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The wall of mist thins, and the horrible disorientation releases its hold. Nyx steps out at the edge of the Keep.
“Even under the influence of her curse, he isn’t the type to cause unnecessary bloodshed,” I say, feeling the need to defend him.
Then I wince, remembering what happened with Elise. Although she’d been about to kill me, and my connection to Alaric through the oath bond sparked at that moment.
I know I should make my next move under the assumption his treachery was real… though some foolish part of me is desperate to find a different meaning for his actions.
“What if there was a reason—”
“Don’t do this to yourself,” Oliver says.
I sigh. “All right… Let’s say he tells her everything. She will know it was your pack behind the attack. Even so, I think we could use the spray to our advantage.”
A bone-chilling snarl near the back of my neck sends a shudder through me. “Fuck.”
Anger radiates off him. Though I know he won’t hurt me, it triggers a deeply buried instinct of fear. Even Nyx senses it, her steps faltering before returning to the steady clomping.
“How much of that perfume do you have left?”
“There should be enough for one use on most of the pack… Why?”
“How does it work?” I ask again.
A rumble rises from his chest. “It’s not that I don’t trust you, so please do not take this the wrong way. But it is a closely guarded secret, and you are not part of the pack.”
Thehowis a matter of curiosity rather than a need. Disappointing? Yes. But I can accept that answer.
“Can you get more?”
“I suppose…” he says slowly, suspicion thick in his tone. “It would take a few days.”
“Good.” A plan forms in my mind. “Get as much of it as you can.”
Oliver leans to the side and eyes me with suspicion. “What are you plotting?”
“Exactly how I will kill the queen.”
A ruddy brow arches.
I take a breath and explain. I go over every detail that comes to mind, sharing everything I’ve learned about Elizabeth through experience or observation.
He hums. Considers.
“I will need to discuss this with the pack.” An arm wraps around my shoulders, and Oliver presses the side of his face to mine as he hugs me. “Regardless, you will always have a home with us.”
***
A few hours later, I pace back and forth in the hall. The same two guards from before bar the entrance. Both eye me with clear, unfiltered irritation.
With part of the plan solidified, I put yards between myself and the guards and turn my back on them. I lift Cherno from my shoulder and go over a few details again. “Have them meet me at the eastern edge of the city the morning of the day before—and tell them to find something gold to wear so the wolves will know them.”
The doors open, and Oliver emerges—the pack has come to a decision. I rush over as he walks toward me.
“The dissolution of the oath bond made the choice easy. Without it, there is no stopping Elizabeth from gaining the power she desires.”
I release a breath, the tension in my shoulders melting. I wasn’t entirely sure they would agree.
Oliver takes my arm in his and walks with me. A handful of others join us as we make our way out to the wall of fog.
