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I shrug. “I wouldn’t know about that.”
“Yes. I’m sure you’re not enjoying yourself.”
This is one of those times that I’m glad that I’m human. I can lie my ass off. “Having a ball. Sending me here is the best thing you could’ve done for me. Thanks.”
Veron winces. Is it because of my tone? Or the way I spat thanks at him like that? Rys hates it so I figured the Seelie lord would, too.
Bulls-eye.
“There’s a reason for my call. I paid a hefty sum for you, Elle. I’d rather not lose my investment.”
Yup. Because that’s all I am. An investment.
As if I wanted the reminder that he bought me at an auction. Technically, he owns me.
Technically, he’s a dick.
“I’m sure you’ve had time to think over my proposition. I’ve called on you to see if you’ve changed your mind. Stop this charade right now and I’ll see to it that you never set foot in a cell again. You can leave Siúcra this instant.”
“What?” I’m so surprised, I drop my flippant attitude. “I was told there was no way out.”
“For a prisoner,” Veron confirms. “If I withdraw my claim, you’d be as innocent at the guards. You could walk right out of Siúcra—”
I see where this is going.
“—and walk right into your room, right?”
Veron doesn’t even look a little bit ashamed.
“Yes. That’s my offer. You can come home with me. Or you can stay in Siúcra.” Veron gestures behind me. “With him.”
I don’t have to turn around to know that Dusk is standing there.
I swallow roughly, then shake my head. “I don’t want you to touch me. I’ll stay right where I am.”
“So be it.” The mirror flickers. It doesn’t do much to hide the fury mixed with disappointment that twists Veron’s expression. “You’ve made your choice, Elle.”
I guess I did.
Veron or Dusk. Not much of a choice, but there it is. I didn’t really see it like that, but from the way the Unseelie guard is humming as he unshackles me from the table and orders me to my feet, I doubt he’d agree with me.
When I get back to our wing, Dusk leads me right to my cell. My new cell, the one I share with Rys.
My old cell? There’s no one in it yet. I’m pretty much convinced that Dusk’s reasons for putting me in with Rys are bullshit. Maybe a new prisoner’s coming eventually, just not yet. Sticking me in here with Rys is for his sicko amusement.
Only… my new cell is empty, too.
“Where’s Rys?”
“He didn’t move fast enough when I told him to step aside. In Siúcra, there are penalties for not doing what you’re told. You’ll l
earn that before long, Elle.”
It’s in the way he says my name. Possessive and sure, so different than the sneering way the other fae call me human.
Oh, boy.
I’m in trouble.
