Page 93 of Death Game: Supernatural Battle

I pried his fingers away, nodding to show I understood his warning. “Before I tell you what I know, a deal must be negotiated to protect the human witness from being harmed or controlled in any way.”

Safina pulled out her phone. “Father will want to handle this.”

Kyros held up a hand, and she paused.

He held my gaze. “How long have you known?”

I tilted my chin. “One week.”

His jaw clenched, but I didn’t offer any excuses. I’d already expressed my concerns by opening the negotiation for Sandra’s safety.

Kyros watched me. “King Julius will want to speak to you personally. Are you ready for that?”

Nope.

“Yes.” I hesitated. “There’s more to say when we get out there though.”

TheSundulusroyals turned to face me, their faces smoothing, gazes sharp.

I imagined that was the nicest expression I’d encounter once they heard the truth.

Standing, I collected my tablet and handed it to Kyros as I passed him at the door. The siblings filed out after me from youngest to eldest, Kyros taking the rear.

“The announcement will be late tonight,” he announced to the packed Level 66. “Stand by.”

No one made a peep.

I weaved through the monitors, setting my mind on what needed to be done.

Keep Sandra safe. Get rid of your guilt. Protect Kyros and his family.

Just thinking of the pending emotional freedom was a relief. They’d be angry beyond measure—my life would certainly be threatened. This was one situation where I could need Kyros’s protection from his father, but I was bringing them a trump card.Thekey to putting themselves back in the game. That had to count for something.

We took the elevator down to the garage in two lots, and I felt the eyes of Francesca, Lalitta, Lionel, and Neelan on me.

I made to follow them into one of the waiting SUVs, but Lionel stopped me, pointing to Kyros’s car.

“He’ll want to ride with you,” he said quietly, avoiding my gaze.

Lionel didn’t want to look at me?Ouch.

Safina, Gerome, Dierdre, and Rory filed into the second SUV, and Kyros took my hand, leading me to his car.

He was still holding my hand even though he had to feel the guilt, anxiety, and fear coursing through me. I wasn’t sure if I’d been more grateful to him than in that moment. I smiled at him, but he didn’t return the gesture, dropping my hand to enter the driver’s door.

Tuning in to his mood, I found fear to be the predominant emotion. Fear about his father’s reaction or what I’d done?

Kyros navigated out of the garage and drove in the direction of his parents’ mansion. I listened in on his mood as the minutes ticked by, respecting his desire not to speak.

He broke the tension. “The trip to Frankton Gorge?”

“Yes,” I answered.

His hands gripped the wheel. “Is there other information you’ve withheld?”

Where do I begin?“Yes.”

Kyros indicated, pulling over on the freeway shoulder. He breathed hard, eyes closed.

---