Page 204 of Chandelier Sin
“Of course.” I took Inaya’s hand, gripping it tightly and hoping Jewel didn’t detect the change in my tone.
Seeing the fear in Inaya’s expression made my heart sink. I recognized that sense of futility. All her fight was gone, as though she’d resigned herself to this fate.
Leading her farther down the hallway, I asked, “Do you know what is being asked of you?”
Tears welled up in her eyes.
“Why would they place you in that position?” I patted her hand. “Tell me.”
She shook her head, unable to speak.
“I can help you,” I whispered. “If you want me to.”
She looked at me with suspicion.
“Come on.” I led her down the hallway, back toward a private stairwell, both of us descending side by side.
“Where are we going?” she asked nervously.
“I need you to trust me.”
“What can you do?”
I used the handrail to safely navigate the stairs in high heels. We made our way out the door and along another dimly lit hallway.
I suddenly stopped, holding Inaya next to me.
Aemon stood at the other end of the hall speaking with several men. I turned around and ushered Inaya the other way, hoping they hadn’t seen us.
“That’s the High Chancellor,” she muttered.
She’d probably heard rumors surrounding the man behind the mask. The man I was meant to show loyalty to at every turn.
Shoving a door open, I nudged her into the empty room. Soon, we were on the other side, heading fast toward the rear of the building.
“Eve?”
The voice was familiar.
Atticus was rushing toward us. “Everything all right?”
I felt relief and dread in equal measure. It was good to see him, and I wanted to hear what he had to say, but at the same time I needed to act quickly.
Atticus again looked devastatingly handsome in his tailored tuxedo. The cut of his tailored suit spoke of quiet power.
“We’re just getting some fresh air,” I told him.
He shook his head, realizing. “Are you…?”
“Maybe.”
Inaya sidled closer to me for protection from the sinister-looking man.
His frown deepened. “What’s the plan here?”
“We have to get her to safety,” I whispered.
He let out a sigh of frustration and his expression conveyed annoyance.
