Page 187 of A Flame of the Phoenix

“Come with me, please.”

It was the plea that dissolved her ire just a little for how out of character it was.

“What’s happening?”

“Run away with me.”

That statement hit her like a blast of her own lightning, so much so she couldn’t respond right away, blinking as if she could still be asleep. Then she laughed—the only logical thing that came to mind, because he had to be joking.

His expression never changed.

“I’m serious. We can leave and never look back. They won’t find us, I promise.”

“You can’t be serious. That…that’s ridiculous.”

“Why?”

“Because I hate you. And you hate me.”

“Hatred is a bright form of passion.”

“Tell me what’s happening,” she demanded.

He’d lost his mind. At that thought, Zaiana blanched, backing away from him.

Could Marvellas be manipulating him right now? Could she have caught on to how much Zaiana had figured out, knowing she was coming for her, and was trying another trick with Maverick like she had with Finnian?

Or worse, had Maverick gone to Marvellas with all Zaiana had told him of her suspicions? She’d been a fool to trust him, but she was not backing away now. Not running away.

“She’ll kill you, Zaiana.”

“For what?”

“If you go against her now?—”

Zaiana pushed past him, but he grabbed her wrist. Hers lashed over his, twisting and crouching, with a cry from the effort. He was thrown over her shoulder, and she seethed down at him.

“Don’t try to stop me,” she warned.

Zaiana was too far gone in her need for retribution. Even if it killed her.

“It’s a full moon. She hasn’t been keeping Faythe and her commander for no reason with no action. She’s been waiting.”

It registered in Zaiana immediately. She was going to Transition Faythe? Of course. A royal. But why would Maverick be so concerned about that?

“She got herself caught knowing that was a risk.”

Zaiana pushed off him, and Maverick stood, still blocking her way. Her fists clamped against the tremors of her temper.

“It requires afaesacrifice.”

That was when she understood. With a claw of panic in her chest and a siren blaring louder than ever…she understood.

“You’re too volatile right now.” He tried to grab her again, and they fought, slamming each other into the walls. He tried to restrain her, but she was lost under waves of anxiety that he was preventing her from interfering.

“So help me, Maverick, I will kill you.”

He grabbed her arms, pushing her against the wall, and she held him with a death stare.

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