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“This malejust saved about every Uprising member in Vyssini. I’ve made myself a fucking outlaw and executed 20 of her soldiers to join your cause.”
Nakoa studied him for several moments, no doubt consulting with his Knowingness again, before he finally gave me a short nod, prompting me to explain the devised plan. Better from my mouth than Nakoa’s.
As I walked him through it, his brows dipped and leapt as tough oscillating back and forth between shock and frustration.
When I finished, Malekai shook his hand, huffing a mirthless laugh.
“No.”
Nakoa bared his teeth. “In case you hadn’t noticed, you’re in no position of power to dictate what we do or don’t do. If you’re a part of this cause, you will fuckingcooperatewith all of us. I may be the leader of The Uprising, but this is not a dictatorship, and this is what weallhave agreed upon. Mareina is highly capable. I have no doubt that she will have no difficulty executing Zurie. We have the element of surprise on our side. Not to mention, not only have I seen the visions, but we have two seers who can also affirm this plan will work?—
Malekai shook his head in disbelief. “I don’t give a fuck about what psychic powers have‘affirmed’this insane plan will work. There is always room for error and chaos. And you are not sending Mareina and,” Malekai all but shouted, briefly gesturing to Vesper, “Anunknownthat is probably conspiring to murder her, into what will inevitably become a fight to the death with Zurie,who is potentially one of the most powerful fae in all of Atratus.Is that really how you plan to protect your fuckingsoulbound?—
Nakoa moved so swiftly that he was a blur as he lunged for Malekai, tackling him to the ground. Shouts erupted from Val and Famei. Lokus cackled with laughter as the coffee table they crash-landed on gave out from underneath them.
Gods…
“I made that table with me bare fuckin’ hands, ya cunts!” Val cried in a voice that sounded like a clap of thunder, swiping a palm over his rugged face.
I growled, drawing in a deep breath before shifting to pull Nakoa away just as Rayne stepped in front of me, shaking his head in warning.
“If you want them to be friends, let them fight it out.”
I had spent more than enough time in a testosterone-fueled environment to know the truth in his words.
I peered around from Rayne to find Malekai having pinned Nakoa to the ground. My heart gave a painful squeeze having to watch the two people I cared for most in this world beating each other to a pulp.
“He’s right, lass,” Val begrudgingly agreed, eyes darting to see what exactly they would destroy next before leaping forward to collect his breakables.
I watched as Malekai jabbed just for Nakoa to dodge, making Malekai punch the solid wood floor so hard that I distinctly heard woodandbone crack. Malekai growled through his bared teeth as Nakoa dodged, expecting a blow to come from Malekai’s other hand. Malekai, being a seasoned warrior, knew Nakoa would anticipate this and jabbed with his broken hand. The tactic worked, and thecrunchingsound when Malekai’s fist connected with Nakoa’s face made my guts churn in empathy. Blood splattered from underneath Malekai’s fist just as Nakoa gripped the front of Malekai’s fighting leathers and yanked him down, rolling, pinning him to the ground and landing a bone-crunching punch before Malekai rolled them again?—
Lokus stepped in front of me, whispering conspiratorially, with Pomona and Famei close behind. “Fancy a wager on who wins?”
I couldn’t help but huff a dry laugh, grateful for the first time for Lokus’ mischievous nature. “No… I don’t…” Lokus looked me up and down, disappointment lacing his smirk as he turned to Rayne, Pomona, and Famei.
“50 silvers on the blonde fucker,” Lokus announced confidently.
I gasped, making him toss me an admonishing look. “What?Nakoa’s kicked my ass too many fuckin’ times for me not to bet against him. Plus, your friend over there looks like he’d rather die than submit. Gotta admire that kinda tenacity.”
Pomona narrowed her eyes at him for a moment before grinning.
“I’ll raise you an extra 50 for Koa.”
Famei and Rayne exchanged looks as Vesper observed all of this with interest.
Another loud crash landed, followed by another thunderous plea from Val. “Not ma plants! Ma poor bloody plants!”
Rayne glanced between Lokus and the bloody, shifting mass of bronzed muscle tumbling across Val’s living room.
“Fine. 100 silvers on, Nakoa…”
Famei grinned at Pomona. “100 silvers on your fae friend.”
Pomona gasped in surprise, unable to suppress her grin.
“You traitor!”
Famei beamed all the brighter. “What are you gonna do for me if I win, hm?”
