Page 92 of Of Shadow and Moon

Nasarea steps back, shaking her head. “Nazriel, this doesn't make sense. Why would she…?”

The king's gaze sharpens, his focus shifting wholly to Nasarea. “What do you know about her, Nasarea?”

Nasarea falters, her hands twisting together. “She's…she's different from the others,” she admits reluctantly. “There's something about her. She's hiding things. But I don't know what. She…she resurrected a bird at Combat.”

She doesn't tell them that I am the Shadow Reaper.

Not yet.

I feel betrayed.

Nasarea knows my secrets, secrets I trusted her with. And now she's using them against me, feeding them to her father and brother like they meant nothing. I knew there would be a loophole to that witch's promise.

The king nods slow, not surprised. “Keep watching her. Both of you. If she poses a threat to the crown, we will eliminate her.”

Nazriel's jaw clenches and he nods, while Nasarea hesitates, eyes shifted to the forest before she too whispers her agreement.

I slip further into the shadows, my hands shaking with rage and hurt. Everything I said to Nasarea, everything Itrusted her with, will be used as a blade in my back. All except one truth she didn't reveal, the truth that I am the Shadow Reaper.

Yet.

I clench my fists, and my mind goes into overdrive with schemes and contingencies. This isn't over. Not by a long shot. If they want to play this game, they'd better be ready for the consequences. Because I won't go down without a fight.

Chapter 53

Selestina

The walk back to the dorms feels like a lifetime, every step heavy with the weight of what I’ve just overheard.

They all knew. They’re all watching me.

Why?

The cold night air clings to my skin as I cross the courtyard, the stones beneath my boots. I stay low, keeping out of sight, the mask of the assassin taking over. My heartbeat thuds in my ears, and I force myself to focus, to breathe.

That’s when I see him.

Nazriel veers right, his movements unhurried. He raises a hand, motioning for Nasarea to stay back. She hesitates for a moment, her lips moving as if she’s arguing, but she eventually nods and retreats into the forest. Nazriel doesn’t watch her go. Instead, he adjusts the collar of his coat and strides toward the courtyard.

I slip behind a stone archway, pressing my back against the cool surface as I watch him approach. My instincts scream at me to leave, to disappear before he can sense me.But then I notice them—four figures waiting for him in the center of the courtyard. The other princes.

Matheus stands slightly apart from the rest, his flaming red hair catching in the moonlight. His expression is unreadable, like always, and his arms are crossed tightly against his broad chest.

Tomas leans casually against the edge of the fountain, looking bored. Like a kid in timeout. I want to laugh, but I have a gut feeling that my heart is about to be broken.

Rhyker is beside him, his green tattoos on full display in his ripped tank, a predatory smirk tugging at his lips.

Then there’s Kaelion, lounging on a bench, but he looks far from comfortable.

They’re waiting for Nazriel, their postures relaxed but their expressions anything but. This isn’t a friendly gathering. This is strategic.

Nazriel reaches them. He stops in the center of the group, his icy blue gaze sweeping over each of them. “Well?” he says, his tone sharp but quiet. “What do you have?”

Tomas is the first to speak, his voice dripping with amusement. “She’s not as easy to crack as I thought she’d be. But give me time.” He smirks, running a hand through his silver curls. “She’s already curious, already looking for something to hold on to. A little charm, a little push, and she’ll fall right where we want her.”

Rhyker chuckles, his smirk widening. “You are all idiots. She will be mine, regardless of what happens. I already told you, I’m winning this little game.”

The words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I press harder against the stone, my nails digging into the surface.What the hell is this?

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