Page 65 of Twisted Gift

“It started before you or I were born.” He scratches the back of his head. “Shortly after the fae were forced to make earth their home.”

After the territory war destroyed their home. I keep my mouth shut. Carter knows the story.

“Some of the fae got comfortable here pretty fast. In fact, they seemed to forget who had been here first. They walked around like they were superior.”

I could attest to that from the time I spent around them during my placement at Tristan’s hotel. Some of the faewerearrogant. “You seem to forget thatyouwere one of those fae, Carter,” I say in a tight voice. He’s acting damn mighty for someone who’s been fae longer than he’s been human.

He nods, a solemn look passing over his face. “That’s true.” He shrugs. “I’m making up for it now.”

I roll my eyes. “So their goal is to eradicate the fae, right?” That’s what Richelle said the first day I was here.

“Mostly,” he grants. “However, they also wanted to know if they could reverse the process.” He gestures to himself. “Ta da. Once they discovered that, it changed the game. Sure, they’re still going after the fae who are dangerous to the human race, but they’re giving others—like you and me—a chance to be good again.”

“If you think humans aregood, you haven’t been paying attention to the world.” I shake my head. “And who the hell is The Experiment to decide which fae are good enough to give a second chance? Judge, jury, and executioner isnotjustice.”

“None of my answers are going to make you feel better, Aurora. I’m only being honest with you.”

“You know, the fae aren’t as segregated as they once were.” I’m not sure why I say it, or if it’ll even matter to him now that he’s human. “We’re working to bring peace between the light and dark.”

He shrugs. “Fae are fae. Both sides pose a threat to humans, Aurora.”

I push my plate away and cross my arms. It doesn’t matter to him. “Forget it. You’re all out of your damn minds.”

“I hope you feel different about it after the procedure.” His smile makes my entire body go cold, and in that moment, I’ve never felt so alone.

17

I’ve been locked up by The Experiment in the same room for eight days now. I think.

They bring me the same plate of eggs, toast, and fruit every morning.

They inject me with iron every afternoon. I still scream. Every time.

They won’t tell me anything. I’ve stopped asking questions.

I feel as if I’m going crazy. When I’m not passed out, I’m in a drug-induced haze, left staring at the wall for hours. Time doesn’t move, and neither do I.

I can’t take much more of this. They’re dragging this out for some reason they won’t share with me.

What is Tristan doing right now? Is he looking for me?

My friends must be going just as crazy not knowing where I am—what’s happening to me. Tristan and I knew something more was going on when we brought the fae together. Our people were still disappearing, but it was no longer at the hands of the fae. We didn’t have a chance to look into other possibilities beforethispossibility kidnapped me.

Since I woke up today, something has felt off. No one has come into my room, not even to offer me food.

When the door opens and Carter steps inside, closing it behind him, the hair on the back of my neck stands straight, and my stomach flips with unease.

My eyes narrow at him when he smiles. “What?” The tone of my voice is drowning in reluctance.

“Today’s the day,” he says in a light voice; he’s excited for this.

I shake my head. “No. No fucking way.” My pulse is increasing as I force myself into a sitting position.

Carter frowns. “This is a good thing, Aurora. When will you see that?”

“Mmm, good question. I’m thinking never,” I grumble as my chest rises and falls fast.

He holds up his hands as if he’s trying to calm me down, to show me he’s not a threat. But he is—they all are.

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