Page 88 of The Darkness Within Us

Also in dark ink is a new name that’s been added, written sideways along the margins because there’s no more room.

ZOSIMO BARLAS

My body goes hot all over.

Eryx added this name last night. After the earl mistreated me. Even though Eryx broke the man’s wrist. He said it wasn’t enough.

Clearly, he meant it.

And I feel light, as though I could float. I feel my heart surge as though it is growing. Those butterflies flutter in my chest as I think of the man who wants to protect me, even though he’s so desperate to be rid of me.

And then my eyes finally reach the very bottom of the list to take in the last name.

KALLIAS MAHERAS

I start laughing uncontrollably.

So much is finally coming together. The reason why Eryx was so opposed to me being in the house with him. The reason why he wasn’t sleeping in the duke’s chambers. The way he so readily agreed to attend the wedding with me.

He needed the title of duke to get close enough to these men. So he could end them. He ran off at the wedding so he could dispatch the general. Argus and Dyson are burying his body somewhere, hoping it won’t be found.

And Eryx has only two names to go if I exclude Barlas. Sarkis, who, for some reason, has evaded Eryx all this time despite his abilities, andthe king.

Just how does he expect to get away with the last one? And who’s going to rule the country after that?

Well, Alessandra would, but she and the king have no heirs. There wouldn’t be anyone to pass the kingdom on to. Not to mention the huge target on Alessandra’s back without Kallias around to protect her.

I’m not really concerned for my sister. She can clearly handle herself. I’m not even too upset at the thought of the king dying.

It’s Eryx’s arrogance. What the hell does he think he’s doing? He can’t get away with this. This is stupid and ridiculous. And why? What have all these men possibly done to him? He’s only been in town for a few months!

It must have something to do with Eryx’s time in the army. What other connection could the general have possibly had to Eryx? And Kallias controls the army, so that must be the connection between all the men.

Still, I memorize the name Orestes Sarkis. I will have Kyros run the name by Mr. Tomaras for further investigation. Maybe he can find the exact connection to Eryx.

Then I pick up my skirts and head back out the way I came. I’ve no desire to be caught, and I have much to think about.

IMAKE MYSELF COMFORTABLEin the flower garden, where I have a clear view of the woods, and wait. For once, they don’t disappoint me.

Approximately three hours later, the world’s dumbest trio emerges.

They’re streaked with dirt and blood and devils know what else. Eryx single-handedly drags a large buck behind him, its eyes closed in death.

“We’re having venison for supper!” Eryx calls out as they approach, then veers for the kitchens.

“It’s a good cover story,” I praise. “You’re finally getting good at the whole ‘deception’ thing. When you’re finished cleaning the general’s blood off you, don’t forget we have our first monster training session.”

Argus mutters a very naughty word, and Dyson exclaims, “How! How does she know that?”

Eryx smacks Dyson’s chest, warning him to be quiet.

“When are you idiots going to realize that I’m an asset to you? You’d be smart to keep me close, rather than try to shut me out of your schemes. And before you suggest killing me again, Argus, I’ve informed my sister that if anything happens to me, you’re the first person she should question.”

It’s a bald-faced lie, but it shuts the man up.

“What do you want now, Chrysantha?” Eryx asks, his face calm.

“I’m not threatening you. Believe it or not, everything I do is not a ploy. I merely wanted to offer a suggestion.”

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