Page 137 of Bonded Chaos

Shadows swirled at Ryker’s feet, thick and menacing, as they slowly climbed up his body. He didn’t seem to realize that his hold on his power was slipping.

His entire focus was locked on me.

“You lied to me,” he growled.

His voice was low, and it was edged with some emotion I couldn’t discern.

“Last night, you sat here and agreed we’d keep no more secrets from each other.”

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to meet his gaze.

“I agreed to nothing, Ryker, and I didn’t lie.”

The words sounded weak, even to my ears.

Ryker chuckled, but there was no humor in it. His expression darkened, and he curled his lip in a sneer.

“What was it you said to me, Cadence?” he mused. “A lie by omission is still a lie.”

The venom in his tone made my chest tighten.

“Yet, you wove the greatest deception of all.”

He glanced at the dead man, then at me, his gaze heavy with condemnation.

My spine stiffened as outrage and defiance rose within me. I kept my secret because I knew if it got out, I would be killed without question. Our situation was not the same.

“I owe you nothing, Ryker,” I snarled.

My blood pounded in my veins as my anger anchored me.

“Try again, Cadence.”

“You think just because you made promises to me after you did something unforgivable that I’m supposed to give in and share every secret of my own?”

“Yes!”

“Then you’re delusional.” My chest heaved as I glared at him, and he glared right back.

“You are responsible for the near eradication of the Wraith Borne,” I spat. “You’re the last person I would ever confide in.”

For the briefest moment, hurt flickered across Ryker’s face, but he quickly schooled his features.

“And I’d do it again.”

His words were sharper than any blade, and I flinched despite myself.

“So, you admit to massacring my family,” I said, as I built a wall around my heart.

“What are you talking about, Cadence? Your family is very much alive last I checked.”

“I’m talking about my parents.”

“Again, they’re safe and well in the Seelie Kingdom.”

“They’re not my parents,” I murmured.

“Cut the bullshit, Cadence, and tell me what the fuck you’re talking about.”

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