Page 46 of Bonded Chaos

He tsked, still unwilling to concede the reemergence of the Wraith Borne. Despite the passage of time, their attack on the palace had unsettled him in ways I couldn’t fully understand.

“Lord Barrington would like to see a return on his investment,” my father said pointedly. “In two weeks, we will host a ball to celebrate our alliance.”

My gaze flicked to Lord Barrington, and the smugness I saw in his features made me want to strangle him. My shadows pulsed inside my veins as though they agreed.

I didn’t bother to object. Instead, I kept my expression clear of the simmering rage that threatened to burn me.

I hadn’t much cared when their intentions were first revealed to me, save for the fact that I loathed anything that might benefit Lord Barrington. However, with Cadence now in play, I was no longer content to remain… disinterested.

I contemplated murdering both men and ridding myself of the burden they had become, but I quickly dismissed the thought. I had neither the time nor patience for a civil war.

“Is that all?”

My father’s disapproval was evident in the way his nostrils flared and how he pressed his lips into a thin line.

For a moment, the silence was suffocating.

“For now.”

My father’s voice was low and quiet, but I didn’t miss the threat that rang out loud and clear.

I didn’t wait to be dismissed before turning on my heels and striding toward the door. As my palm rested on the doorknob, my father called out behind me.

“And Ryker.”

Warning bells sounded inside my head as my father’s bitter voice settled over me.

“Don’t think I’m unaware of the secrets you keep, Son.”

An icy chill ran down my spine, but I ignored it as I pushed the doors wide and strode from my father’s study.

Riordan had to jog to catch up with my long strides. “I hate to tell you I told you so, Brother, but I did, in fact, tell you so.”

“Not now, Riordan,” I snarled.

“All I’m saying is —”

Riordan slammed his mouth shut as I rounded on him, and he raised his hands in surrender.

I didn’t know what I looked like, but judging by Riordan’s reaction, I was sure that my expression reflected my deadly mood.

“I’ll. Take. Care. Of. It.”

“All right, Ryker,” Riordan placated. “I only mentioned it because I want to help you. I’m not trying to be a dick.”

My brow rose in challenge.

“Fine. I was being a bit of a dick, but can you blame me? Riling you up has always been one of my favorite pastimes.”

Despite myself, I laughed.

“I love you too, Little Brother.”

Riordan screwed up his face.

“What?”

“Whenever you express emotion, your face does this thing, which kind of makes you look like you’re struggling to make a bowel movement,” he said with complete seriousness.

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