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My phone rings as we leave, and I answer.
“Hello?” My eyes widen. “Fuck. We’re on our way.”
My heart pounds. I have one shot at this, and I will not fuck it up.
33
Anna
I find Mother sitting in the formal living room. She’s dabbing her eyes with a tissue as I approach. God, I hate this room…
“You came.” Her bottom lip trembles. “Oh, my sweet daughter. I knew you’d come.”
I sit, keeping my bag between us. “You said you didn’t trust Odin. I figured I should come and hear why.”
“Yes, of course.” She wipes at her eyes again. “It’s been so hard discovering that my husband isn’t who he seems.”
“What has he done?”
“He’s trying to kill us, Anna. He won’t be happy until we’re all dead.” Her voice lowers. “He found out that Mother killed his parents.”
I am still. “Grandmama killed his parents? Why?”
“I don’t know. It was so long ago. But Odin found out and is seeking revenge against all of us.” She reaches for my hand. “That’s why he seduced you, Anna. To ruin you.”
If he hadn’t already told me this, I’d be devastated. But I play along.
“Why would he do that?”
“He knew Mother favored you.” She exhales shakily. “When news of this breaks, it’s going to kill her.”
“She already knows.”
Her eyes widen. “What?”
“She caught us.” I peer at her. “She didn’t tell you?”
“No, she didn’t.” She shakes her head. “She probably just wanted to protect me.”
I’d believe her, but the cold, calculating look I’m so familiar with returns in her eyes, confirming my thoughts. She’s lying right now. What’s her game?
“She said she’s going to marry me off. Gabriel Malevolent’s name has been thrown around. I’ll do whatever is asked of me to protect the family, Mother.”
“You’re such a good girl, but I don’t know if Malevolent will be far enough.”
“Far enough?”
“You need to be somewhere safe until this matter is handled.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Not just me. I’ve been reaching out to people. Some are mad that Mother stepped down and didn’t leave the city to them. Others hate the Vilulf Family for their own reasons. All that matters is that both Mother and Odin will be taken care of.”
“You’re going to kill them?”
“Yes.”
I glance at her stomach. “And his child?”
