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Corvus huffs out a surprised scoff. For some reason, I just assumed he knew. I assumedeveryoneknew, that it was spreading through the villa like a juicy rumor.
“Far be it for me to defend such a man, but I don’t think that’s Atlas en’Ganivet’s style,” Corvus says.
“How would you fucking know?” I ask. “When we first met, he told me he plans everything. What makes you think he didn’t plan this?”
Before he can answer, the sound of rapid footsteps approaches, and we both quiet down.
Two guards, their faces familiar but their names completely unknown to me, have come to fetch us.
I think I’m probably about to be in a world of trouble in Atlas if these men, who are normally so stoic and composed, look as scared as they do. Luckily, I have a plan. And these men–they’ve pushed me to the edge. And they have no fucking idea how far I can go. So as soon as they’ve surrounded us, I level my eyes at Corvus.
“You’re going to take Shayd into custody,” I say. “Because I just found the rat in your operation—and I want to talk to Atlasright now.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
?
PENN
Everyone goes still, even our breathing slowing to a halt. Corvus’ eyes flash a multitude of colors, settling on a dull shade of pink. His tongue flicks out to lick his lips, and his eyes narrow.
“What the fuck are you doing?” he says.
“You should hurry,” I say, looking at the closest guard. “He’s faster than he lets on.”
In that moment, Corvus lunges to his side, out toward the lake.
We all move.
The guards rally around him, and I sprint after him as he tears through the circle of them. He’s going to get away—and then I won’t have any leverage over the Diavolos, no one to trade for Layla. I curse and pick up speed, knowing I’m no match for Corvus’ long legs.
Then, out of nowhere, a fucking bulldozer flies out of the darkness and plows him over.
Atlas.
He pins Corvus underneath him, Corvus groaning as he starts to convulse. It must be from Atlas’ shield; I’m not sure how it works with his Gift, but I think it amplifies the effect. Corvus jolts again as Atlas holds him down by the arms, then he goes still, the bigger man standing up tall.
It’s easy to forget how big he is when he’s being unassuming and gentle—like he usually is with me. But right now, he looks like the hulking beast he is, shining silver in the moonlight. He runs his hand back through his hair, the superman curl springing out, forever stubborn.
“Explain,” Atlas says with a glare, crossing his arms.
I lift my chin to look at him, to meet his gaze without shame.
This is who I am; it’s time to play my cards. After all…Keon already knows everything.
“He was a traitor,” I say.
“Obviously,” he says. “If he wasn’t a traitor, he wouldn’t have run. WhatI’mwondering is what you were doing out in the dark with him.”
Keon suddenly appears, running out from where Atlas came from a moment ago. He looks from me to Atlas to Corvus, then back at Atlas.
“She was out there because I told her to help me find the rat,” he says. “Like I told you.”
I do a double take. “You told him?”
“A half hour ago,” Atlas says. “Right before we discovered you were missing.”
“It was time,” Keon says. “Although…I have to admit you just gave away your only bargaining chip.”
