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“Who?” I ask, placing my fork on my plate and casting my gaze around the table. I notice how the Numbers are quieter than usual. There is very little conversation going on and the atmosphere is tense. “Who?” I repeat, catching Six’s eye. She looks away quickly.
“Zero of course. She hasn’t attended any of the rehearsals since—”
“She’s recovering right now.”
“Recovering?” One questions, a little louder this time. Her voice draws the attention of Konrad, as well as the closest Numbers, Five, Six, Eight and Two.
“Yes, recovering,” I reiterate, raising my own voice so everyone can hear.
“Jakub,” Konrad warns, his gaze snapping to mine. Like me, he’s barely touched his food. I ignore his concern and address the room.
“I want to put a few rumours to rest, right here and now. Firstly, Nothing had a reaction to the drug she was given the night of the show. She is recovering well. Thirteen is taking care of her.” There’s an audible sigh of relief from Three, Six and Seven. Konrad catches my gaze and a look passes between us. It’s clear who her allies are in the group. Noted. “Secondly, I want to squash any rumours about the legend of The Weeping Tree. Trees do not bleed.Humansbleed, and if I hear one more conversation about what happened from any of you I will ensure you experience just how much blood a person can lose before the heart stops beating, but in case you’re curious it’s about forty percent.”
The only Numbers who don’t react in some way to my threat are One and Five. One because she thinks she’s indispensable and Five because she knows she is.
“The staff like to gossip,” One says, resting her fingers on my forearm. I grit my teeth, glaring at her hand. She removes it, folding her hands in her lap.
“Nala!”
“Yes, Sir,” she replies, stepping out of the shadows and quickly moving to my side.
“Inform Renard of this conversation. Tell him to make it clear to every staff member that we will not tolerate idol gossip. No one is indispensable.” Nala nods, her lips wobbling at the mention of her grandfather’s name. “What is it?” I ask.
“Grandfather is unwell,” she whispers.
“What do you mean he’s unwell?” Konrad snaps, shifting in his seat so he can get a better look at her.
“He didn’t want to concern you.”
“Is Thirteen aware?” he asks.
“She knows, but Grandfather didn’t want me to worry her further because she’s been dealing with—”
“Go with Nala to fetch Thirteen, and take her to Renard. She’s needed,” I instruct Konrad, cutting her off.
“Leave this with me,” Konrad says, giving me a look that only I can interpret before pushing back his chair and gripping Nala’s elbow.
He’s worried. Renard has been getting frail as of late. We’ve all noticed it, but have refused to acknowledge it. This is another problem we don’t need right now. Renard knows everything about us, about Ardelby Castle and how to ensure everything runs smoothly. He stepped in as a carer when we were boys, and he took Nala under his wing when we asked him to. He knowseverything...
Fuck!
Could he be the person who leaked information to The Deana-dhe? Could he be the one who’s betrayed us? I watch Konrad and Nala leave, a weird kind of ache expanding in my chest whilst nausea churns my stomach at the thought.
“Master?” Three says gently, pulling my attention back to her. The look she’s giving me is one of both kindness and pity. It makes my throat tighten. “Are you okay?”
“Why the fuck wouldn’t I be?” I ask, my voice low, lethal.
She blanches. Next to her Seven takes her hand, squeezing it. “She didn’t mean to speak out of turn, Master,” he says urgently. “It won’t happen again.”
I look between the two of them, a sudden burst of rage ripping through my chest as thoughts of betrayal, kindness, pity, fuckinglovebombard me. I need those feelings gone. I need a distraction. I need pain, and if my own isn’t enough to do the job, then I’ll take someone else's.
Three should never have opened her goddamn mouth.
“Fuck her,” I demand glaring at Seven.
“What?”
“I said,fuck her. Do it. Now.”
