of course.”

“Of course,” I repeat, sounding tired even to me.

Tristan’s gaze flashes in an outward sign of his frustration, he’d hoped to gloat. That’s what this is about. He’d sought me out for the simple pleasure of reminding me of how much more important he is.

“Listen, we’ll have to discuss this later.” I go for calm, rational, when my insides quiver uncertainly. “Right now, I’m busy.”

I almost smile.

“Sure. There’s a lot for us to discuss later. Isn’t there, Kieran?” Tristan takes a measured step toward me. “It’s a shame we never talk anymore.”

My leathers constrict suddenly like they’re trying to choke me. Nerves. The eerie way Tristan watches me like he’s peeling apart every layer I’ve put in place to hide my real intentions.

I drag a hand down my face.

“A real shame,” I echo.

It’s not wise to alienate Tristan but to willingly insert myself in a conversation with him⁠—

Inspiration hits in a flash. I know where Morgan is.

With Tristan watching my back, I turn and take off toward one of the classrooms now emptied for dinner. Is the girl predictable? Or am I getting better at reading her?

Either way, a lightness steals over my dark thoughts.

Thirty

Morgan

I’m rattled.