Page 42 of Twisted Fate

He blows out a breath, shaking his head. “Why do you want to know what’s going on?”

“Because something tells me I’m missing information. I know more about the fae world than I’d ever wish to, but not everything. Call me crazy, but I don’t make a habit of putting a book down halfway through the story.”

“What about the ones you don’t enjoy?”

I shrug. “Sometimes I need to remind myself to give them a chance.”

“You’re right. You don’t know the whole story,” he says.

“I know about the whole dark and light thing,” I say. Maybe now is when I’ll get some real answers.

He nods, but he doesn’t look surprised. “We’ve been at war with them for as long as history can remember. They’ve been killing ours for centuries.”

The idea of Allison being in danger surfaces. Even looking at Tristan, a pang of concern passes through me—something I wasnotexpecting.

I swallow, but the lump in my throat remains. “Why?”

“You know what a war means. I think you can figure it out.”

I nod. “Wait. Were my ancestors light or dark?”

He tilts his head, looking at me through his lashes. “Do you have a preference?” I found out about the different sides a couple of days ago. Of course, I don’t have a preference, but I would still like to know.

My brows shift closer together. “Which were they?” I push.

“They were dark.”

“Were?” I ask in a low voice.

He frowns. “I don’t know if they’re still around.”

My stomach drops. I’m not sure why knowing that makes my chest ache. I never met them, but they’re still family. “Oh.”

“I’m still looking into it,” he says.

I nod. “What was that phone call about?” I ask, shifting the conversation.

“It’s been calm for the most part on both sides until recent weeks. We’re losing numbers. Lucky for us, they can’t kill too many at once out in the open. It would attract too much human attention.” He sighs, rubbing his jaw. “I’m trying to figure out a solution that results in the least number of tragedies when it comes to my people.”

“What’s your solution?”

“I’d rather not kill anyone, but I will if it comes to that. I refuse to allow my people to continue living in fear.”

“Have you considered talking about it instead of retaliating physically? Words are powerful weapons.”

“No,” he says. “The time for talking was before the light fae started killing.”

“So, you want to add to the bloodshed?”

A muscle ticks along his sharp jaw. “This isn’t your fight.”

“You’re right. Forgive me for losing my head and forgetting my place.” I’m not sure why I’m so upset, or why I offered my opinion. There’s nothing I can do to protect Allison that she can’t do herself, but with this new information I’ve learned, it makes me feel like a caged animal.

“Hmm,” he murmurs, and I take a healthy step back as the corner of his mouth lifts. “You seem concerned.”

I glare at him. “Iamconcerned. My best friend could be in danger. I don’t want her to get hurt. And you—” I bite the inside of my cheek. “It’s dangerous,” I mutter.

“I will protect my people, Aurora.”

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